The Harker School was presented one of two $7,500 grants from HSBC Bank at the Jan. 27  grand opening of their new branch at Paseo de Saratoga in Saratoga.

In keeping with the bank’s mission of supporting education and the environment in the communities they serve, Harker’s grant was awarded for the school’s science research program and Harker’s Research Symposium. “We’re proud to be in this community, and Harker is an integral part of it,” said corporate relationship manager Matt Cherian.

Jennifer Gargano, assistant head of school for academics, and Anita Chetty, Harker’s science department chair, represented Harker in accepting the grant. “We’re very grateful for HSBC’s support of our science research program and our annual research symposium,” said Gargano. Chetty expressed her gratitude on behalf of the students. “We’ll use the award to provide materials and resources that directly impact student research,” she explained. The other HSBC grant was presented to the North American Chinese Educational Federation for their work with under-served children.

Also sharing a few words at the event, which included refreshments and a ribbon cutting, were Dominic O’Hagan, regional president; Kathleen King, mayor of Saratoga; Liz Kniss, county supervisor; and Marilyn White, Saratoga Chamber of Commerce board chair.

Chris Nikoloff, Harker’s head of school, said the grant will be announced to the school community at student and faculty meetings this week. “HSBC’s contribution will enable our students to explore their scientific interests, contribute original findings to the body of scientific research available, and present those discoveries to the academic and scientific communities.”

The public is invited to Harker’s annual Research Symposium on Sat., April 10. For more information, visit the Web site.