OUR BELOVED DEAN IS GONE

QPA’s Iron Man

Friday, December 6, 2024, was difficult for the Queens Preparatory Academy family.  We had to say goodbye to one of our dearest members. The news was first considered a joke, but hit like a thunderbolt after it was revealed to be true. The Brotherhood’s founder and beloved dean was one of those faces that blended into the decor and was considered essential to the proper functioning of the school. Now, we must learn to move forward without him while keeping him in our memory. However, for fear of forgetting him, we decided to record our memories in print.

 More Than a Dean

In a world where teachers are often seen as guides and mentors, some transcend the typical role of educators for their students. Mr. Hargrove, also known as “Mr. H,” is one such individual. He was a long-time QPA family member, working here for over 15 years. His dedication to improving the learning environment has gained him an important place in the heart of every soul on the 3rd floor. Initially responsible for school discipline, he created the QPA Brotherhood in order for his taciturn son to participate in an extracurricular program. Since then, this club has grown and welcomes more students every year.

A Supportive Figure

Mr. Hargrove created a safe space where students could turn for academic help, life advice, guidance, and understanding. This has left many students saddened by his sudden departure.

Brotherhood member Napthali has expressed that he feels “Mr. Hargrove’s departure is going to be like the start of the end of the original group.” Known for his calm demeanor and always listening ear, he was a pillar of strength for the students in the program. He was the teacher who knew when to challenge students to do their best and when to offer a comforting word during difficult times. His ability to connect with students on a personal level set him apart early on. Even our freshman, Jenae for example, despite being with him for such a short time said, “I think Mr. H is pretty cool.”

A Difficult Move

We have only considered our perspective of the story until now, but the truth is Mr. is as heartbroken about leaving QPA as we are. It’s always difficult to detach yourself from something you’ve been doing for a long time, especially 15 years. Mr. Hargrove said that this situation breaks his heart as much as it does for us. He expressed that the positive development of QPA and the Springfield Gardens Campus as a whole has led to his decision to move on. “I have been here for a long time, and I have seen the school go through a lot of changes,” he said. “And where it’s going right now, it’s in a good place.”

A Major Adjustment

Anyway, life didn’t stop after this heartbreaking event, so the QPA family had to adapt ourselves to this new change. We had to fill the gaps and we did very well. The iconic “Brotherhood” won’t end at its leader’s departure since he’s passed the baton to Mr. Sepulveda, our Geometry teacher, and secondary Brotherhood leader. This decision was fair since every student has a good relationship with Mr. S because of his approachable character. Mr. S. expressed, “Mr. H is going to be very sorely missed at this school.” He viewed Hargrove as “a rock of QPA” and said that “we hope to keep up his legacy while he is gone, and wait to see the bigger and better things he does at his new school.”