Embedded Files
Harper Shank practices with her band at home. Photo by: Ahlyvia Murphy
For Harper Shank, Flour Bluff ISD has been home since day one. Literally. From kindergarten through senior year, Harper has walked the halls of the Bluff with the same group of friends, teachers, and classmates—each shaping her journey and helping her discover who she is today.
“I’ve been here my whole life, basically,” Harper said. “The best part of being here has been all the experiences and friendships I’ve made. I love all my friends and wouldn’t trade them for anything.”
One of the places Harper found her community was in the world of theater. She’s been involved in the Fall Show every year and recently took the stage as Pepper in Annie. Through theater, and particularly the Thespian Society, Harper has built lasting friendships, unforgettable memories, and a sense of belonging that transcends the stage.
A stand-out memory of Shank's is last year’s haunted house.
“It was zombie-themed and I was a victim, and my friend Rebecca White was the zombie that tackled me in our scene,” Harper recalled. “By the end of the night, I had this huge red bruise on my hip that stuck around for two weeks. It was chaotic but so much fun.”
Harper Shank eating a cookie at a sleep over. Photo by Alicia
Harper Shank, Ahlivia Murphy, Isabelle Ali, Abigail Johonson, and Valerie Montoya. celebrate a Marie Antoinette themed birthday party together. Photo by: isabell's Mom
More than costumes and choreography, theater helped Harper grow as a person. Through her involvement, she learned to appreciate the differences in others and to celebrate what makes everyone unique.
“Everyone’s annoying in their own way, so who cares?” she said with a laugh. “I hang out with ROTC people, art people, theater people, council people—everyone has their own hobbies, and I think it made me more accepting. You can’t just judge someone for doing what they enjoy.”
While Harper enjoys her core classes—especially English this year, thanks to a supportive and understanding teacher—her true academic love has always been theater. Still, she’ll never forget the unmatched magic of elementary school recess. “Recess was insane,” she joked.
Among the many mentors who’ve influenced her journey, Harper highlights two teachers in particular. Mrs. Dow, the 6th grade choir teacher, has become a third parent in her life.
“She helps me get ready for homecoming, takes us ice skating, and just makes everything better,” Harper said. “She’s an amazing person, inside and out.”
In high school, Mr. Martine left a mark with his encouragement and creativity, especially in how he made learning enjoyable and expressive.
Though Harper jokes that she’s “not an overachiever,” she’s been recognized with theater awards—including a “star student” honor—though she admits she didn’t attend the ceremony. “As long as I’m passing, I’m like, ‘let’s go,’” she said, with her signature wit.
Harper Shank wrestles on stage during the Annie Jr. fight scene where her character argues with another orphan, Caroline Dowd, from the orphanage. Photo by: Audreana Underbrink
Outside of school, Harper’s creativity continues to shine. She’s part of a student band called Soul Girl! alongside Olivia Murphy, Sasha Stelker, and Valerie Montoya. As the lead singer, Harper channels her love for punk, pop-punk, and classic rock into band practices when schedules allow.
Harper Shank right before she bites the dust while skating at Graham road skate park. Photo by: Ahlyvia Murphy
“I love singing. I’ve done it since I was little,” she said. “We’ve started writing a song—we got to the bridge, but school keeps us busy.”
After graduation, Harper plans to attend Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi with Olivia, potentially majoring in media arts with a minor in theater. She's even hoping to fit in some dance classes along the way.
“I always ask if I can make a video or movie for class projects,” she said. “It’s something I really enjoy—just grabbing my friends and making something funny. It’s fun, and it feels like the right path.”
Her goals for the future are refreshingly honest: “I don’t want to be famous. I just want to be successful. Like, rich, not upset, not have a tummy ache, and keep all of my friends.”
Harper’s legacy at Flour Bluff is as unique as she is. She hopes to be remembered for her creative outfits, her empathy, and her willingness to help anyone who needs her.
“I try to wear something different every day, even though I know I can’t,” she said. “But more than that, I want to be remembered as a good friend—someone who cares and who’s always there for others, even after I graduate.”
To underclassmen, her advice is full of hard-earned truth: “Stay on top of your work—don’t do what I did junior year. If you just do the work, it’s easy. And socially, stay out of drama, choose your friends wisely, and give yourself time after breakups.”
If she could relive any moment, it would be a small one—7th grade history class with her best friend Ahlyvia, where a joke about George Washington’s burial left them in stitches.
Harper Shank, Isabelle Ali, and Ahlyvia Murphy pose together at a birthday party for Valerie Montoya. Photo by: Valerie Montoya
“It’s the small moments that matter the most to me,” Harper said.
Through every memory, laugh, and lesson, Harper Shank has left her mark on Flour Bluff with her authenticity, humor, and heart. In her words, high school was “super duper long,” but she made the most of every minute.
Page updated
Report abuse