NLR Remembers Former Librarian

Elizabeth Rodriguez, Editor|October 6, 2019

This year, staff and students are missing a familiar, friendly face in the North Little Rock High School Media Center.

Paul J. Hartness, former educator, veteran, and a loving father and husband, passed on July 6, 2019 after a fall on vacation. Hartness served 35 years in the Arkansas Army National Guard and was a retired teacher. Hartness loved his students, and whenever he had a chance, he wo

“

His heart was filled with love and kindness,””

— Heidi Cherry

uld even volunteer at the NLRHS library. Hartness was well known around the school by both teachers and students. Media Specialist Heidi Cherry, who worked closely with Hartness, would say he had a big heart for helping others.

“His heart was filled with love and kindness,” says Cherry.

She fondly recalls the special relationship they shared while working together in the media center.

“Mr. Hartness always wanted to help. He knew I loved Diet Coke and would bring me a 12 pack a week,” says Cherry.

Cherry remembers how Hartness would bring her lunch and made sure it was perfect.

“I remember he would bring our lunch everyday from KFC and they would always get something wrong. Whenever I wanted potato wedges and they gave me mashed potatoes, he would threaten to go back and make them fix my order,” Cherry explains. “Until one day he was fed up of them getting our order wrong and drove back to KFC and made them fix my order.”

Spanish teacher Cecilia Franco also cherishes memories of Hartness’ compassion for others.

“I remember last year when I fell and went to the hospital, Paul would be the only person from the school to visit me, bring me books, movies, candy, and flowers. He was very kind to me,” says Franco.

While he was kind to the staff, he also cared deeply for his students. “When ever we went on our Spanish field trip and a student or students were not financially able to pay for the trip, he would pay for their ticket,” says Franco.

“Mr. Hartness was a very generous, kind, loving, and friendly man,” Franco laments.

Though he may not be with us in person, North Little Rock High School will always keep Mr. Hartness and his kindness, love, and happiness in our hearts.

About the Contributor

Elizabeth Rodriguez, Translator

I joined the newspaper because I am able to express my love of writing through reporting. My goal for the Blue & Gold Gazette is to give the students of North Little Rock High School a voice. The students' voice, most of the time, is overshadowed by teachers and staff. A fun fact about myself is that I love to write and to express myself through art and music.

1 Comment

One Response to “NLR Remembers Former Librarian”

Shay Rafferty on October 15th, 2019 11:35 am

I had no idea!!! He was the kindest man and I always looked forward to his daily visits to my classroom. He always had a hug and an encouraging word and seemed to know instantly when you needed both. He will be very missed.