May 3, 2006

Music Fest Honors Deceased Classmate

FORT LAUDERDALE-DAVIE—Harry Musika, the annual after school music festival and scholarship fund-raiser at University School of NSU, will be held from 3-7 p.m. on May 19 on the University School soccer field.

Formerly called “Novapalooza,” the event was originally designed to showcase student musical talent and to celebrate the end of the school year. Now in its second year, however, Harry Musika will hold special significance to the seniors of the college preparatory school who organized it.

In June 2004, student Harry Narkes died unexpectedly in a tragic car accident. His classmates refashioned the event to honor his memory and to raise money for a scholarship fund which his parents, Ruth and Abraham Narkes. Harry would have been a senior this year.

“Harry was a fun-loving person and a great student who had many friends. I think there is no better way to memorialize him than having his classmates gathered for some fun and frolic at the last gathering of the year before final exams,” said Pete Sanders, Upper School Director.   

This exciting day will give students the chance to listen to local bands, a rock-climbing wall, dunk tank, a bounce house and basketball challenges. Admission price is $10, which includes concerts and most attractions.

To establish the Harry Narkes Scholarship Fund, the Narkes family made a donation to University School of NSU (The gift was made through the Tampa Orlando Penellas Jewish Foundation). Scholarships are given to freshman, sophomores and juniors at the school to help pay for books and to children in the community interested in attending summer programs at Camp Nova, where Harry was a volunteer.

“Harry Musika is a fitting tribute to honor the memory of one who brought so much joy to so many,” said Edwardo Johnson, Harry’s former Spanish teacher.