Newport Harbor’s heart goes long way

Newport Harbor High has plenty of heart to go around.

About 30 students at the school started a Make-A-Wish Club in

October that raises funds for children suffering from a disease.

Little did they know that they’d soon help Hannah Whitfield, a

Newport Beach 7-year-old whose sister Jillianne was among the group’s

members.

More than a week ago, the club greeted Hannah, who is being

treated for leukemia, to an assembly where she not only learned that

her wish to go on a Disney cruise was granted, but where other

students performed for her. From cheerleaders to break dancers and

the dance team, it was all about Hannah, whose appreciation was

evident in her smiling face.

But while Hannah had a wish that came true, the entire high school

has another wish in mind this month -- that one of its longtime

teachers, Jerry Tagami, recovers from a brain aneurysm he suffered.

The 59-year-old Tagami was rushed to Hoag Hospital and, not long

after, his students, too, rushed to the hospital to visit him at his

bedside.

The 31-year Newport Harbor High English and film teacher has

plenty of support in the form of family, friends and the entire

school.

Joe Robinson, a fellow Newport Harbor High teacher and longtime

friend, said it best.

“I told my students today ... in a world that’s measured in

dollars, here’s a man that chose ... a life of a teacher, where you

don’t make a lot of money, but you can make a difference in the

world. At present, he’s the richest man in Newport.”

It’s only appropriate that the students’ wish should come true

since they unselfishly granted another wish.

The high school really does have a huge heart and we encourage the

students to continue their giving ways. They, too, can truly make a

difference.