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In Memory of Melanie Semore

We are deeply saddened to share that Melanie Semore passed away at her home this morning after a years-long struggle with cancer. It is fitting that Melanie’s last day came during a snow day that she always loved. Service details are pending at this time.

In 1978, Mrs. Semore came to Harding Academy to teach social studies, English, and Bible. Along the way, she sponsored the yearbook, edited Focus, and designed Harding’s ads. She became the academic dean in 1995 and was later named upper school principal. She retired in 2019 after forty years of dedicated service.

Mrs. Semore was known for her calm leadership, quick wit, and love for the Lord. Her impact on the lives of thousands of students, teachers, parents, and peers is immeasurable. We stand on her shoulders.

A skilled writer and a woman of deep faith, Mrs. Semore wrote a prayer for her Harding memo every morning. Teachers and staff members loved to start their day by reading her prayer. It was hard to miss one of the most common themes in her writing—the faithfulness of God. In her memory, we’d like to share one of her prayers here.

“Father God, you have been our Rock and our Refuge from the moment we were born; and we know that even when we are old, you will not abandon us. From birth to death, we want our mouths to be filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long… Be our hope, our fortress, our Sovereign. We thank you for your righteous love, for your salvation, for the confidence we have in you. Amen.”

It has been our honor to witness Mrs. Semore live the life she so beautifully described above—filled with praise, declaring God’s splendor. She will be profoundly missed.