Bishop O'Connell Students, Alumni Rally to Support Fired Teacher

Harrison was 'like a father to all of us,' student organizer says.

About 250 students gathered Thursday along Little Falls Road across from Bishop Denis J. O'Connell High School to protest the firing of a teacher who has had a deep and lasting impact on those he taught — and even those he didn't. John Harrison, an attorney and adjunct professor at Georgetown University, until this week taught world history and practical law at Bishop O'Connell. He also was the moderator for the SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) club, a mentor, and had a reputation among students as someone they could talk to when they were distressed. "He literally is the face of our high school," said Julie Olafsson, a 17-year-old junior from McLean who organized today's demonstration. "He's like a father to all of us. It …

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