By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News
PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – For the Harmon family from Lafayette, it’s three times the celebration this May 10, when all three siblings will graduate from Louisiana Christian University.
Jonn, 22; Jess, 21; and Jade, 22, will all earn their bachelor’s degrees in the commencement ceremonies taking place in Guinn Auditorium on the Pineville campus, May 10.
Jonn will earn his Bachelor of Arts in accounting and plans to work on his master’s in accounting. Jade is completing a double major in biology and chemistry, plus a minor in accounting, and will enter optometry school in the fall.
Jess will receive his Bachelor of Science in biology with a chemistry minor. He, too, plans to continue his studies, going to physician’s assistant school and specializing in forensics.
Jess said he got interested in the field from playing a video game and then getting a job working at the Louisiana Forensics Center.
“They handle homicides and suspicious deaths,” he said. “I took notes and cleaned up. Fun times!”
The three—who definitely argue like siblings—said going to college together has actually brought them a lot closer together.
“We didn’t have a lot of classes together before college,” Jess said. “Sometimes we aggravate each other, but Jade is helpful with academics.”
They try to get together and hang out on the weekends and after church.
Because of their closeness in age, people who don’t know them may not know just how unique and special the formation of their sibling bond came about.
Jess is the only biological son of Jason and Jena Harmon, but the Harmons knew their family wasn’t complete. Jade was nine months old when her parents adopted her from China. Jonn was adopted at 13, also from China. He attended first through sixth grades in a Chinese orphanage. He also has a condition known as albinism, which affects his eyesight.
“I can do basically the same things as everyone else but with limited eyesight,” Jonn said. “I can’t drive and have to get very close to read. I am sensitive to light and sunburn easily and can’t stay outside for long.”
Dad (Jason) said Jonn has never let his condition limit his aspirations.
“His resilience has been a source of inspiration for Jade, who has chosen to pursue a career in optometry.”
The three siblings joke and tease each other, but it’s clear they are supportive of each other—and now maybe team up on their parents sometimes.
When we spoke, they were looking forward to their annual family Harmon Easter olympics.
An annual event they said tests them in biblical studies, mental challenges, and physical endeavors.
“We can be embarrassed so they (our parents) can be entertained,” Jess said, while they all laughed.
Jade assured her siblings she would be winning this year’s competition.
Competition aside, Jade said it’s been nice having her brothers around for college.
“When our parents visit, it’s nice to have the whole family together,” she said.
All three said their parents have been strict but supportive toward their goals.
“They are very hands-on parents. They come to all our events, and I call mom two to three times a day,” Jess said. “I like annoying her.”
Much of their academic drive stems from their mother Jena, who is a teacher, and always emphasized learning.
“She instilled in them a belief that hard work and education open doors to endless possibilities,” dad Jason said.
Jason, a retired firefighter who now works in the luxury door and window industry, is a role model of resilience and entrepreneurship.
Together, they have built a home filled with love, faith and the expectation that their children strive for the best.
The trio’s experience outside of the classroom at LCU has been busy, too. Jonn has been a member of the psychology and gaming club. Jess is a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, senior president of the Student Government Association, Student Success Center student manager, and serves as an RA for Residence Life. Jade is a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, ODK, is a C.S. Lewis Honors Scholar, and was a member of the band.
All three say the faculty and staff have been a huge blessing to them during their time at LCU, including JoLynn McConley, James Major, David Elliott, Sarah Payne and Justin Langford.
“The Harmon trio has been a vital part of the Student Success Center during their time at LCU,” said McConley, director of the SSC. “Jess has been my most treasured student office manager in the SSC, while Jade and Jonn have been valuable tutors to the student population.”
She said all three have left a lasting mark at LCU, and she is extremely blessed to be a part of their lives and is proud of them but sad to see them go.
Jade said the faculty and staff “truly care about how you’re doing.”
