“It has become a more fun place,” Moon says. “What haven’t changed are her standards and expectations.”

Because the SSP is not used to recruit students to Harvard College in particular, the program also sponsors bus trips to surrounding colleges.

Hewitt organizes a yearly discussion panel of proctors to offer students a broad perspective on their college options.

“We end with a rather short dramatic talk on why not to go to Harvard. We give them 10 good reasons,” she explains.

Hewitt also oversaw the creation of a student talent show and trivia bowl that have since developed into a popular tradition.

“Last year a student came [to the SSP] just to win the trivia bowl,” she says. “He came in second.”

Hewitt says she views the program as an environment in which high-school students can find enjoyement in academics.

“We really hope that a course will fire students up in a way that high-school courses have not,” she says.

Hewitt says she also hopes that students in the program—many of whom may be spending weeks away from home for the first time—begin to learn proper adult behavior.

Her strong and unremitting emphasis on discipline has not been popular among all students, Queen explains.

“She’s had students who think she’s much too stern in her approach,” he says.

But Hewitt says several students have reported developing stronger time management during their weeks at the SSP—a learning process the program aims to engender.

Now, after nearly 20 years of working at Harvard according to a rigid schedule, Hewitt has to re-budget her own time in the face of a new lifestyle.

She will be leaving her home in Lexington to live in southwestern New Hampshire. Hewitt, who arrives at her office at 6 a.m. every day, says she most looks forward to a chance to wake up later.

“I will no longer get up at five in the morning. It will be a great pleasure to sleep until a civilized hour,” she says.