WHY
Mark Harris
-dedicated educator, mentor and friend
August 21, 1974 - October 23, 2014
Mark Harris was the Assistant Principal at Shorewood High School from 2009 through 2013 when he became the Principal of Shorewood Intermediate School. He served in that role until his sudden death in October 2014.
Smart, passionate, caring, and competitive, Mark possessed an uncommon relatability that allowed him to connect with everyone he met. He was described by one parent as "both interesting and interested." Mark took the time to truly listen, and it was his life mission to give a voice to the voiceless. Whether it was through athletics, education, or his wit and wisdom, Mark touched countless lives. His legacy of creating connections and helping others lives on through the Mark Harris Fellowship Program, where those students who might not otherwise have the support that they need, can pursue their dreams of higher education.
Mark made an impact, one story at a time.
Continuing his legacy by changing lives, one dream at a time.
The Mark Harris Fellowship Program was founded on the belief that positive role models can play a critical role in shaping individual lives. This three-year program has a mission of providing support through mentoring as well as through access to educational opportunities and resources to students in need. Mentors connect with Mark Harris Fellows for biweekly check-ins to ensure that they have the support and guidance that they need to be successful throughout their high school years with the goal of attending and completing college.
The Mark Harris Fellowship Program has proudly partnered with the Future Success Program at UWM, to provide our students with with foundational support in the core subject areas through a four-week summer program and three workshops per month throughout the school year. Additional opportunities include tutoring, advising, study skills and life skills workshops, career exploration, college fairs, campus visits and more. Additionally, ACT prep, registration and completion is ensured and help with college applications and scholarship applications is offered. The Mark Harris Fellowship Program culminates in a financial scholarship upon successful completion of high school and full-time enrollment into college.