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, after which 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 provide educational support and give a voice to the voiceless. Whether 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, a mentoring program that offers scholarship opportunities for students who might not otherwise have the support they need to 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 mentoring program aims to provide educational support through mentoring and access to educational opportunities and resources for students in need. Mentors connect with Mark Harris Fellows for biweekly check-ins to ensure that they receive the guidance necessary for success 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 offer our students foundational support in core subject areas through a four-week summer program and three workshops each month during the school year. Additional opportunities include tutoring, advising, study skills and life skills workshops, career exploration, college fairs, campus visits, and more. Furthermore, we ensure ACT prep, registration, and completion, along with assistance in college and scholarship application processes. The Mark Harris Fellowship Program culminates in scholarship opportunities for students upon successful completion of high school and full-time enrollment in college.