Last month I had the opportunity to plan this super fun surprise for Kahlid, a Shorewood High School Class of 2020 graduate, who holds a very special place in my heart. <3 You see, Kahlid is part of the Mark Harris Fellowship Program, which was established to honor the legacy of my beloved husband, Mark. The MHFP provides support and guidance to high school students at Shorewood High School throughout their sophomore, junior and senior years and culminates in a college scholarship. With the chaos and craziness of the pandemic, the high school award ceremony had taken place virtually and we weren’t able to present Kahlid with his scholarship in person. This just didn’t feel right to me and I really wanted to do something to surprise Kahlid, so with the help of his mom, we planned this unique little surprise party on the high school lawn. I texted Kahlid and asked if I could photograph him in his graduation gown in front of the high school as a graduation gift, and luckily, the unsuspecting senior said “yes” and showed up in the Shorewood High School parking lot a few days later with his cap and gown in tow. We snapped a handful of pics and chatted about the unprecedented times we are experiencing before the crowd of Kahlid’s friends and family rounded the corner and shouted his name. “Did you know about this??” he asked, before breaking into that incredible smile that lights him up from the inside out! It was a truly remarkable moment to see the joy in his eyes and the realization that he was surrounded by so many people who love him.
Kahlid, I can still remember the day that we met, during your interview for the Mark Harris Fellowship Program. You approached that challenge with such charisma and your warm personality and cheerful nature drew us in and landed you the spot in our program. These qualities coupled with your calm and steady leadership abilities will take you far in life. I am proud to know you and to have been a small part of your life through the Mark Harris Fellowship Program. I can’t wait to see where life takes you next. Sending you love and best wishes today and always. xoxo
