Social studies teacher Sam Harris died by suicide on Tuesday evening. Harris, who was 40, was in his ninth year of teaching at M-A.
Since arriving in 2015, Harris taught a variety of subjects, including Government, AP U.S. History, U.S. History, World Studies, and Life Skills. This school year, he had been teaching APUSH and just started a new semester of Government.
“Mr. Harris brought so much passion into the classroom every day. He wasn’t just teaching history—he was living it, sharing it, making it matter,” junior Shawnak Shivakumar said. “He had this way of pulling in every student, even the ones who didn’t want to participate. To me, he was more than a teacher—he was a friend and yet a mentor, someone who truly believed in me and cheered us on.”
He wasn’t just teaching history—he was living it, sharing it, making it matter. He had this way of pulling in every student, even the ones who didn’t want to participate.
Junior Shawnak Shivakumar
“Sam Harris was an exceptional man and educator who devoted himself to his students and his subjects with unwavering passion. His intellect was matched only by his commitment to helping students understand their pivotal role in a functioning democracy,” Andrew Stuart, who co-taught Government with Harris, said.
“His belief in his students and his unwavering optimism about the power of education left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of learning from him,” Sathvik Nori ‘21 shared. Nori, who is now a District Trustee, had Harris for World Studies his freshman year and has maintained a close relationship with him—the pair went golfing together last year.
Harris was raised in Fresno and attended Fresno State and UCLA, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in History. He earned his teaching credentials at San Francisco State University and taught at a middle school in South San Francisco before coming to M-A.
“In the two years I had Mr. Harris, I felt like I really got to know him. When I talked to him, I really felt like an equal,” senior Rowan Hanley said. “He had an unconventional style of teaching, where it really felt like we could end up discussing anything from current events to politics to what our plans were on Friday night.”
“After class, he’d ask me about my life and where I wanted to go to college. I had planned to ask him to walk me at graduation. You’d always see him at the football and basketball games supporting the team. The news of his passing hit me really hard,” he added.
Students and colleagues appreciated Harris’ compassion and attentiveness.
“I remember, my second or third week in his class, I was going through a really rough time mentally, and somehow, he noticed when no one else did. He checked in with me after class and asked if I was doing alright, which really meant a lot to me—to know that someone cared,” Cleo Rehkopf ‘24 said.
“He was one of the funniest teachers I had,” Ziomara Navarro ’24 said. “He cared about his students and their personal struggles regarding mental health and family matters. I’m grateful for the lessons, support, laughter, and trick questions he had for my class.”
“Sam was a thoughtful and introspective person with a big heart and quirky and fun sense of humor,” social studies teacher Katie Lavoie shared. “I think it is important for people to know how much Sam valued relationships with people. His friends. His family. The elderly members in his community he went out of his way to get to know and spent time with to ensure they did not feel alone. He possessed a lot of empathy.”
I think it is important for people to know how much Sam valued relationships with people. His friends. His family. The elderly members in his community he went out of his way to get to know and spent time with to ensure they did not feel alone.
Social Studies teacher Katie Lavoie
As a U.S. History and Government teacher, Harris was committed to helping his students understand the history that impacted their daily lives. His passion was bolstered by his seemingly infinite knowledge of niche history trivia. He often mixed his structured lessons with fun facts and stories, wanting students to not just learn history, but to enjoy it.
“This is my second year at M-A, so I’m still getting to know people, and Mr. Harris was one of the first people to welcome me here since we were working on teaching APUSH together,” social studies teacher Karen Ramroth said. “I could tell immediately that he loved teaching and really tried to give his students a learning experience, as opposed to a test prep experience.”
“Something everyone should remember about Sam was his dedication,” former M-A social studies teacher Mallory Byrne said. “Sam spent almost an entire decade at M-A. He loved teaching history and making it relevant to students’ lives. Sam was a caring educator who prompted students to make connections between the past and the present.”
Known for being thoughtful and outspoken, Harris was regularly interviewed by the M-A Chronicle and The Mark on everything from rap beef to politics.
Harris was a music enthusiast, with his diverse range of favorite artists including jazz saxophonist John Coltrane, rock band Radiohead, and rapper MF DOOM. He shared this love of music with his students, decorating his classroom with posters and asking students to add their own favorite songs to a class playlist.
In 2017, Harris coached the girls golf team at M-A. As an avid golfer, he frequently spent time on the course outside of his coaching duties, oftentimes with fellow teachers or former students.
He was also known for his love of his dog, Oliver. “He was a very proud and devoted dog dad to Ollie, who accompanied him everywhere he went—from hikes to restaurants, to APUSH summer collaboration sessions. Our shared love for our fur babies is one thing that we initially connected over,” Lavoie said.
“I have never seen anyone care so deeply for a pup the way Sam cared for Oliver,” Byrne shared.
“He was always a great guy and teacher to me,” Rowan Kelly ‘24 said. “He would always be there if I needed some help, he loved to talk about sports and life with me, and he kept his class engaging and in tune with the present.”
“Above all, I will remember Sam for his boundless energy and kindness, which made him not only a remarkable teacher but a genuine friend and collaborator. Over the five years we co-taught, I learned so much from him, and I will deeply miss his presence,” Stuart said.
“I will always cherish the conversations we had,” Nori said. “I know Mr. Harris’ kindness and encouragement, along with a little bit of healthy snark, will be deeply missed at M-A.”
Students can visit G-12 at any time to leave notes for Harris.
If you or someone you know are thinking about suicide, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Mr.Harris was a personable teacher. I say that because I wasn’t the most studious and had personal events happening in my life that overwhelmed me so I had a hard time focusing in class. Mr. Harris was like this young chill teacher we had for language arts and social studies at Westborough Middle School. But if we talking need someone to speak with about personal stuff he was the guy. Mr.Harris made me feel like it’s not the end of the world for what i was going through at the time. He made it feel like it was okay to just be a kid and my life wasnt over that it continues whether we like it or not. I got to better my mindset from living day by day, to week by week, month by month and so forth. Where eventually in a blink of an eye here I am 25 years old about to start my career in Accounting at Casa Sanchez Foods. Thanks to teachers like Mr.Harris who cared about his students and who took a part in shaping our futures. Thank you Mr.Harris for everything.
As a friend of Sam, thank you for this beautiful insight into a part of his life that we often discussed but of course I couldn’t really see for myself.. It sounds exactly like the Sam I knew, and this article is now a part of how I will remember him. Sam’s devotion to his students permeated his life, even when he wasn’t in the classroom.
He was the best cousin anyone could ever ask for.
Thank you so much for this tribute to my son. I know how much he loved his students. I witnessed his classrooms several times over the years and the energy was amazing. I miss him. Ollie is with us, sharing our home with numerous other rescue pups.
I’ve met Sam at the complex where he lived and we met through our dogs (who were great friends). I’ve seen him many times pouring over his student’s works and giving countless of hours to being a great teacher. We often shared our love for our students and it brings me so much joy to see that he’s remembered by you with so much joy and love.
Hi everyone,
Sam was one of the most genuine and encouraging people I’ve ever met through the game of golf. Competing with him and seeing his face at different tournaments was always a pleasure—he could always put a smile on my face with his kindness. Although he took forever to do his aim point and line up his putts, he was accurate and damn good with his broomstick putter. One could say his care and attention to detail perfectly reflect who he was, especially in how he cared for people. Rest in peace, Sam. There are not enough words to describe the impact your kindness had on me.
Sincerely,
Isaac Chang
I didn’t know Sam, but his life sounded amazing. I’m just a girl from Nebraska who has witnessed the suffering of mental health. To the family’s big love and suffering you will always hold in your heart. You’ll never understand why, but hold your head up high and lets the tears fall down and carry his love. You’ll miss him but remember this, you’ll have amazing days and then not so much. It’s life on the Nebraska side.
Sam was my husband’s cousin and through marriage mine too! He would often stay with us in Aptos California when he was he golfed in Monterey. My husband and I always looked forward to his visits because, his energy was infectious.
We will miss him dearly and our hearts are broken that he left this world so early..
I also knew Sam through our dogs. He and Ollie were regulars at the dog park. My younger son loved to play with Ollie and marveled at how high he could jump. Sam was always incredibly kind and patient with my son. He was also often grading papers and his dedication to his work was apparent. He brought a sense of joy and kindness to all of his interactions.
Sam and I went to high school together in Fresno. I have many great memories with him that I will never forget. To me he was the coolest guy in high school and over the years through social media I’ve loved trying to keep up with him in his brother. This brings an enormous amount of sadness to my heart to read and hear about. I know he impacted so many lives and I pray for peace and healing for all those affected.
Sincerely,
Luke Fisher
Thank you for this beautiful article that perfectly encapsulates the amazing guy that is Sam Harris. Sam was my best friend since childhood. We grew up as next door neighbors since age 12 and have never lost touch. He truly loved teaching and reading how much he impacted his students brings a little solace to my broken heart. I’ll miss Sam forever. And will never forget the memories we shared together.
Sam and I attended Elementary and Middle School together. I hadn’t seen him in year, but I have fond childhood memories of him. I credit Sam for helping save me during a Middle School sking trip mishap. My deepest condolences to his family.
My heart is so saddened to learn the passing of Sam Harris. His father Hal and I have been friends for many years. He was very proud of his son and played golf often together. I didn’t know Sam personally but heard his father’s love for him many times over the years. I truly hope Hal and Sara get though this ok. Love you guys. JR
I’ve known Sam and his family since he was probably 7 or 8 years old living in Fresno. My kids spent a lot of time with the Harris Family spending the night and even vacations. My Heart just aches for his family, Hal & Sara and Charlie, and I’ll be praying for Sam and the family. The Witrado Family sends our Deepest & Sincerest Condolences to The Harris Family. We Love you Sam & we always had fun meeting up with you when the Dodgers & Giants played.
May our Heavenly Father comfort The Harris Family ♥️
With much Love from The Witrado Family
Sergio & DeAnna and Anthony, Christopher & Samantha
Sara, Hal and Charlie,
We just heard the heart wrenching news of Sam. There are no words that can ease your heartache. May the love and care of family, friends and happy memories of Sam will help you deal with sorrowful times.
Know you are in my prayers ,
D’Ann Mullis and family