The Columbus Municipal School District (CMSD) is fortunate to have The Harris Foundation actively working to inspire and empower our students toward success. Founded by Dantevius Harris, a proud CMSD graduate and top ten graduate with an impressive 4.3 GPA, the foundation plays a crucial role in motivating local students to strive for excellence.
On Awards Day at Columbus High School, Dantevius Harris personally visited with students, reinforcing his commitment to encouraging academic achievement. With the support of The Harris Foundation and partnering sponsors, 70 freshman students who earned Honor Roll status were recognized for their dedication, hard work, and accomplishments. These students enjoyed a special celebration, complete with motivating speeches from community leaders Todd Spears and Yvonee Robinson. The speakers shared words of encouragement, urging the students to continue pushing themselves to be the best versions of themselves.
The students also had a fun time enjoying pizza and dancing to music provided by a DJ, making it a memorable event for all involved.
In addition to honoring academic excellence, The Harris Foundation extended their support to the girls' basketball team by providing tickets to a Mississippi State basketball game. This opportunity allowed the team to witness high-level competition, observe advanced strategies, and be inspired by a strong work ethic — all valuable lessons that they can apply to their own athletic pursuits. The foundation's mission is to create meaningful and motivational experiences for student athletes, helping them excel both on and off the court.
The Harris Foundation, through its nonprofit initiative, is committed to impacting the lives of young people in the Golden Triangle Region (GTR) by providing opportunities for mental, spiritual, and future growth. With a focus on personal and professional development, the foundation offers a range of programs designed to inspire and equip students with the tools and resources they need to succeed. This includes scholarships, apprenticeship programs, financial aid advising, workshops, giveaways, and more. The foundation’s goal is to empower students to reach their full potential and drive positive change in their communities.
Currently, Dantevius Harris is collaborating with several schools in the GTR area, continuing to inspire and motivate students. He is in the process of planning initiatives to incentivize good attendance at Columbus High School, help CMSD elementary students take part in a health and wellness field trip, and organize a summer laptop giveaway, where over three hundred laptops will be distributed to students in need.
We are incredibly grateful to Dantevius Harris and The Harris Foundation for their unwavering support of CMSD students and the greater Columbus community. Their partnership plays a vital role in nurturing the potential of our youth and providing them with opportunities to thrive.
Thank you, The Harris Foundation, for helping our students reach for the stars!