This January, Lake Oswego High School celebrated the life of Mario Peri, a beloved teacher, colleague and friend to the LO community. Mr. Peri was an LOHS social studies teacher who passed away in October of 2024 from pancreatic cancer. The assembly on Jan. 23 was the second memorial dedicated to his life and career. He spent more than 24 years at the school teaching Lakers in his AP European History classes, and he truly left an impact on those who had the opportunity to be taught by him. Peri made learning an engaging, meaningful and fun experience while genuinely caring for his students and their education. His light-hearted and caring personality created a bright, welcoming presence throughout the school that will long be remembered.
After Peri’s unexpected and devastating passing early last school year, the LO community stepped up to honor him and his legacy. This year, Lakers continued to show their support by rocking bright purple, the official color for pancreatic cancer, during assemblies and sports games, sending a powerful visual message through a sea of violet shirts and accessories. The Rock-Paper-Scissors Showdown, in which students played to collect purple-beaded necklaces during the assembly, was an exciting and fun way for students to honor Peri and was followed by Kristin Peri, his wife, speaking about the memory of her longtime partner. Matilda Foster, sophomore class president, shares the importance of keeping these traditions: “I think now, many students who had Mr. Peri have either graduated or are about to graduate, so when we hold these assemblies, it’s to remind students and let new ones know who he was and what he valued.”
Another continuation of his legacy is through the Purple for Peri Scholarship Fund, which was established in his name last year and, with the help of donations, provides a graduating senior with monetary support for their future. As someone who constantly encouraged and uplifted his students, this scholarship keeps Peri’s values and life’s work shining through, supporting Lakers.
As the LOHS community keeps Peri in their hearts this time of the year, it is important to think of what and who he loved, support the causes and foundations in his name, and stand out from the crowd with a purple outfit to support pancreatic cancer.