Mark Bayer to Be Honored Tonight by Scholarship Fund

Mark Bayer may now officially be a Somers High School Tusker, but he is still a Quaker as well.

Bayer, a former Horace Greeley High School assistant principal who is now Somers' principal, will be honored tonight at the Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund's annual fundraiser. He will be accepting the Edward Habermann award, named for a former local coach who supported athletic programs and served as a student mentor in Chappaqua.

"I was completely taken by surprise," Bayer said, adding that he was "very honored" to be chosen.

Bayer worked at Greeley from 1999 to 2012, spending the first few years as a math teacher, then several more as an assistant principal. His accomplishments at Greeley included helping to start the LIFE School program, serving as an advisor for the Alliance for Equality and as a student council advisor.

"He is someone that all members of the Greeley community respect, trust, and love to be around," the scholarship fund's selection announcement notes.

Bayer has managed to maintain ties with Greeley, including attending events such as games and keeping in touch with former colleagues and former students.

David Perlmutter, president of the HGSF, noted that the criteria for the Ed Habermann award includes going above and beyond and to have an impact on kids. Perlmutter described Bayer as a mentor and a role model. The event will include reading of letters from his former students.

The HGSF fundraiser starts tonight at 6:30 p.m., at the Mount Kisco Country Club. Its role is to provide college financial aid to Greeley graduates. Last year, the fund notes, $176,000 in grants were awarded to 20 people.