Mark J. Shapiro

“I worked with Mark at Lincoln High for many years. I knew him before that when we worked together at Ralph's Groceries in Los Angeles. He had always been a caring person with a wonderful sense of humor. During his tenure at Lincoln, Mark was one of the most popular teachers with faculty, staff, and students. For many years he taught Driver's Education, then Life Skills. For many years, he was the School's Football Game Play By Play Announcer for Lincoln's Football team home games. He was the Beloved Coach of the Lincoln High Girls Varsity Softball team, bringing several Championships to the school. Mark was a person who changed lives for the better. He was a person who mattered. When he talked with you, he made you feel like you mattered. There is something I have written for people who have touched my life. Mark is one such person. I offer it here as a tribute to his life. How glorious is Man. He walks upright in the day with the sun shining upon him. He enjoys and lives off the fruits of his land, and his work, and his mind. He is lulled to sleep beneath the stars with the rain falling gently upon him. How glorious is Man. How glorious is Man. When the winds blow hard he withstands them. When the waters overflow he treads water. When the ground trembles or fires rage or hurricanes come he weathers life’s storms. How glorious is Man. How Glorious is Man. If he loses his home, he rebuilds it. If he loses his work he finds new work. If he loses loved ones he mourns them, remembers them but moves on with his life. How glorious is Man. How glorious is Man. When his brothers mistreat him he stands up to them. When his brothers are ignorant he teaches them. When his brothers are hungry, he feeds them. How glorious is Man. How glorious is Man. He learns to walk in the morning of his life, learns to run in the afternoon of his life, learns to relax in the twilight of his life, and learns to fly at the end of his life. How glorious is Man. How glorious is Man. He is born into a community of faith. He grows to develop his own, personal faith and ends his life walking hand in hand with God. How glorious is Man. Mark Wilkins”