Students, Faculty Vow to Continue Principal’s Work : Schools: Msgr. Michael Harris, founding principal and a guiding force behind Rancho Santa Margarita High School, shocked the campus by announcing an immediate leave of absence, citing stress.

More than a week after Msgr. Michael Harris, the founding principal of Santa Margarita High School, shocked the campus by announcing an immediate leave of absence, students, faculty and parents vowed to continue his work for him.

“We definitely want to keep on everything that he did, because he made it such a great school,” said Nicole McKeehan, a freshman who has known Harris for several years through her family. “I know we’re going to miss him a lot.”

Harris, 47, surprised the campus and community last week when he announced an immediate and indefinite leave of absence, citing the need for a break from the stress of his job.

“Although very difficult for me personally, there is a need to take some time for prayer, rest, retreat and restoration,” Harris, 47, wrote in a recent letter to parents and students. “The impact of accumulated stress over the years has taken its toll.”

Harris--whose charisma and energy once earned him the nickname “Father Hollywood”--has been principal at the 1,600-student Catholic school since it opened with much fanfare in 1987. Before that, he was principal for nine years at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana.

In the letter, Harris said Brother William Carriere, superintendent of schools for the Catholic Diocese of Orange, will work with administrators to “ensure an effective continuation of leadership with a minimum of disruption.”

“Santa Margarita is a wonderful school and you have helped make this possible,” Harris wrote in the letter, received by families last weekend. “It has been an honor and a privilege to share this experience with you.”

Harris did not indicate in the letter when he would return from the leave. He could not be reached for comment. A recorded message on his telephone answering machine said he was on a retreat.

Officials with the Catholic Diocese of Orange also could not be reached for comment.

Harris’ decision surprised and saddened parents, students and faculty. But many said they understood the stress and demands of his position. In addition to duties as a principal and priest, Harris also was responsible for many fund-raising events at the $26-million, state-of-the art school.

“He works awfully hard,” said Rich Schaaf, the school’s athletic director.

Charlene Crean, whose daughter graduated from the school last year, said Harris’ leave will be a real loss to the school, a sentiment echoed by other parents and students.

“He’s just a generally well-liked man, especially with the students,” Crean said. “It will be really hard to fill his shoes. But if he needs the rest, then he needs to take care of himself.”

Said Jerry Keane of Dove Canyon, who has two children at the school and another who graduated several years ago: “He’ll be missed, but he’s left the school in very good shape.”

Keane, who led the football boosters club for three years, said Harris has a special ability to work with students and to make “everyone around him better.”

“He made something really good here,” Keane said. “It’s an inspiration with everyone who dealt with him to do somewhat of the same.”

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When Santa Margarita High School opened, it was described as the nation’s most technologically advanced Catholic high school. About half the cost of building the school came from general collections taken in the more than 50 parishes of the Diocese of Orange. The rest came from private sector pledges, including many from non-Catholics.

“We’re very proud of the school’s accomplishments under Msgr. Harris’ leadership,” said Diane Gaynor, spokeswoman for the Santa Margarita Co. Anthony R. Moiso, company president and CEO, donated land for the school and adjoining Catholic church.

“Msgr. Harris has done so much for the school as well as the community,” Gaynor continued. “We hope he hurries back.”