Kevin Jones, who would have turned 16 in July, dreamt of becoming a professional basketball player.
"He was on the basketball team and football team, both freshmen teams. So it's just sad when we lose another student," said Kenyatta Stansberry, Harper principal.
Jones was at a friend's graduation party in the 7800-block of South Carpenter early Sunday morning in the city's Englewood neighborhood. Police said a fight broke out over a broken window and three people were told to leave the party. They returned later and police said one of them started shooting.
Jones was shot in the back.
"I thought me and my brother were going to be kicking it in Memphis," said Kenneth Jones about his plans with his brother to spend time in Tennessee over the summer with their father.
The teen's family is now working out how to pay for his funeral.
"He was quiet. He didn't bother anybody. He didn't do (any) of that," said Denise Jones, mother.
Police are searching for a suspect.
Community activists are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
