What's recently happened?
Morton High School has started its second semester of school. February has been a very important month during this time, as this is when Black History Month occurs. In honor of Black History Month, Morton, alongside the Black Student Union (BSU), dedicated the week of February 13 through the 17, as well as the 24, to this historic event in time.
Monday was Black Out Day, where students wore all black to show they will never forget the past. It served as a day to unite in a color that represents sophistication, power, and elegance. Tuesday was the day where students came dressed as the person who has inspired them in life, such as a celebrity, athlete, author, or an inspirational speaker. There was an e-learning day on Wednesday for all students, so there was no theme that day. On Thursday, students were able to represent their heritage, a tradition dear to many, and were allowed to celebrate themselves and who they have become over the years. Friday was Pan-African Flag Day, which is all about Black empowerment and allowed students to wear any Black Lives Matter (BLM) attire. On that same Friday, Morton encouraged students to include red, green, or black to resemble unity. February 24 is pronounced to be Decades Day, where students came to school decked out in gear going from the ‘50s to the 2000s.
What's coming up?
On February 24, students are encouraged to wear their best decades attire to school. This day will also be followed by the last game of the season for Boys Basketball players.
For this special event, two well-known dancers from Morton, Tytioana Dixon and Alyssa Frazier, will be performing at halftime. The basketball game will be held in Morton's gym at 7 p.m. against Portage High School. This will be the last game of a hard-fought season for the Boys Basketball team. Soul Train will also be at the game, followed by an amazing performance of the Morton High dance committee. Soul Train will be at 1 p.m. during school hours. All seniors are allowed to attend and support their peers throughout the show.
Teachers Miles and Brown are the leaders of the Black Student Union (BSU), being the brains behind the show. With their hard work, they are putting on more events for students to pack the house to enjoy themselves together.
Staff spotlight:
Teresa George is the dance instructor for the Governettes. While helping young dancers chase their dreams, she is also a physical education teacher at Morton. George brings nothing but positive energy into the room. She has choreographed the performance of two students for the Boy Basketball game halftime show.
“I love watching it all come together at the end and watching the girls dance so beautifully. All the girls just work together and inspire each other to give the best performance," George said.
George is proud to watch her students eliminate any challenge that crosses their path. She has taught her girls to be strong and to always follow their passions in life.
“What makes dance exciting is the whole full show and everyone doing their part. Also, helping young girls who need an outlet, somewhere to go after school, or to do something positive in their lives is something I enjoy. I've seen people change," George said.
It's always a sentimental moment to be able to watch her dancers express their emotions through a form of art.
Student spotlight:
Junior Alyssa Frazier is an excelling young woman full of talent and is playing several lead roles. Frazier is an ambitious student who is very persistent in the art of dance. Her passionate soul enlightens the entire stage, as she is a young woman with a desire for success that has the strength to achieve even the most difficult challenges.
“I chose dance because it is something I love. It's honestly my favorite thing on the earth. It started as just a hobby, and it became something I use to express my emotions. I dance wherever I go, no matter the weather, no matter who's watching. Dance keeps me stable and grounded, almost like an anchor in my everyday life. I will always choose dance over everything. It's something that will always be there for me to utilize and enjoy," Frazier said.
Dance has affected her life in an extremely positive way. Frazier loves every moment of the therapeutic sessions.
"What inspires me is my grandmother," Frazier said. "She was and is my biggest inspiration. She was always a believer in following my dreams. My passion has always been dance, and she loved watching me perform. She inspires me to keep pushing and pursuing something that gives me a feeling like no other.”
Frazier is a compassionate person who is destined to always make her loved ones proud.
Her big heart shines light into everyone else's with her contagious smile.