Teacher Feature:
Last year when one of our teachers began to face some health issues, Mr. George reached out to a Morgan mother who used to teach at Merrillville, asking if she could help substitute. This year, Laura Stoner joined the Morgan staff completely. Mrs. Stoner teaches various FACS classes in 6th-12th grade. Around the school, she is known as a positive, fun spirit that makes class exciting every day.
She loves teaching at Morgan because of all of the people that she gets to encounter.
“I enjoy each level [of students] because they all have something that makes them unique. For example, 6th graders are excited about doing activities- they always are energetic and ready to go I enjoy the high schoolers because they think deeply and we can have discussions that are pretty adult.”
Mrs. Stoner also helps FACTS club plan their fundraisers such as the Halloween Howl and the Turkey Bingo.
“It’s exciting to watch the students come up with ideas and implement them.”
Even though she’s only been teaching for a few months, Mrs. Stoner has quickly become a favorite teacher of many. Her bubbly personality makes classes vibrant and helps students learn as much as possible.
Student Feature:
Svea Gavin is a well-known junior at Morgan. She’s always busy, whether it’s with school, sports, or clubs. Svea is a varsity member of volleyball, softball, and cheerleading. She’s been involved with all three since freshman year.
When I asked Svea which was her favorite, she said it was hard for her to choose because each brought something different to her life.
“In volleyball, if you can’t come together as a team, you’ll never win a match… and you MUST be mentally tough in order to succeed. With softball, I’ve learned how to be a good leader. [And] with cheerleading, I’ve learned a ton about keeping a smile on my face no matter what the circumstances are. Positivity will always get you farther in life than negativity.”
Svea also participates in Student-Athlete Leadership Council, Student Council, East Porter Honor Society, Spanish Club, and peer tutoring. She volunteers in various events in most of these clubs, helping to make our community a happier place.
Svea’s been a familiar face lately to our school because she has already spoken in two convocations. The first was our Veteran’s Day assembly, which featured her grandfather as the keynote speaker. She also spoke about a recently retired teacher, Mrs. Buckley. Student Council put together a small assembly to honor her decades at Morgan, and Svea wanted to say a few words about her.
“The speaking itself wasn’t a big deal for me; writing the speech was more terrifying. My biggest fear was that I wouldn’t say enough positive things about her…by Mrs. Buckley’s reaction, I assumed that it turned out well.”
No matter what life throws at her, Svea is always there to help you see it through. She is a great friend, and strong student and athlete, but above all, she is a positive role model that shows us all how to make the best of what life has to offer.
What’s Going On? The Secrets of Santa
For as long as I can remember, December meant one thing at Morgan: Secret Santa! In elementary, a Santa’s Secret Workshop is held for students. In high school, Student Council and clubs offer up Secret Santa’s to each other.
Santa’s Secret Workshop is held for K-5 Students. It allows students to buy various gifts such a toys, candy, book, clothing, and even specialties for babies and pets. The presents range from $1 to around $15. The workshop is popular for kids because it provides them the chance to buy gifts for their family.
Secret Santa’s were in full roar on the high school side. Students decorated their assigned teacher’s door with wrapping paper and fun holiday crafts, and then handed out gifts. The teachers then had to guess who the students were, and return the favor.
Both opportunities are a great way to bring the school together with holiday fun, and most of all show appreciation for family and friends.
What’s Coming Up? Homecoming
It’s almost Homecoming, and the whole school is chock full of dance festivity. Friday the 11th began the hallway decorating contest. Last year was the first time we ever held the contest, so it was very exciting to start planning for it once again. This year’s Homecoming theme is A Red Carpet Event, so in honor of it, the hallways were based on Pixar films. Students cut out posters, drew characters, hung streamers and balloons, and more.
The week before the dance will be the annual Spirit Week. This year it has a new twist: versus. In an attempt to provide more variety for dressing up, there will be Pajama vs. Professional (Monday), Country vs. Rocker (Tuesday), Tourist vs. Patriot (Wednesday), Mathlete vs. Athlete (Thursday), and Green vs. Gold (Friday). Friday the 18th will be the Homecoming game, which unveils the dance’s court.
Finally, Saturday the 19th is the Homecoming dance. Don’t be late!