GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Morton students celebrate Thanksgiving by bringing meals and smiles to over 3,000 people

What’s recently happened?

Students from Morton High School recently participated in a service-filled field trip to Boxes of Love, a program run by Cru Inner City that provides boxes of non-perishable food to families in need. The Black Student Union and Bible Club joined forces to make a meaningful impact in the community.

During the trip, students helped pack over 500 boxes, which will feed more than 3,000 people this holiday season. Each box contained a full meal and gospel materials, aiming to provide both physical and spiritual support to families.

“Boxes of Love was an amazing experience. It felt so good to help provide for those who cannot provide for themselves. The work that we put into preparing the boxes was 100% worth it, and I would do it again if I could,” senior Jermell Patterson said.

Volunteering at the event gave students a chance to reflect on the impact of service.

“For me, Boxes of Love was a reminder that there are always good people out there. When I truly think of humanity as a whole, I honestly may not put the positive first, but being there and volunteering gave me the reminder that the good outweighs the bad,” early graduate Alana Smith said.

The field trip allowed students to experience teamwork, community service, and compassion in action. By giving their time and energy, they helped ensure that hundreds of families in need would enjoy a warm, joyful holiday meal.

Morton students left the event inspired, carrying lessons about generosity, empathy, and the power of coming together to make a difference.

What’s coming up?

Morton High School’s Maker Space is gearing up for an exciting Maker Faire that will highlight creativity, innovation, and student talent across the School City of Hammond (SCH). The upcoming event will bring together students from all grade levels to showcase hands-on projects and celebrate a growing culture of making.

The Maker Space at Morton offers students access to tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters, giving them the opportunity to bring their ideas to life.

“The awesome thing is that it gives students the tools they need to make anything they can think of or dream of,” said Alexander Cerajewski, instructional coach and maker manager.

This year’s Maker Faire will feature a wide variety of projects. Morton students will present a student-designed garden tower along with custom coasters and ornaments created through a laser-cutting preorder project. Visitors will also have the chance to see new items available for purchase.

Students from Scott Middle School will bring 3-Doodler creations, drone obstacle courses, and hands-on workshops. Eggers Middle School plans to host an entrepreneurship table to display their student-made products. Team Hammond 71 robotics team will also demonstrate technology, engineering skills, and their robot.

“Creating things with our own hands brings a sense of accomplishment that outweighs any failures we experienced during the process,” senior Rihanna Bailey said.

Community members are invited to stop by the Maker Faire on December 4 from 4–6 p.m. at Morton High School to explore projects and support student innovation.

The Maker Faire promises a season of creativity, teamwork, and inspiration for all who attend.

Staff Spotlight:

Morton High School is home to dedicated educators who make an impact every day, including Special Education Teacher Teresa George. After five years at Morton, George continues to bring patience, passion, and creativity to her Applied Skills classroom.

George first joined Morton as a building substitute at the suggestion of her daughter before stepping into long-term teaching roles in physical education, chemistry, and physics. Her journey eventually guided her to special education, where she found her purpose.

“I came here at the suggestion of my daughter. What started as subbing every now and then turned into long-term positions and eventually special education,” George said.

Inside her Applied Skills classroom, George focuses on adaptive learning and experiences that help students grow. Recently, she partnered with the Maker Space to introduce her students to 3D printing and design projects, giving them a chance to participate in the upcoming Maker Faire.

“The joy on their faces when they get to do the same activities as everyone else is everything. They want to be included in everything just like any other student,” George said.

One of her most memorable moments happened just recently, when one of her students received a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) award and lit up with pride.

Beyond the classroom, George’s personal journey has shaped her approach to life and teaching. She shared that turning forty gave her the confidence to advocate for herself and grow into new opportunities.

“To become one must learn to overcome. You have to overcome obstacles to become the person you need to be,” George said.

George hopes students remember the importance of inclusion, confidence, and believing in their own success.

Student Spotlight:

Morton High School Senior Amalia Orellana is leaving her mark both on and off the court. As a multi-sport athlete, Oriana competes in basketball, track, cross country, volleyball, and tennis. However, volleyball has always been her main focus.

“I’ve always had a passion for volleyball, and my coaches have really believed in me from the start. I started in middle school just for fun, but it quickly became something I really love,” Orellana said.

Orellana’s athletic drive goes hand-in-hand with her academic dedication. She ranks in the top 20 of her class and attends the Area Career Center (ACC) for Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training. She plans to earn her certification in March and pursue a career in the medical field while continuing her education.

Volleyball has also played a key role in shaping her resilience and mental strength.

“It helped me overcome challenges in my life and gave me an outlet when things were hard. I’ve learned to support myself, stay focused, and never give up,” Orellana said.

Her hard work and determination have earned her a full-ride commitment to South Suburban Junior College, where she was drawn to the coaching staff’s belief in her potential. Oriana will continue to pursue her passion for volleyball while staying close to home.

For fellow students, Orellana has a simple but powerful piece of advice.

“Always strive for what you want to do, be your own person, and never give up,” she said.

At Morton, Amalia exemplifies dedication, perseverance, and self-reliance, inspiring her peers both on the court and in life.