GreatNews.Life Student Voices: A new season of school begins in Morgan Township

What’s recently happened?

The 2026-2027 school year has started at Morgan Township High School (MTHS), bringing with it another year of sports, events, and excitement for students and their families.

On August 12, school officially began at MTHS. Students were welcomed to another year alongside their teachers and the dedicated staff. The school itself was ready for the year, due to the hard work and effort of the MTHS janitorial staff leading up to the first day.

As the start of the school year progressed, there were a multitude of different call-out meetings for school clubs, such as Drama Club, Tabletop Gaming Club, and school sports. These call out meetings were often held after school or during student resource time which had been moved to the middle of the day in the new schedule.

“I think that the Drama Club call out meeting went really well. We had a great turn out and I am so excited for all the shows we have planned,” Senior Lola Forney said.

The new schedule was not the only change at MTHS. In addition, seniors are now allowed to paint their parking spots, provided that their design was approved by the administration.

Certain students at MTHS were also allowed to travel between MTHS, Kouts High School, and Washington Township High School as part of a new program that allowed students to take classes that their home school did not offer. This opportunity creates new possibilities for students at MTHS who would like to make their high school schedule more personalized, especially for juniors and seniors.

Girls’ Soccer, Boys’ Soccer, Girls’ Volleyball, Girls’ Cross County, and Boys’ Cross Country teams have practiced throughout August and have competed in several competitions throughout the month.

“I’m really looking forward to the upcoming soccer season, especially playing in games, having fun with my teammates, and seeing how we work together as a team. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish,” said Ashley Grieger, a senior soccer player.

What’s coming up?

Throughout September, students at MTHS will continue to participate in sports and other activities as the first quarter continues.

On September 7, the MTHS Band will be performing during the annual Malden Labor Day parade in Porter County. On September 12, the band will be performing in Valparaiso during the Popcorn Festival parade.

“The marching band is always very excited to show off what we have been working on and how well we can work together. Personally, I like the end of the parades when we walk to the bus after playing as hard as we could,” said Rebecca Bruce, a senior in the MTHS band. “Everyone is making jokes and having fun, because we know we did something that most people will never do.”

In Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country, the Porter County Conference (PCC) Round Robin meet is approaching. It will be on September 1 at Boone Grove High School for both teams.

“Our season has been going well. It’s always an adjustment when seniors graduate and the team is getting to know each other, but it’s such a great feeling when you are able to spend practice with your friends. I’m so grateful for constant encouragement and such a tough group of girls this year who are willing to put in the work,” said Shae Bucher, a senior cross country runner. “I’m really looking forward to our meet season and the postseason in a few weeks. I can’t wait to see this team put all the pieces together and have what I think can be our best season yet.”

Both the varsity and junior varsity Girls’ Volleyball teams will be busy in the upcoming month. The first round of the PCC tournament will be on September 28 and the PCC Semi-Finals will be on September 29 for both teams.

In the middle of all the competition and hard work, the Girls’ Volleyball team will be celebrating its seniors on September 22 during the senior night game against Hebron High School.

“This season, we’ve been working hard to find our groove in these first few weeks. With seven seniors, our team is competitive and the drive to win is definitely there. We’ve battled some tough teams like Wheeler High School, and this past weekend we played Penn High School and Valparaiso High School – both strong 4A schools. It was good practice as we continue to build throughout the season,” said Juliana Cook, a senior volleyball player.

While soccer season kicked off back in August, it will be continuing throughout September for both the girls and the boys. The Boys’ Soccer team will be having its senior night on September 5 during their game against Michigan City High School.

Community spotlight:

Rachel Tochimani is an involved part of the Morgan Township community. She is a MTHS alumni and has lived in Morgan Township her entire life.

“I really get such a huge sense of pride when I talk about my community. It’s one of those beautiful things that brings tears to your eyes when you think about the goodness you are surrounded by. The neighbors are some of the most kind, hardworking individuals. The grain elevator where farmers are constantly in and making sure our community stays thriving. The teachers, some that I had, are now teaching my kids,” Tochimani said. “It’s just a lot to be grateful for, and I think sometimes I take that for granted. It’s really found in all of those small details that make Morgan Township home for me. The community and its compassion.”

Tochimani is the 4-H leader for the Morgan Hustling Hoosiers, a group that she had once been in. Additionally, she serves as the Porter County 4-H Council vice president and is a Girl Scout troop leader for 32 girls in kindergarten through fifth grade. She is also a kid’s hope mentor through Liberty Bible Church.

“I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life – one where my son is beginning middle school, my daughter is finishing up elementary school, and my youngest will be the next to enroll at Morgan Township Schools. I am looking forward to spending time with my mom, dad, and husband – all of whom have graciously accepted that as long as I am around, they will be suckered into my next shenanigan,” Tochimani said. “I am really looking forward to building up 4-H and Girl Scouts. These organizations both mean a lot to me, and I feel that we have the potential to put good back into the community and help shape tomorrow’s leaders.”

Tochimani often takes the time to attend different sports competitions and other events at Morgan Township Schools. She can often be found cheering from the sidelines or volunteering at field day.

“I really want people to know that when they interact with me, they are interacting with a friend, even if we are complete strangers. I always try to lead with heart, serve with purpose, and leave the people and places I encounter better than when I found them,” Tochimani said. “At my grandpa’s funeral, he was described as ‘A man that was all in,’ and honestly, that statement changed my life. It’s easy to be a part of something and achieve nothing, but to truly be a part of something and give so much of yourself that it impacts others – that’s what I strive for.”