GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Falling for the season – Morton High’s autumn adventures

What’s recently happened?

Morton High School’s Hammond Arts and Performance Academy recently brought nostalgia and excitement to the stage with its production of “Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! Jr.,” performed on October 10-11 at 7 p.m. and October 12 at 2 p.m.

“Schoolhouse Rock!” was a classic show from the ’70s and ’80s that made learning fun with catchy songs about grammar, math, history, and more. Each episode featured colorful characters and tunes that stuck in your head and made lessons exciting. While the original series aired decades ago, the musical version captured that same energy of creativity and learning in a whole new way for today’s audiences. For many students, being part of the show was a memorable experience.

“It was such a joy to collaborate with new friends and share the stage in the ‘Schoolhouse Rock’ musical. The experience truly brought out the fun and excitement of live performance!” said Peter Ramos, cast member.

Katie Cook was another performer who appreciated how the show brought a lot of new talent to the big stage.

“‘Schoolhouse Rock Jr.’ was a great experience because we had so many great new talented kids, and we had some amazing directors that helped the show run smoothly,” Cook said.

From bright costumes to energetic choreography, the cast’s enthusiasm made the musical a hit. The production wasn’t just about reviving a classic; it was about celebrating teamwork, creativity, and the joy of learning through performance.

What’s coming up?

The Morton Athletic Community’s Trunk-or-Treat is rolling onto the track, and the whole community is invited. The community can join in on the fun on Thursday, October 24, from 5-7 p.m. at Zlotnik Field. It will be an evening full of fun, music, and school spirit. Admission is free, making it easy for families, friends, and fans of all ages to come out and celebrate Morton athletics.

This unique event brings together all of Morton’s athletic teams as they circle the track, throwing candy to the cheering crowd. From football players to swimmers to volleyball athletes to cross-country runners, every team is ready to show their school pride and connect with the community in a fun, interactive way.

“I felt happy seeing how inspired the new generation of great minds could be by an amazing event such as the Trunk-or-Treat,” Senior Ulysses Jordan Davis said.

Some of these students can’t wait to see how happy they make kids in this community who will walk away with candy and smiles.

“I love seeing the excitement on kids’ faces when they get candy from our team. It makes all the hard work we put in worth it.” Junior Lizbeth Salazar said.

Whether you’re a fan of Morton athletics or just looking for a fun, family-friendly event, the Trunk-or-Treat is the perfect way to spend an October evening. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate school spirit, community, and the joy of giving back all on the track at Zlotnik Field.

Staff spotlight:

For nearly a decade, Veronica Prieto has inspired curiosity and confidence in every student who steps into her classroom at Morton. As a dual credit biology teacher, head of the science department, and now a career exploration instructor, she has built a legacy rooted in compassion, knowledge, and resilience.

“I like to say I’m like a mama bird,” Prieto said. “I take in all the knowledge and feed it back to my students so it’s easier for them to digest.”

Her nurturing approach transforms science into something students can connect with by turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

Before teaching, Prieto envisioned a career in medicine, but her path shifted when she discovered her gift for helping others learn.

“Doing those things showed me I’m really good at explaining things to people,” she said. “That realization became my turning point.”

One of her proudest moments came when a former student returned to thank her for everything he learned.

“He’s now a third-year medical student,” she said. “He told me, ‘Your microbiology class is what inspired me to be a doctor.’ I started crying because that’s the goal—to make an impact that lasts. My ultimate goal is to improve people’s science literacy.”

Her favorite reminder that she often refers to is to never mistake a bad day for a bad life.

Student spotlight:

For Morton Senior Davion Terry, football is more than a game; it’s a calling. Wearing number three on the field, the class of 2026 student-athlete has built his journey on perseverance, faith, and purpose.

“I never played football until eighth grade,” Terry said. “I started, and I just fell in love with it. I was just naturally good. I had a God-given ability, and now I’m just using my talents.”

Terry’s path hasn’t been without challenges. After facing heartbreak and setbacks, he found strength in his faith.

“Heartbreak brought me closer to God,” he said. “I just started praying every night, in the weight room, and all that hard work paid off my junior year.”

His dedication led him to rush for 1,600 yards and 14 touchdowns, ranking him second in the state.

Terry defines leadership not by words, but by actions.

“You can’t just tell people what to do, you have to lead by example,” he said. “When you put the work in and sacrifice things you may have liked before, that’s when you succeed.”

Terry encourages everyone to find their purpose, as God has a path destined for everyone. As he is driven by his love for God and football, Terry continues to inspire both on and off the field.