GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Numerous events for the fall season at Morgan Township High School

What’s recently happened?

Several events took place at Morgan Township High School (MTHS) during the month of October. MTHS students were involved in everything from fundraisers to state competitions.

From October 12-16, the MTHS Interact Club held its annual Purple Pinkies for Polio fundraiser. Students raised $260 in the week-long fundraiser, aiding the fight in eradicating polio once and for all.

“Our Purple Pinky Fundraiser went very well this year. We collected a total of $260,” said Molly Schultz, Interact Club officer. “This means that 260 polio vaccines will be given in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The raffle winner was Eli Smith, and the winners of the Purple-Out Day were Brielle DeGraaf and Claire Talbot.”

On October 14, band and choir students from MTHS, Kouts High School (KHS), and Washington Township High School met at KHS in order to perform at the annual East Porter School Corporation Music Festival. The conjoined band and choirs performed a wide variety of music including modern pop.

“This year was probably the best we’ve had my whole time in high school. At KHS, for every concert they do these little note cards that people can write to a specific member in the band or choir. I really like this little thing that they do and it made me personally feel extra noticed,” said Aiden Musgrove, a senior in the MTHS band. “Choir Teacher Elin Boklund, our choir director even stole the idea from KHS Teacher Caitlyn Coller. I also really enjoyed the music selection this year, band and choir. Overall, it was great.”

The MTHS National Honor Society (NHS) held its annual induction ceremony in the high school cafeteria on October 19. During the ceremony, NHS officers spoke and inductees received their official certificates of membership. This year, 18 juniors and seniors were inducted into the prestigious organization.

The cross country girls team ran in the state competition on the morning of Halloween. At the competition, the girls came in 16th place, the best place in school history. Senior Shae Bucher also broke the MTHS school record in the final race of her senior year.

“The state competition is incredible because it’s one of a kind. There isn’t another meet quite like the state competition. I love the state competition because it’s so hard to get there. As long as I’m not forgetting anything, we’re the only MTHS team to get to a state championship in over 20 years, let alone five times, all back to back, against the largest schools in the state,” said Bucher. “As for the record, breaking it is an honor. It was my cousin Peyton’s for the last few years, and for the longest time it seemed unattainable. All I can really say is that it was always one of my goals, and I couldn’t be more proud of how it turned out at the last meet.”

What’s coming up?

In November, members of the community will have the opportunity to attend several events such as theatrical productions and fundraising opportunities.

Drama Club will have its four middle school shows in November. High school members of the club have been helping to direct and guide the middle schoolers, working with them to put on an exciting show. There are two casts of middle school students this year and the first will have its shows on November 6-7. There will be a 7 p.m. show both days and a 3 p.m. show on November 7. The second cast will have their shows on November 13-14 with a 7 p.m. show both days, and a 3 p.m. show on the second day.

“I’m really looking forward to the final shows for both casts! It’s amazing getting to watch the differences between the casts, it’s like watching two completely different shows, even though they’re the same script,” said Joselyn Jurasevich, a high school director. “Both groups have put their hearts into their practices and we’re all excited for them to show off their hard work.”

The MTHS Art Club will be hosting its annual Cookies and Canvas fundraiser on November 12, from 6-8 p.m. The event will help raise money for the $600 Art Department scholarship, which goes to a senior art student every year. It is also a great opportunity for people in the community to get a glimpse of the MTHS Art Department and all the work Art Teacher Shelby Braun puts into it.

On November 7, there will be a Fall Harvest Dance in the MTHS gymnasium from 7-10 p.m. The dance is a fundraiser for the MTHS Dance team and everyone is welcome to attend, as long as they’re ready to line dance and wear their boots and flannels.

Staff spotlight:

Justin Denton is the assistant principal at MTHS. This is his first year working at MTHS, but he has been working in education for 13 years.

“After 10 years in the classroom that included not only teaching but coaching, mentoring teachers and students, being a part of committees to help better the school and seeing those changes in my district, I realized that while I truly do love teaching,” Denton said. “The thing I came home feeling accomplished about was the culture and relationship building I did along the way. With some encouragement from my wife, I transitioned into a role adjacent to administration, enrolled into the University of Southern Indiana, and quickly promptly began my experience as a school administrator.”

Denton’s goal for this year is to learn about the MTHS and wider Morgan Township community, getting to know the teachers, parents, and students. While he is not a sponsor for any school clubs, Denton has taken an active role in becoming involved with them.

“My favorite part of my job is seeing a student succeed where they thought they wouldn’t – whether that be in academics, clubs, sports, or even inter-personally. It’s exciting to see all the successes former students have as they become adults,” Denton said. “I’ve even had a few former students end up teaching in the same building as me before which, while making me feel old, was such a cool experience.”

Denton’s favorite school events to attend are those focused on the arts: Drama Club productions, art shows, and band and choir concerts.

“I want people to know that I am here to help,” Denton said. “My family holds high value in public service, so we do the best we can to support our communities.”

Student spotlight:

Lola Forney is a senior at MTHS. She is the president of NHS, a manager for the girls basketball team, and a member of Tabletop Gaming Club, Drama Club, German Club, Student Council, Yearbook, and the girls track and field team. After high school, Forney plans to attend an out of state college. She wishes to pursue a degree in communications.

“Some of my greatest achievements in high school so far have been being able to be so involved in so many ways, and being able to make so many friends and memories,” Forney said. “In regards to getting awards I received the Morgan Award my sophomore year.”

Forney enjoys attending sporting events, particularly basketball, volleyball, and soccer. She also enjoys attending theater productions.

“I enjoy supporting my friends in the different activities they do,” Forney said. “My favorite part about MTHS is how much we all support each other at sporting events.”

Forney is often seen at school events, cheering on her peers, taking photos for Yearbook, and greeting others with a smile. Forney’s friends and classmates know that she is there for them, whether it’s in school or outside of it, and she is seen as a friend to many.

“My most memorable moment so far in my senior year has been senior sunrise or any of our high school help meetings after Drama Club,” Forney said. “My advice to people is to do things that make you happy, whether they are inside or outside of school. Find the people that make you happy and feel included to do things with.”