GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Spring extracurriculars take the stage at Morgan Township High School

What’s recently happened?

In February, at Morgan Township High School (MTHS), students prepared for and competed in various competitions and events.

On February 7, high school band and choir students participated in the regional Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) solo and ensemble competition at Kankakee Valley Middle School. 

At the competition, all 38 band members scored gold. Jenna Abbring, Rebecca Bruce, Lucia Hensley, Aiden Musgrove, Haley Prince, Emma Short, and Julianna Zendzian all qualified for the state competition.

The MTHS choir members also did well in the competition. Zendzian qualified for state on her piano solo. Luke Snow, Ashlyn Termini, Oliver Watkins, and Hensley all qualified for their vocal solos.

“I’m always excited for the ISSMA State competition, and I look forward to the trip to Indianapolis. It’s fun, and I always can’t wait to compete,” said Musgrove.

On Monday, February 16, official practices for Track and Field for both the Girls and Boys began. Track meets will begin in March with the start of the spring sports season. 

“I’m looking forward to racing with my distance team, and I’m glad that I have a team this year,” said Mason Koch, a senior distance runner.

The Track and Field athletes have been working hard in preparation for their upcoming season, attending practices and preparing for various upcoming meets.

What’s coming up?

In March, students at MTHS will participate in various extracurricular events.

On March 6-7, the MTHS Drama Club will be putting on its performance of “This Murder was Staged” by Patrick Greene and Jason Pizzarello. 

“I can’t wait for our upcoming show and our pre-show traditions,” said Drama Club member Joselyn Jurasevich. “It’s always really fun.”

There will be three shows, and those who would like to attend must buy their tickets in advance. On March 6, there will be a 7 p.m. show, and on March 7, there will be both a 3 p.m. and a 7 p.m. show.

MTHS’s Academic Super Bowl teams will also have competitions in March. The first competition will be on March 4 at Purdue University Northwest, while the second competition will be at Washington High School on March 19. 

“I am looking forward to another year with some of my best friends and the fun competitions. We have a larger team than last year and a new coach. There are a lot of changes, but I think we will do very well,” said Addison Modglin, a member of the Fine Arts team. “After just a few practices, I feel that we know most of the material, and the newcomers are catching on quickly.”

Students on the MTHS Academic Super Bowl teams have been practicing since January, learning about the American Revolution, which is this year’s topic. Both students and coaches are looking forward to the upcoming competitions.

Staff spotlight:

Mark Ennis is a teacher at MTHS. He co-teaches various classes, such as Algebra I, Geometry, and English 12. He’s been at MTHS for around eight and a half years.

“I am looking forward to seeing the current freshman class mature into their new roles as high school students. Sometimes, it takes a while, but I can’t wait to see these young people start to show the intellect that they all possess,” Ennis said. “School isn’t always about grades; though they are important, sometimes being willing to absorb information and keep it for the future is more critical. I look forward to their maturity and seeing what they can accomplish.”

Ennis is the advisor for the middle school Student Council, but her favorite aspect of his job is being able to help his students succeed and understand their schoolwork. 

“Before I started teaching full-time, I spent some time tutoring students who were unable to come to the school,” Ennis said. “I realized just how much I enjoyed working with them and seeing the ‘aha’ moment in their eyes as they understood something for the first time. It was pretty special.”

Ennis enjoys attending various sports games at MTHS, such as volleyball and basketball. When cheering on his students, his favorite concession item is always a bag of fresh popcorn.

“I’m just a regular guy who is trying my best to help students to be the best they can be in the classroom and the world beyond. I take my teaching seriously and truly want success for each student with whom I come in contact,” Ennis said.

Student spotlight:

Ellie Higgins is a senior at MTHS. She is very involved in the Morgan Township community, both inside and outside of school. 

“I want people to know that I am a leader. I have held multiple leadership positions including Future Farmers of America (FFA) president, 4-H president, National Honor Society president, and class vice president. I love making a change in my community,” Higgins said.

Higgins is also involved in Student Council, Interact Club, Academic Super Bowl, DECA, Girls Cheer, Soccer, and the Track and Field teams. 

“My greatest achievements are being a Rising Star of Indiana, receiving the Morgan Award twice, and being Porter County Academic All-Conference,” Higgins said.

Higgins plans on attending Purdue University for engineering after graduating. She enjoys watching basketball in her free time, as she is a dedicated cheerleader.

“You should always give 110% effort,” Higgins said.