GreatNews.Life Student Voices: The Porter County Fair ends and school begins in Morgan Township

What’s recently happened?

The main event of the summer has come and gone for members of the Morgan Township community. The Porter County Fair arrived in late July and ran from July 23 to August 1.

From students who participate in 4-H to those who simply wanted to enjoy the food and festivities, people all across Morgan Township and beyond visited the Porter County Fair. Some of the popular events included Trace Adkins’ performance on July 26 and the Towing School Bus and Combine Derby on August 1.

“I love going to the Porter County Fair and feel blessed to live so close to it. The concerts are always a highlight because they are different each year yet always get me singing along. This year was especially energizing,” said Dana Abbring, a Morgan Township resident and alum. “Bailey Zimmerman was great and played all the hits I knew from the radio, but Flo Rida was on another level. He had fun with the audience and I had so much fun. I loved every minute.”

The Porter County Fair was also a time when local vendors and concessionaires were able to show off and sell their products to attendees.

For the students who participate in 4-H, the fair was more than Grandstand shows and carnival rides. It was a time where all their hard work was displayed for the wider community, both within the livestock buildings and the general 4-H Expo Center, where the remainder of the projects were displayed.

Several Morgan Township High School (MTHS) students earned the highest awards in their categories. For painting, incoming freshman Meela Hensley was the Grand Champion and Intermediate Champion and Julianna Zendzian was the Advanced Reserve Champion. For wearable art, incoming senior Rebecca Bruce was the Grand Champion and Level Three Champion. Incoming senior Haley Casbon was the Grand Champion and Advanced Champion for Bicycle. As for livestock, incoming freshman Norah Grimmer won Grand Champion Steer.

“4-H has been such a fun experience for me. I’ve met so many new people from across the country through 4-H workshops, and I’ve been able to showcase my artistic talents,” Hensley said.  “I really loved being able to showcase my artwork and the painting project this year.”

What’s coming up?

Beginning on Wednesday, August 12, students and staff will be returning to MTHS for the 2026-2027 school year.

New student orientation for the upcoming school year will take place on Thursday, August 6 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Expectations, rules, class schedules, and lockers will all be discussed at the orientation. The MTHS Student Council will be working with administration during the orientation.

In August, fall sports will also begin at MTHS. Both girls and boys soccer and cross country, as well as girls volleyball, will begin their official seasons.

“As a senior in a soccer family of seven, this year is a huge year for me, as well as a growing year for our team,” said senior soccer player Laila Barker. “We have been preparing all summer to fill the gaps that our graduates left, and I’m confident that we will see our team step up, come together, and leave it all out on the field.”

The MTHS Key Club will also be helping the Valparaiso Kiwanis Club with the annual Corn Roast Fest on August 8 at 5 p.m. at the Valparaiso Central Park Plaza. The event is a fundraiser for Valparaiso nonprofits and for the Indianapolis Riley Children’s Hospital.

Community spotlight:

Cheri Birky is the current Porter County Fair board president. She is deeply involved in the Morgan Township community and has lived in Morgan Township for her entire life.

“There are so many things I love about our community, and the first thing that comes to mind is how our community always rallies together and shows up to support one another,” Birky said. “Whether it’s to celebrate a big victory, to offer help or sympathy after an unfortunate tragedy, or to support one another throughout a frightening pandemic, the people of Morgan Township don’t just offer to help; they show up for one another.”

Birky is incredibly involved and invested in the Morgan Township community. Her involvement spans from the Porter County Fair to MTHS, where she works her hardest to help benefit the people in her community.

“I want people to know that I always strive to do my best and that I will always listen to what others have to say and be respectful of their thoughts and feelings,” Birky said. “However, this does not mean that I will always agree with them.”

Throughout her life, Birky had served as the club leader for the Morgan Sodbusters 4-H club and as a member on various MTHS committees. Additionally, she has volunteered on the Farm Service Agency County committee, the Porter County Community Foundation Board of Directors, and the Porter County Agricultural Society Board of Directors. Furthermore, Birky currently maintains the “Welcome to Morgan Township” signs on State Road 49.

“As I grow older, I try to simply live each day to the fullest. I always look forward to spending time with my family and friends, and I love the changing seasons in Northwest Indiana,” Birky said. “Summer means fun at the lake and at the Porter County Fair. Fall brings harvest season, beautiful color changes, and a time to give thanks for our many blessings. Winter is filled with the thrill of the first snowfall, Christmas, a lot of basketball, and a couple of weeks of sun and warmth away from home. And springtime fills me with flowers and planting season.”