What's recently happened?
Morgan Township High School (MTHS) is giving back to the community this February. From blood to food drives, MTHS' students and staff have worked their hardest to help others around them.
The MTHS Student Council (StuCo) hosted a blood drive for the Red Cross on February 7 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
"The blood drive was very successful! I believe we had over 100 appointments plus multiple walk-ins. This was a massive improvement from the first blood drive this school year on November 1. Overall, it is just so nice to see the community give back to such an important cause," said Peyton Honchar, StuCo president.
MTHS' Key Club also hosted a food drive for First Fruits Gives. The food drive was a friendly competition between the middle school and high school to see who could collect more donations. Items needed were nonperishable food items, toiletries, and cleaning supplies.
There were boxes throughout the hallways of MTHS for donations, and each item donated had a different point value to determine whether the middle school or high school won.
MTHS also collected glass jars for the upcoming Porter Counter Leadership Conference (PCLC). The students at PCLC will use the glass bottles in a craft for residents at a local nursing home.
What's coming up?
MTHS will have its Drama Club performance, "Dorothy in Wonderland,” on March 8 and 9. There will be three shows, one 7 p.m. show on the 8th and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows on the 9th. The students in Drama Club started practices in January and are ready to perform their play for the community.
"I'm super excited for ‘Dorothy in Wonderland,’ but a bit of sadness goes along with it, knowing that this is my last play at MTHS. My goal is to put on the best performance that I can while I can," said Taryn Hand, MTHS senior who plays Dorthothy.
At the beginning of March is DECA's State Career Development Conference (SCDC) as well, from March 3-5. Sixteen DECA members have qualified for SCDC despite only being qualified on test scores instead of their events due to bad weather earlier this year.
"I'm glad that a majority of our chapter was still able to qualify for SCDC. SCDC brings in a lot more competition from all around the state, but I'm looking forward to seeing how everyone will perform in March and whether anyone will advance to the international competition," said Faith Zendzian, senior and the president of DECA.
Staff spotlight:
Shelby Braun has taught for 20 years, 10 of which have been at MTHS. Braun is the middle and high school art teacher and teaches eight art classes, ranging from 2-D/3-D art to seventh-grade art and everything in between.
"It is extremely stressful to teach grades seven-12 throughout the day, but it truly is the most rewarding here at MTHS. I can get to know students the best and create projects around their interests, so we all love it," Braun said. "I also love MTHS because I am a mom too, so that makes it super amazing to be available for my children and enjoy their friends at the same time."
Braun also runs the MTHS Art Club for middle and high school and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes along with being the sponsor for prom.
"I created an Art Scholarship opportunity for Morgan seniors, I'm looking forward to building this opportunity and hopefully finding a way to give back annually to a deserving student," Braun said.
Braun was an art major in college and often showed her classes some of the amazing artworks she did at the time. She never doubted that she wanted to be an art teacher.
"My high school art teacher deserves some accolades for this decision. I loved how open her room was for us to be ourselves and how encouraging she was to us all no matter our skill. She had a way to enjoy each of us differently, and because of that I was able to grow in technical art skill, knowledge, and love of art because I felt safe to be my own person," Braun said. "I always wanted to do my best and fought for extra time on art projects much like my students do now! Lots and lots of good memories there led to this career. I also enjoy creating art, and I think God gifted me with the perfect personality and talent for this job. I left high school choosing art education, and I never once wavered in my decision for this career!"
Braun is active in the school and community as well. As both a teacher and a parent, she is often seen at games cheering on the students and even occasionally making half-court granny shots at halftime. After spending countless hours at school events, Braun can be found at the concession stand selecting her favorite concession, popcorn.
Student spotlight:
Reagan Weitzel is a senior at MTHS. She is involved in the Drama Club, StuCo, National Honor Society, Art Club, and choir. Outside of school, she takes dance classes and is involved in a community theatre company called Shine the Light Project.
"I have an incredible love for theatre. I love singing, dancing, and acting so much. I feel the most myself when I am performing on stage. I also love to read, anything artistic, and I am a 10-year member of the swine project in 4-H. My favorite place in the world is New York City," said Weitzel.
Weitzel is an excellent student and excels in and out of the classroom. She plans to go to either Carthage College, the University of Evansville, or Marymount Manhattan University for performing arts and psychology.
"My favorite classes are AP Literature because I love reading, Choir because I love singing, and painting class because we are all so close, and my art teacher is incredible," Weitzel said.
This year's play, "Dorothy in Wonderland," will be Weitzel's final performance on the MTHS stage.
"The most memorable moment in my senior year so far has been the moment when I got my role for ‘Dorothy in Wonderland.’ I have been involved in Drama Club since sixth grade, and this role will be the last one I ever have at Morgan Township," Weitzel said. "Drama Club holds such a special place in my heart, and to be able to be the Queen of Hearts has made me so happy and excited for our show. I'll never forget the moment I looked at the cast list."
Even though this is her last year at MTHS, Weitzel will be remembered for her bright personality and excellent acting skills.
"My advice for underclassmen is to be true to yourself and not be afraid to be weird. You are going to go so much farther in life if you accept who you are," Weitzel said.