What’s recently happened?
As the year comes to an end, tassels are being moved on caps and students are on their way to a new phase of life as Morgan Township High School (MTHS) seniors walk down the aisle for graduation.
Year after year, seniors meet face-to-face with the changing of tides as they decide what to do next. MTHS students are no different as they prepare for graduation season.
On June 1, the commencement for MTHS took place, commemorating the Cherokee seniors and giving a few more wise words before sending them on their way.
Commencement Speaker Bill Hanna spoke on behalf of not only the 2023 class, but also on the behalf of the parents of the graduating class. Hanna gave both his wisdom and his emotions to a class that is held near and dear to his own life as a 1992 MTHS alumnus.
“As a family of Cherokee parents, we love you, we believe in you, and we are excited for you. I want to be the first one to congratulate you on the rest of your life,” Hanna said.
Valedictorian Kyle Cuson and Salutatorian Bryant Ricke gave their wisdom and final words to their fellow graduates as a last goodbye. Many of the 2023 seniors are progressing to higher education, while others are moving to trade school and the workforce.
No matter the way these seniors choose to go, the support of their hometown and ever-loving parents will be cheering from the sidelines.
What’s coming up?
The MTHS baseball season is coming to a close as the summer heat sets in.
In recent events, MTHS baseball has successfully blazed its way through all sectional games, playing Kouts High School, Washington Township High School, and DeMotte Christian School.
The claim to fame down these country roads brought light to a few players and their skills. Senior player, Max Rakowski, has struck delight with fans as he strikes home run after home run. As one part of a big team, Rakowski has been playing with three other seniors from his elementary years.
Donald “DJ” Hand, Cole Shoupe, and Jayke Putz played through their last season together, finishing off with a one-point loss to the Marquette Catholic Blazers.
Having grown through the leadership and brotherhood this year’s seniors have provided, the rest of the team will both miss and continue to cheer them on as they move into the next phase of life.
Staff spotlight:
As the year is winding down, MTHS Vice Principal Charlotte Sekula’s first year is coming to a close. She has surely learned and gained a lot from the 2022-2023 school year, but not before learning the ropes of a new school.
Being new to the tight community at MTHS, Sekula shares her experience and nerves of whether or not she would be able to become a part of MTHS.
“Morgan Township is a very tight-knit and supportive community where traditions and the Cherokee way are deeply ingrained in everything we do. I was plagued with questions about how I would fit in,” said Sekula.
Despite the unsure feelings she had, Sekula was almost immediately relieved when she started the school year, being welcomed and accepted from day one.
“I have had the opportunity to build deep connections with students, teachers, and families that feel honest and organic,” said Sekula.
Sekula is not only a Cherokee staff member but also a Cherokee parent. Being a mother of one son, Sekula has had the opportunity to work at the same school her son attends. She has found the network of honest people at MTHS has been the best place to start her son’s education.
In a network as tight as MTHS, the staff goes above and beyond to accommodate each student and their needs as an individual. Sekula’s observation of such behavior reminds her of the values of her own home.
“This is a motto we say in our household and became a part of our marriage vows, ‘I don't want perfect, and I don't expect you to be perfect.’ I often find myself saying this statement to students or an evening self pep-talk on my ride home from work.” said Sekula.
Sekula points out the expectation and desire to work in an environment where risks are taken and mistakes are made, and enjoys working in a school that not only encourages risks, but supports and guides each person individually as well.
“Give yourself grace, you are human. If you make a mistake, do the right thing—even when it's a hard thing, take ownership of your actions and make changes for the future. Our character does not lie within the mistakes we make, but how we handle the aftermath,” said Sekula.
With such a mentality, the impact of her presence in just the past school year has helped and affected many of the students attending MTHS.
Along with the desire to support each student, Sekula finds a great deal of value in the voicing of students and hopes to see that develop in the future, alongside independent thinking and utilizing the assistance coming from MTHS alumni and parents.
Outside of school, Sekula likes to spend time with her family, as well as disparate activities.
“I played rugby in college and I am an avid fisherman! Recently I have taken up bird watching which I feel is an adult right of passage,” said Sekula.
Student spotlight:
Kyle Cuson is a senior and valedictorian of the 2023 class.
Cuson has been a Cherokee from day one of kindergarten and has been involved ever since. Being an officer in Key Club, FACS Club, Interact, Student Council, DECA, and Academic Bowl, Cuson clearly made his mark on MTHS through his hard work and dedication.
Cuson’s perseverance through his academics have brought him to being valedictorian for his class, the highest academic achievement for a high school student.
“It’s definitely a bittersweet feeling as I worked hard for this position but I think I should've balanced my life better to get here,” said Cuson.
Cuson is not only an academic powerhouse but he is also an athlete. Cuson has been a part of soccer for MTHS as well as a lacrosse player for Victory Christian Academy, alongside two other MTHS students, Liam Hanna and Aidan Ilic.
Having such experience in a variety of commitments, Cuson would like to send the message to younger students to ensure a balance between academics and personal life.
“I think that everyone should look at their life and see if it is balanced in a way that results in a well-rounded life,” said Cuson.
Cuson’s best advice to younger students is centered around a similar philosophy. He believes in the importance of finding what makes you happy and committing time to that.
“Whether it be sports, music, or relationships, you should find something that makes you truly happy or fulfilled and dedicate time and effort to that,” said Cuson.