What’s recently happened?
May was the last month of school for students at Morgan Township High School (MTHS). Students ended the 2024-2025 school year on May 29, but they finished the year with many extracurricular and academic events.
The MTHS Drama Club put on its three performances during the weekend of May 9-10. On May 9, members performed their opening show of “Haphazardly Ever After" at 7 p.m., and on May 10 they put on their 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows, followed by senior recognition. The Drama Club Red Carpet awards ceremony, for both middle and high school members of the Drama Club, was also in May, and was held on May 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The State competition for Academic Super Bowl was on May 10 as well. The Social Studies and Math teams both competed against the best teams across the state. The Social Studies team, coached by Heather Honchar, won third place in their class while the Math Team, coached by Breanna Struss, won fifth place.
“I'm very thankful that two students approached me in November about being their Social Studies coach. Our practices included the typical question and answer sessions, but more often than not there were also bouts of raucous laughter,” Honchar said. “I didn't have any expectations for the season other than to make it what I would've liked when I was their age. I am so proud of their efforts at the competitions, and I only hope they enjoyed themselves as much as I did!”
However, the Drama Club awards ceremony wasn’t the only one to take place in May. The high school academic awards took place on May 22. High school teachers gave out a variety of awards, and the prestigious Morgan Awards were given out to a total of 18 students. The Morgan Awards are given to the students who exemplify the values of MTHS and are voted on by the staff.
What’s coming up?
School may be out during June, but that doesn’t mean that student and staff involvement is finished at MTHS.
For example, graduation will be held at MTHS on Wednesday, June 4. At the ceremony, the valedictorian will give a speech, the MTHS Band will perform, and a slideshow of students will be played.
“Graduation marks an important milestone for our students. It truly is a celebration of hard work, growth, and perseverance for all of our students,” said Class Sponsor Jae Tomak. “Despite feeling like an ending, I hope it marks an exciting new beginning to take the knowledge and experiences they've gained and turn that into a bright future.”
Some of those same seniors will also be able to take one last trip: the MTHS Band’s trip to New York, which will be a week-long excursion from June 5-10. This trip has been in the works for a long time, and all the band members are excited to visit the Big Apple.
The students will have a tour of historical landmarks in New York, such as Ellis Island and the 9/11 Memorial. They will also be watching the musical “Hadestown,” and a performance by Wycliffe Gordon Quintet at Birdland Jazz, which will take place on June 8.
“I am very much excited for the dinner on the aircraft carrier, and for the play that we’re going to go see,” said James Held, a senior in the MTHS Band. “However, I am very much more excited to spend time with the people in MTHS Band one last time before I leave to go off to college.”
Staff spotlight:
Tammy Snyder has taught at MTHS for her entire teaching career. In those 31 years, she sponsored cheerleading and directed the Drama Club for 14 years. She currently teaches general music to students from elementary school and choir for both high school and middle school students.
“Growing up, school was one of my favorite things. I had so many great teachers who instilled a love of learning in me,” Snyder said. “I enjoyed it so much that I played school at home. I had a desk and chalkboard and would teach classes. It was great fun.”
Snyder often supports her students by attending their events, but her favorite sport to attend has to be baseball. Her favorite concession stand item is a soft pretzel with cheese, which is perfect for long games.
“Both of my boys played baseball and I loved to go to their games. I enjoy professional baseball as well. I am a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan and have been since I can remember,” Snyder said. “I also have grown to love cross country. There's nothing like going from one part of the course to another and cheering on your child. My oldest son had a successful career in the sport and I loved being his biggest cheerleader.”
Snyder’s favorite part of her job is preparing for the various concerts she holds year-round, such as the Spring Concert, which was held on May 23 as the last choir concert of the school year. At the concert, returning choir alumni sang for Snyder one last time, as she is retiring after a dedicated, eventful career.
“The best advice I ever received was to take life a day at a time,” Snyder said. “Sometimes looking at the big picture can be very overwhelming, so I really try to focus on one day so I don't become so stressed.”
Student spotlight:
Greta Pressel is a senior at MTHS. She is highly involved in her school and community, and has leadership roles in several school and extracurricular clubs.
“My proudest achievement would have to be planning and organizing a fundraiser for the International Justice Mission, which is an organization that works diligently to put an end to human trafficking,” Pressel said. “This was a cause I was very passionate about, and being able to contribute in such a major way by raising $4,415 was inspiring to me and many others.”
Pressel is the president of the Morgan Hustling Hoosiers 4-H Club, the vice president of Student Council, secretary for the National Honor Society, the treasurer of the Key Club, and a founding member of the Interact Club--not to mention her dedication to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
“My favorite thing about Morgan is the community support that everyone is willing to give at any moment. When there is a need, there will almost always be someone willing to step up and help you during hard times,” Pressel said.
Pressel plans to attend Butler University after graduation. She will major in biochemistry, and will be on the pre-veterinary course plan.
“I love anything science related; however, chemistry was probably my favorite class thanks to my wonderful teacher, Science Teacher Amber Dippo,” Pressel said.
Pressel is known as a hard worker among her fellow students and her teachers. She is always willing to lend a helping hand despite her busy schedule.
“At times it may feel like the easier thing to do is give up--especially at the end of the year--but don't give into this temptation, and keep working hard with whatever path you are on,” Pressel said.
