Morgan has changed a lot over the years, and differences can be easy to spot once you start looking. All these changes were created to get back to where Morgan was before the 3-year hiatus that was COVID. It has been a long road to get to where we are now, but thankfully, the road has straightened out. Even things like sports, pep rallies, and students have evolved, but Morgan still finds ways to bring us together, and its sense of community remains the same.
One of the biggest changes at Morgan has been the schedule. Classes used to run in longer blocks that were 80 minutes long until 2022, but now the school has shifted to a six period day that gives the students more options for classes. “The main change was increasing the opportunities for students to take courses. So going from a seven period to an eight period schedule offered more options in the course of the four years for students, in addition to meeting graduation requirements.” Said principal, Keri Hagness. The graduation requirements were originally 23 credits but now they’re up to 25. The staff wanted to create a schedule to give students opportunities to reach these requirements.
Hagness spoke on how the schedules were different because of an extra advisory period. “You know, I’d always go back to having an opportunity for, like, clubs to meet kind of during the school day. But, even when we did, there was pressure of: ‘I’m involved in six clubs. So which one do I pick?”
Sports have always been a big part of life here at Morgan, and the student section plays a huge role in keeping the energy alive. The participation in the Morgan dog pound has rapidly decreased. According to Student Section Rep As of March 2024, Morgan dog pound was deemed to be the best student section in Connecticut. The stands were filled to the brim with Morgan fans cheering on the players. Technology education teacher and Morgan Alumni, John Madura is also a Morgan Alumni, class of 1990, and has been teaching for nineteen years. “I think football had a bigger crowd back in the day. But, we have more sports now so kids are busy doing other things and participating in sports which is a great thing.” A big reason why student sections are so small now is because students have other games and events to attend. Madura explained how he sees many elements of similar things today that he did in his past.
Math teacher Connor Moran is also alumni and looked back at his days when he attended Morgan, and he felt the spirit from the stands. “When everyone’s out there cheering you on, you definitely feel the spirit.” Said Moran. “I remember when I was a senior I was the varsity lacrosse goalie, and I definitely would feel the spirit if I had friends in the stands. It feels good.” It feels good to know your friends and fellow students are there to support you, even though the size of the crowds have shifted throughout the years.
School spirit at Morgan has shifted over time, as it has always been a very important part of our culture. “Pep rallies are so different. They were wild.” Remembered Madura. “I remember as a freshman, it was like nothing I had ever seen before, the lights would go down and it would just get so crazy. It was almost like going to a concert or something.”
While the energy might look different, the focus has moved towards unity. “I think there used to be a little bit more aggressive competition between classes. I feel like there’s more unity now, which is nice. I feel like it’s more about Morgan and not the groups within Morgan which is a big difference.” Madura explained. Spirit now shows up in new ways, from arts and music showcases to the pep rallies that bring students together.
Looking back, it’s clear that Morgan has changed in a lot of ways. Some traditions may look different, and the energy has shifted over the years, but the heart of the school has stayed the same. As teachers, students, and alumni have shared, Morgan continues to grow while still keeping its sense of community at the center.
