The family of the late Sue Morgan is working to keep the memory of the long-time Salem Grade School Teacher and Salem Mayor alive through helping kids.
‘Sue’s Kids’ dedicated a bright red bench in her honor at the Hawthorn School playground this week. Morgan led the effort to raise more than $100,000 for the purchase of the two large play features in the playground in her final years as a teacher.
The bench installed at the Hawthorn Grade School honoring the late Sue Morgan. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Morgan’s daughter Jane Range told a dedication ceremony that her mother was a tireless advocate for children.
“We commemorate a remarkable woman whose legacy echoes through the laughter and joy that fills this playground in front of us. We are here to honor not just a teacher, but a light of kindness, a champion of education and a dedicated advocate for the well being of children. And as we dedicate this bench in memory of my mom, we celebrate her unwavering commitment to this school, to its students and to the very essence of childhood itself.”
Three of Morgan’s grandchildren then explained each of the words on the bench above Morgan’s name….Explore….Play….Imagine. Range says the playground was important to her mother.
“She understood that the playground was not just a place for recreation, but a canvas for creativity, a stage for discovery, and a sanctuary for the spirit of childhood to thrive. It was here she saw children come alive exploring, laughing and forging friendships that would last a lifetime.”
The Morgan family under the ‘Sue’s Kids’ moniker also presented its first $1,000 scholarship to a graduating student at senior night at Salem Community High School on Monday night with the goal of allowing the recipient to continue their education.
The ribbon is cut by Hawthorn Principal Marty Adams and Superintendent Dr. Leslie Foppe for the Sue Morgan Memorial Bench at the Hawthorn School playground. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Sign announcing the dedication. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
