Over this past break, I had the opportunity to visit my old stomping grounds at Morris Community High School. The purpose of my visit was to explore how the high school serves the community members of Morris. I chose MCHS because in a small town like Morris, IL, the sporting and extra curricular events and recreational services are popular forms of leisure for both students and members of the local community. MCHS has been home of the Redskins since it was built in the 1950's. Since then its athletics, theatre performances, band and choir concerts, and Rec. Center have kept kids busy and entertained the masses. Morris Community High School is located in the small town of Morris, Illinois. The school is made up of 1,039 students and 70 staff members (including coaches). The school is primarily funded by the public tax base, making it a public agency. According to Principal, Kelly Hussey, the mission statement for the high school is, "For students to achieve socially, emotionally, and academically to their fullest potential." Along with academics, there is a wide variety of programs that MCHS offers that include both students and the public.
There are a number of ways that MCHS serves the community of Morris. First off, there are the sporting events that are held at the school including baseball, softball, tennis, track and field, basketball, wrestling, bowling, volleyball, cross country, and the sport that draws the most spectators: football. Second, there are the performing arts including a concert band, symphonic wind ensemble, marching band, concert choir, varsity singers, madrigal singers, and spring and fall plays that are put on annually. A final form of public recreation calls the MCHS field house its home. The field house was built in 1977 and funded by tax payers under the agreement that it could be used by both the public and the school. After 6:00 P.M. on weeknights and 1:00 through 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, the field house becomes the Morris Area Recreation Center. The Rec. Center includes three full sized basketball courts, two weight lifting facilities, and a 25 meter swimming pool. Principal Hussey stated that the school looks at leisure as, "Participation in activities for health, relaxation, and enjoyment." MCHS wishes to fulfill this statement through each and every one of its recreational functions.
There are two major trends that have surfaced in recent years and both of them have to do with the state of the economy. Because the economy is so poor right now, the State of Illinois has cut back on funding which directly affects the recreation programs at the school. Sports teams, bands, and choirs now have to rely heavily on booster programs to support them financially. On the other side of the ball however, the economy has forced people to be careful about spending money. The cheap availability of events and activities at MCHS presents a perfect opportunity for people get out and experience the leisure and recreation services that the Morris Community High School has to offer.
There are several ways to become employed by MCHS and be a part of its recreational services. Some of the jobs available are Athletic Director, Coach, Band or Choir Director, Morris Area Recreation Center Manager, employee for the Rec. Center, or a volunteer. The easiest way to get a foot in the door is to be employed as a teacher on the MCHS staff. Principal Hussey informed me that if there is a capable employee and a non-employee vying for the same position in one of the many services, the job will almost always go to the person who is already employed by the high school.
My visit to Morris Community High School really gave me a whole new perspective on the how its activities and leisure services affect the community as a whole. Getting into a career involving recreation in the school would be
highly rewarding. It may not pay the most money but if you are a person who enjoys working around people, a job in this field would be perfect. The activities and services available at MCHS fit perfectly in line with standards of a public agency. It is supported largely by tax dollars but other means are also utilized and through the Morris Area Recreational Center, the school is obligated to serve the public with useful programs because of its tax based funding. MCHS is one of the the few real venues for indoor recreation in the city of Morris and for this reason, it is a very important facility. Being able to serve the community and create wellness of mind body and spirit is the mission of any leisure service provider and the school is no exception to this mindset. Morris Community High School has provided these pillars throughout its history and will continue to do the same in years to come.
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