The September Youth Optimist is Morgan Pettit, who was nominated by Mr. Tom Andreska and Mrs. Katherine Schmidt. Mr. Andreska shares that, “Morgan has been a great ambassador for Merrill High School; she is extremely dedicated to all that Merrill High School has to offer. Her cheerful and positive attitude rubs off on other students; it’s hard to not get in a good mood when talking with Morgan.” Mr. Andreska also comments that, “In all my years teaching, she is one of the nicest and most caring individuals as a high school student that I have ever met. Her outlook on issues is always thought out and very mature. Her dedication and drive will make her successful in life.” Mrs. Schmidt states, “This young lady is full of positivity, is well rounded, helpful to all and nonjudgmental. She is my Octagon Club vice president, and Earth Club officer and a FFA officer.”
Morgan currently holds a 4.0 GPA and has taken honors classes in Physical Science, Biology, Algebra 2 and Chemistry. She has taken AP classes in Language and Composition, Psychology, Physics and Calc as well as taken English 101 and English 102. During her four years of tutoring, she tutored students in Spanish, all sciences and Algebra 2. Morgan has participated in NHS (President), FFA (Vice President), Octagon club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Student Council and Student Senate, co-founder of Earth Club and captain of Cross Country and basketball. She has received the Green Thumb Award in FFA and the team exemplification award in Cross Country.
Outside of school Morgan has volunteered with the establishment of the River Bend Trail project, HAVEN, Humane Society, St. Stephan’s Church and is assistant coach for elementary and middle school summer basketball camp. She also is a Swine Exhibitor at Lincoln County Fair receiving Showmanship Champion for three years and Reserve Champion Swine one year.
Morgan wants to possibly attend Rice University or Notre Dame and major in Ecology and Evolutionary Science and Spanish. Her plans are to have a career in research. She is the daughter of Scott and Stacy Pettit.