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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (May 25, 2011)
Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, Ore. Wednesday, May 25, 2011 Page A-3 IVHS teacher steps aside By Darcy Wallace IVN Staff Writer He’s a longtime Illinois Valley High School teacher with a flair for social studies and Hawaiian shirts. Many teachers have put in more than a decade at IVHS; after 34 years, social studies and English teacher Steve Morgan announced his upcoming retirement after this year. Morgan said he grew up in Astoria, Ore. near the Willamette Valley. He graduated from South Salem High School, attended community college and later went to Western Oregon University in Salem. He almost always knew he would be a teacher, starting with inspiration from a seventh-grade instructor whom Morgan greatly admired. “I wanted to be just like him,” Morgan said. “That’s when I decided I wanted to be a teacher. It was always in the back of my mind.” From 1977 to 1985, Morgan said he taught at Lorna Byrne Middle School. Though he enjoyed it, he later wanted to teach older students at the high-school level. But things didn’t always go as planned. Morgan sent his resume to schools all over Oregon. He accepted an interview at Illinois Valley High School and was awarded a contract. He took it, planning to get a few more years of experience under his belt, then eventually move back to the Willamette Valley. “IV was the first place to call me for an interview,” he said. “I didn’t think I’d want to live in Southern Oregon…but I liked it, so I stayed.” So Morgan never moved back to his hometown, staying in Southern Oregon and often commuting from Grants Pass. He has taught both social studies and English, but social studies has always been his favorite. “When I first got to IV it was like going to Disneyland,” Morgan said. “I couldn’t believe they were paying me to do this.” After close to 35 years in the school system, perhaps it’s not surprising that learning styles and focus have changed. According to Morgan, standardized testing emerged in Oregon schools in the early 1990s, progressively growing in importance and frequency. Standardized testing has grown even more common in the last decade, used as a standard for federal funding or as the benchmark for school progress. “I think there are so many things you can learn that you can’t test for,” he said. “There’s no standardized test on how to learn to think differently.” But teaching social studies has remained Murphy’s favorite. He particularly enjoys election years, where he would present taped debates and news segments discussing the candidates, and students would study the issues and viewpoints of candidates. “When I’m enthusiastic about a topic, the students are likely to get enthusiastic about it too — at least the ones who give you a chance,” Murphy said. At his retirement party at Illinois Valley High School, there was even a silent auction for a few of Murphy’s distinctive Hawaiian shirts. He said he’s been collecting them for much of his life. And once he started, he couldn’t stop. “It’s something I’m known for, so I couldn’t stop [wearing them] (Photo by Darcy Wallace, Illinois Valley News) even if I wanted to,” Murphy said. After 34 years teaching English and Social Studies “If I’m walking down the street with a T-shirt, people will say, ‘Why at IVHS, Steve Morgan plans to retire at the end of the school year. He’s known for his vast collection of aren’t you wearing a shirt?’ “ Hawaiian shirts. 3 Rivers Chorale presents concert By Darcy Wallace IVN Staff Writer (Photo by Darcy Wallace, Illinois Valley News) Members of 3 Rivers Chorale, a group comprised of members from three major Southern Oregon river valleys: Illinois, Applegate and Rogue, sing at Immanuel United Methodist Church in CJ Saturday, May 21 and Sunday in Grants Pass. The 3 Rivers Chorale, a group comprised of members from the Illinois Valley, Applegate and Rogue River areas, performed at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Cave Junction Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22, in Grants Pass. With a theme of “Bach, Barber and Brass,” the concert featured the Rogue Brass Quintet and pianist Nancy Hodgson, playing songs ranging from the early 14th century all the way to the mid 1940s. For Campbell, the chorale makes an effort to premiere music that isn’t always readily available to listeners, providing a wide range of music that can appeal to chorale members as well as the audience. “Even though some [songs] were challenging to learn, the rewards were great,” Campbell said. “Just singing it made a difference in some of our lives: for some who were recovering from cancer treatments, or whose lives had been difficult, this music has helped them.” The concert began with “Hallelujah” from text of Charles Wesley, composed by William Walker. In “Kyrie,” a selection from “Mass in G,” Campbell said Chorale members Elaine Wolf, Merle Berry, Sandy Greene and Louise Patty Floate and Melissa Rook Trust in your investments requires trust in your Financial Advisor. Southern Oregon Guild WHEN: 5:00pm - 8:00pm, Announce the Opening of T. 541-592-6992 234 N. Redwood Highway Cave Junction Next to True Value NELSON R. 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They are the foundation on which this firm was built and by which we continue to operate today. Here at Mor- gan Stanley Smith Barney, we don’t expect to be given your trust. We expect to earn it. Anderson were the four soloists. Midway through the performance, the Rogue Brass Quintet lightened the mood with American jazz numbers “The Chevy Chase” and “Do You Know what it Means to Miss New Orleans?” getting the audience and Chorale members dancing. To conclude the concert, the choir sang “Venti, Sancte Spiritus” in Latin and translated the lines to English for a different perspective. “This piece has such an amazing translation, we wanted the audience to hear how similar the [translation] is,” Campbell said. “Even though the language is not really spoken anymore…it’s wonderful to sing in Latin. It’s really important people understand what we’re singing.” According to Campbell, a steady group of audience members have consistently showed up to watch performances since the group first launched. Many Valley residents have boosted the ranks of the 3 Rivers Chorale, just a few of whom include T Lund of the brass quintet, Rachel Winters, Sue Lily, Joe Armstrong and new member Christine Gardiner. The chorale practices weekly, and will be holding auditions for next year in Fall 2011. Campbell said those interested could contact her at (541) 592-2981.
