Byron has lived in the Morris area for his entire life. He grew up on his family’s farm 3 1/2 miles south of Morris and attended Morris School. He graduated in 1983. Byron continues to farm in the Morris area. He is actively involved in our local church and is a board member of Love Morris. Being an active member of our community is very important. Byron is frequently working in the background supporting many local events such as the winter carnival, Community Love Morris day and Christmas cheer. He loves helping people.
Laurie moved to Morris at the end of grade 5. “ I loved growing up in a small town.” I had opportunities to participate in school sports and be a member of the student council throughout high school. I married my high school sweetheart, Byron, in 1987 and we settled in the Morris area. After completing my education degree I taught in various places until an opportunity became available locally. I have been a teacher at the Morris School for the past 15 years. I love being involved in community. As a young person I was actively involved in our local church and a regular volunteer at the local swimming pool. I continued to be employed at the swimming pool and later became a long standing pool board member. Some of my fondest memories are of teaching the local children how to swim. Some of these “kids” are now my colleagues.
Over the years I have spent time volunteering to coach many of our school teams. I find working with young people to be very rewarding. Recently I have worked with our students and staff in the formation of our first Youth in Philanthropy group which is affiliated with the Morris Area Foundation and the Thomas Sill Foundation. Morris and Rosenort Schools have joined to form one Youth In Philanthropy. This leadership development opportunity will give students a deeper understanding of “community”, volunteerism and public service and make our community even better.
Byron and I have appreciated having our home in the Morris area and raising our three daughters. They have had many opportunities to be part of school, church and community. They have been part of almost every children’s program from can skate to hockey and gymnastics to swimming. Currently two of our daughters even work at the local swimming pool. Morris is a wonderful place to live and we feel fortunate to be part of such a vibrant community.
