Story - The Meade County Messenger


Vol. 114, No. 50	December 12, 2007

Middle school teacher receives MAC Grant

Photo by Sandra Stone
Victoria Morgan is all smiles while she poses with her students and her big check.

By SANDRA STONE
Messenger Staff

When Stuart Pepper Middle School assistant principal Terry Nelson walked into Victoria Morgan’s class last week followed by a bunch of people, Morgan had no clue what was going on. She thought there might be some problem.

But then it all became clear when Anita Gibbs, store manager of the Brandenburg McDonald’s, presented Morgan with a $500 MAC Grant award check.

Recognizing that lessons often become more meaningful when demonstrated with hands-on experiences, McDonald’s supports activities that supplement regular classroom instruction. The MAC Grants program provides up to $500 to middle school teachers for interesting and educational projects for students in grades 6, 7 and 8. Morgan was one of 26 teachers in Kentuckiana selected to receive a MAC grant.

“I’m so excited!” shouted Morgan as her students applauded and cheered. And then the kids were really excited to know the money would be spent on them.

Morgan is teaching “Touching Spirit Bear,” a novel by Ben Mikaelsen about Cole Matthews, an angry and hate-filled young man. After attacking another boy, Cole is in the biggest trouble of his life. Cole is offered Circle Justice: a system based on Native American traditions that attempts to provide healing for the criminal offender, the victim and the community. With prison as his only alternative, Cole plays along and receives a one-year banishment to a remote Alaskan island. There, he is mauled by a mysterious white bear of Native American legend. Hideously injured, Cole waits for death. His thoughts shift from anger to humility. Rescuers arrive to save Cole’s body, but it is the attack of the Spirit Bear that may save his soul.

Photo by Sandra Stone
Anita Gibbs, Brandenburg McDonald’s store manager, presents Victoria Morgan with a $500 MAC Grant check.

“It’s a beautiful story, especially for middle school students,” said Morgan.

Morgan has done extensive research on Native American culture, including research on Circle Justice. During her research, she found a small shop which deals with Native American culture and thought it would be wonderful for her students to have hands-on experiences.

Planned purchases with the MAC Grant include imitation bear claws, a Native American cookbook and the pelts of small animals. “We’ll pull into everything,” said Morgan. “We could do turquoise beads and authentic baskets. The whole classroom will be a Native American setting.”

Morgan received information about the grant the day before it had to be postmarked. She worked on it late into the night that Friday and took it to the post office early on Saturday morning to get it postmarked in time. “I never thought I’d get it,” she said, marveling again at her good fortune. “I never imagined I would get this. I’m so excited!”

Morgan, who just joined the middle school faculty this school year, has already made an impression on principal Kellianne Wilson. “I’m so proud of her,” said Wilson. “She is just a bundle of energy around here.”

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