(FORT MCMURRAY, AB – July 30, 2019)- Holy Trinity Catholic High School graduating student Reagan Morris recently received a phone call that took a great weight off of her shoulders. The call came from the Terry Fox Humanitarian Foundation and the result was a $28,000 scholarship over the next 4 years.
Holy Trinity Catholic High School grade 12 student Reagan Morris says she will be pursuing a career in Education, then hoping to return to Fort McMurray to teach, “I will be attending the University of Alberta next year to take Education. For my whole life the people who have made a pivotal difference in my life have been teachers. Chris Poulsen, Lonna Beaton, as well as teachers back in Nova Scotia too. Growing up I dealt with issues outside school. School was a way for me to focus my energy. Teachers showed me my situations in life can be fueled into leadership.”
“On that Sunday night I got a call from John Kearsey (Board of Directors- Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program),” adds Morris. “He said he doesn’t normally make these phone calls. But Fred Fox had told him that I remind him of his brother Terry. That was incredible to hear. Terry was my age when he lost his leg and started all of this. Young people can make a difference.”
The Terry Fox Humanitarian award itself reads: “In recognition of having demonstrated the highest ideals and qualities of citizenship and humanitarian service while in pursuit of excellence in academic, amateur sport, fitness, health, and voluntary community service. In so doing has reflected those ideals of courage, humanitarianism, service and compassion, which Terry Fox embodied.”
Holy Trinity Catholic High School Principal Lisa Hilsenteger says the school is full of pride, “We are so proud of Reagan and all that she has accomplished. She is a true ambassador in both our school and community. Her leadership exemplifies the values we hope to instill upon our students at Holy Trinity Catholic High School.”
Morris says she’s had many leadership roles within school and the community that have culminated in this recognition, “I do a lot of work with the LGBTQ community and our school GSA. I’ve worked with Pride YMM, and the provincial GSA conference. Last November I spoke at WE Day in Calgary. And I helped start the middle school GSA here (at Holy Trinity High School). I just have to say thank you to everyone that helped me realize my capability as a leader.”
Morris explains this was an application process that included an in person interview, “I got the call on May 3rd to do an interview for this. The interview was May 5th in Calgary. So my whole family, and the dog, drove down to Calgary! I went into there being myself. I wasn’t nervous. I knew I had to be me.”
“They explained to me that this goes to people possibly leaving a legacy like Terry Fox,” continues Morris. “I don’t think I’m doing anything remarkable. I’m just doing what needs to be done. I’m just doing what I wish I had when I was younger. Thank you to everyone who encouraged me. Without them this wouldn’t be happening. My family- You’ve helped me through all of the dreams I’ve had. Without my mom and dad I would never be a Terry Fox scholar.”