By Kristin Boza
Established in June 2018, the Morgan Park High School Alumni Association (MPHSAA) strives to engage Morgan Park High School (MPHS) alumni of all ages to work together for the benefit of current MPHS students and the school overall.
“We really are here to be a resource for the school and help bridge some of the gaps within our school community,” said Quiana Edmond, MPHSAA president and Class of 2002 grad. “We provide additional support to the school as needed; we’ve volunteered for school clean-up days, assisted with pep rallies, packed gift bags, and will be on hand to help out at the MPHS Vendor Fair on Sun., Mar. 8.”
The MPHS Vendor Fair 2020 will be held Sun., Mar. 8, 12 to 4 p.m. at the school, 1744 W. Pryor. More than 50 vendors – many local – will be selling a variety of merchandise and food, and the community is invited to stop by and shop.
Recently, MPHSAA members came together to secure a 15-seat bus to get students to and from sporting events and extracurricular activities, which MPHS principal Dr. Femi Skanes identified as a need for the students. Additional funds raised by MPHSAA were used to have the bus painted in MPHS colors by Chicago artist Rahmaan Statik.
“We were excited to be able to present the school with a bus; it’s something they have been needing and asking for for a long time,” Edmond said. “We are currently fundraising to help with bus maintenance expenses and fuel.” Donations to help offset maintenance and bus fuel costs are welcome.
As college “Decision Day” approaches for graduating seniors this May, MPHSAA is working to secure funds and in-kind donations of gift cards and trunk party items to help the seniors celebrate their college decisions in style.
“Last year, we gave away over $2,500 in gift cards to the seniors, and we hosted a barbecue for them,” Edmond said. “We’re also planning our annual Alumni Picnic for Aug. 15 at Green Lake Woods in Calumet City; we’re hosting a contest for current MPHS students to submit designs for our official 2020 MPHSAA Picnic t-shirt. The winner receives a $100 licensing fee, a t-shirt with their design, and recognition at the 2020 MPHSAA picnic.”
MPHS alum, current MPHS parent and LSC Chair Carisa Parker supports the organization’s efforts and applauds MPHSAA’s efforts to engage alumni.
“I am so proud of the tireless work that Quiana and the other founding members have done to revitalize our alumni community. The work we are doing will only grow under their leadership,” she said. “There are amazing things happening every day at Morgan Park; the students are bright, talented, and gifted!”
To support MPHSAA, donate to the fund for bus maintenance or learn more about MPHS and the alumni association, email info@mphsaa.org.
