SARAH ELIZABETH MORTON
JUNE 12, 1981 - MAY 13, 2010 |
In 2012, Rena Morton established the Sarah Elizabeth Morton “Teach In Person” Scholarship in memory of her daughter.
The Sarah Elizabeth Morton “Teach In Person” Award was established in 2018 for college graduates returning to PCS to teach. The endowment scholarship, along with monies donated by Person County Schools’ employees, offers scholarships and awards to PHS graduates and PCS beginning teachers. Rena’s wish is to find great teachers, like Sarah, who are passionate about serving others and their community. |
Morton scholarship information
In 2012, Rena Morton established the Sarah Elizabeth Morton “Teach In Person” Scholarship in memory of her daughter. A 1999 graduate of Person High School, Sarah received her bachelor’s degree from UNC Wilmington in 2003 and six years later received her National Board Certification as well as her master’s degree from East Carolina University. She taught eighth grade social studies at Southern Middle School for six years, advised the student council and yearbook staffs, led the National Junior Honor Society, and coordinated the eighth grade spring dance.
Sarah taught students the value in volunteer work and that deeper learning takes place when students have the opportunity to actually explore places that are only talked about in the classroom. Her students mentored Special Olympics participants, helped prepare luminary bags for Relay for Life, and fed the hungry at the Christian Help Center.
Sarah also made her mark on the community through activities at her church, Concord United Methodist, where she taught Bible school and served as the young adult representative for the Administrative Council. She was an active member of the Roxboro Jaycees and was a coordinator for Person County's Relay for Life. She was a co-chairperson of the Roxboro Junior Miss Program and served on the State Junior Miss Board. She was named Roxboro Jaycees' Outstanding Young Educator for 2008.
In May 2010 at age 28, Sarah lost her battle to ovarian cancer. The endowment, along with monies donated by Person County Schools’ employees, offers $1,000 scholarships to graduating PHS seniors majoring in education. Applicants are evaluated based on academic standing, character, leadership among peers, service in the community, and preparation for a career in educating students in the public schools of Person County. Sarah always went above and beyond the call of duty. She was a true leader and a role-model for our community, especially our youth.
In 2018, a new Sarah Elizabeth Morton “Teach In Person” Award was established for college graduates returning to PCS to teach. Monies collected from the annual TIP fundraiser will also help support these beginning teachers as they return home to begin their careers in Person County. The Person County Education Foundation appreciates the community involvement that makes each years TIPS Campaign such a success and is excited to have so many educators joining us on our mission!
Sarah taught students the value in volunteer work and that deeper learning takes place when students have the opportunity to actually explore places that are only talked about in the classroom. Her students mentored Special Olympics participants, helped prepare luminary bags for Relay for Life, and fed the hungry at the Christian Help Center.
Sarah also made her mark on the community through activities at her church, Concord United Methodist, where she taught Bible school and served as the young adult representative for the Administrative Council. She was an active member of the Roxboro Jaycees and was a coordinator for Person County's Relay for Life. She was a co-chairperson of the Roxboro Junior Miss Program and served on the State Junior Miss Board. She was named Roxboro Jaycees' Outstanding Young Educator for 2008.
In May 2010 at age 28, Sarah lost her battle to ovarian cancer. The endowment, along with monies donated by Person County Schools’ employees, offers $1,000 scholarships to graduating PHS seniors majoring in education. Applicants are evaluated based on academic standing, character, leadership among peers, service in the community, and preparation for a career in educating students in the public schools of Person County. Sarah always went above and beyond the call of duty. She was a true leader and a role-model for our community, especially our youth.
In 2018, a new Sarah Elizabeth Morton “Teach In Person” Award was established for college graduates returning to PCS to teach. Monies collected from the annual TIP fundraiser will also help support these beginning teachers as they return home to begin their careers in Person County. The Person County Education Foundation appreciates the community involvement that makes each years TIPS Campaign such a success and is excited to have so many educators joining us on our mission!
Morton scholarship criteria
The Sarah Elizabeth Morton “Teach In Person” Scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic standing, character, leadership among peers, service in the community, and preparation for a career educating students in the Person County Schools.
Morton Scholarship recipients
2009 - Emily Regan |
2009 - Erica Reaves |
2010 - Christina Johnson |
2010 - Rachael McFarland |
2011 - Shannon Epps |
2011 - Timothy Poole |
2012 - Cody Furrow |
2012 - Austin Harris |
2013 - Jessica Goodwin |
2013 - Hunter Moss |
2014 - Hannah Mattson |
2014 - Ashley Asycue |
2014 - Matt Allen |
2015 - Danielle Russell |
2015 - Brittany Williford |
2016 - Sarah "Kaity" Suitt |
2016 - Jessica Wheeler |
2017 - Maddie Scott |
2018 - Makenzie Fisher |
2018 - Samatha Gaines |
2019 - Hannah Benjamin |
2019 - Grace Long |
2020 - Janette Bello Mejia |
2021 - Carly Davis |
2021 - Hester Claire Linville |
2021 - Makenzie Fisher |
2022 - Melanie Gomez-Leal |
2022 - Chloe McCarthy |
2023 - Zane Oakley |
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morton tip award
In addition to being a graduate of Person High School or Person Early College for Innovation & Leadership, each applicant must have been hired to teach in Person County Schools as a beginning teacher. Each applicant is evaluated based on college involvement, character, leadership among peers, service in the community, and additional volunteerism within the Person County Schools.
morton tip Beginning teachers recipients
2018 - Jessica Goodwin |
2018 - Whitney R. Malpass |
2018 - Shannon Smith |
