Geri L. Morgan Volunteer Award

Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself.  It's what you do for others.
                                             -- Danny Thomas

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In Memory of Geri L. Morgan

Geri Morgan was the consummate volunteer; one only needed to ask the staff at Sunset Canyon Elementary school in the early 2000’s.  A former elementary teacher with both a Master’s degree and a MBA, she was instrumental in developing a science program at Sunset Canyon.  In addition, she established and executed a science fair for the students.  This event was so noteworthy that today the science lab bears her name. 

Geri was also an active UPC member; she published its newsletter and followed legislation—long before UPC played a participatory role with the state legislature.  Most importantly, Geri was an advocate of public education.   A native Texan, she couldn’t quite understand Arizona’s seeming lack of interest in investing in its children. 
 
On August 4, 2005, the UPC delegation filled a long pew at Geri’s Memorial service.  They listened to Sunset Canyon’s principal deliver her eulogy.  They witnessed her son and her family’s struggle.  After that, UPC decided Geri Morgan epitomized the essence of UPC—volunteer, above self.

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[Geri Morgan was killed in a one-car, rollover accident on the family’s return from a Flagstaff weekend in 2005.    An anonymous donor established the upfront money for the original award.]
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In her memory, UPC established the Geri L. Morgan Volunteer Award to honor a volunteer for his or her outstanding service contributions to a school community.   The winner will receive a $100 donation to a school group or organization of his or her choice.

Geri L. Morgan Award Recipients:

2018  Gretchen Larson
2017  Ann Thompson
2016  Twyla Otte
2015  Aundi Parillo
2014  Christy Miller
2013  Colleen Amarillas
2012  Ed Tankersley
2011  Teri Harnisch
2011  Nancy Pool
2010  Bette and Julian Henriques
2010  Juana and John Fredrick
2009  Julie Tyree
2008  Laurie Smith
2007  Juana Fredrick
2006  Joan Morgan

Nominations are closed

2019's recipient will be honored at the May 16th Governing Board meeting and will designate a school group or organization to receive a $100.00 donation from UPC.

Nominations were open from March 13th through April 17, 2019.

During the nomination period, you can print a Nomination Form and submit your completed nomination to UPC through your school's interoffice mail.

Check back in 2020

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2018 Recipient:

Congratulations to Gretchen Larson, the 2018 recipient of the Geri L. Morgan Volunteer Award. Gretchen gives her time selflessly to Cactus View Elementary. She is at the school 4-5 times a week, and is often times one of the last to leave for the day. Every grade level sent in a letter recognizing Gretchen and the important role she plays at the school. She always puts others before herself, she is one amazing volunteer.    

We cannot think of a more deserving recipient--Congratulations Gretchen!
 
Gretchen’s name will be added to the Geri Morgan Volunteer Award Legacy Plaque displayed at PVUSD's district offices.  And she has chosen her $100 Donation to go to Cactus View to put towards a student’s trip to Catalina.

Gretchen Larson with Dr. Lee.

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Geri L. Morgan Volunteer Award Chair:  Jen Mozilo  -  jenmozilo@gmail.com