By JOANNA GILLESPIEMy friendship with Morrie began when I was a teen and he mentored a small leadership group I was a part of called, “Youth Working for Youth”. As a result, he and his wife Cheryl spent nearly every Friday for many years chaperoning informal dances that kept all of us kids dancing and out of trouble.
Like many small town youth, I could not wait to leave town. Later, I could not wait to return to raise my own children. Imagine my surprise at finding Morrie, by then an empty-nester for more than a decade, still working vigilantly on the School Board, the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, and the Key Club, just to name a few.
Our friendship solidified for life when he took up the challenge, with a small handful of citizens, to found the Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation. He loved the idea and practice of citizens helping schools in ways that extend beyond what taxes can do. He has personally supported hands-on projects like classroom makeovers, and has served on every committee of the LAPS Foundation. Morrie’s special interest is aiding the professional development of teachers; his affinity for keeping and growing our best teachers by allowing them to nurture their craft is truly commendable.
Morrie operates differently than many; he listens patiently and serves when there is no personal gain.
He is smart, thoughtful, and collaborates well with others. Your vote for Morris Pongratz is a vote for a sincere and dedicated volunteer.
