Morgan Founders' Day

Some things are definitely worth the wait.

The April 10 event at The Morgan School was indeed a long-time in the works, but one that three groups, the Clinton Historical Society, Morgan School Alumni Association and The Morgan School planned perfectly.

These organizations worked together to unite Morgan graduates, teachers and Clinton residents to share in the history of this learned institution.

E.C. Schroeder, president of the Clinton Historical Society, welcomed the audience of all ages.

Jane Welch, vice president of the Clinton Historical Society and secretary for the Morgan Alumni Association, remarked they have been planning this event for so long, she is pleased it finally all came together and so many showed up to celebrate.

Welsh shares, “I found Pat McKiernan to be so entertaining...he was my English Teacher at Morgan...I was in his class when they announced that President Kennedy had been shot and killed...stays with you forever.”

Patrick McKiernan, who still lives in Clinton, was certainly entertaining and a clear master of the English language.

What struck the audience was his passion in sharing his philosophy of teaching, “that it is an art, a creative process and as such you ought to be as unique as possible, engaging and exceptional at it.”

McKiernan taught at Morgan from 1952-2000. He began his talk with “I stand here today in utter delight.” His advice to teachers today, “when you can, make them want to come to your class!”

Dottie Washburn, class of 1938, now in her 90s, recounted many vivid details of what school life was like in the 1930s before WWII. She told of stiff rows of desks and a teacher up on a platform, of what she describes as “a whirlwind of amazement.” She talked about beginning each day walking up three flights of stairs to chapel, of the school's strong dedication to athletics.

Washburn also shared the classics they read, The Merchant of Venice, and Hamlet in their senior year. She shared from her heart, “those four years became the best of my life.” Out of a class of 29, 18 went on to higher education. Through regular reunions her class stayed close knit, and six are still with us today. Washburn, who also taught school for many years in neighboring Old Saybrook, has been very involved with the Alumni association.

More recent students and teachers who also presented during the ceremony included Keith Dauer, class of 1962 who spoke of traditions, and also of teaching at Morgan. Dauer is the President of the Morgan Alumni Association.

What the 60 or so in attendance heard were beautiful stories and antidotes from those who experienced the art of education. At times during the sharing you could actually feel transported back in time.

Displayed throughout the room were many black and white photos, yearbooks and other remembrances of days of yore. What was learned was that the Yale and Clinton communities were very connected back in the early days when both Charles Morgan and Cornel Eliot, as well as many a Yale dignitary, were invited and involved with educational traditions here.

Charles Morgan, who had a passion for education, made his fortune as a shipping magnate and in a desire to commemorate his native village, donated both the land and building for The Morgan School. Its doors opened in 1870 on Main Street, next to what is now the Pierson school. In 1951 it was moved to its present location on Route 81.

Superintendent of Schools Jack Cross and Board of Education Members Ethelene DiBona, Gerry Vece, and Deb Grass were among those in the crowd. Learning about our history is an important part of their role in creating and supporting the High School of the Future and what 21st Century learning needs to accomplish for the students of Clinton.

The Morgan School Alumni Association is attempting to regroup and rejuvenate. They are looking for class agents to compile class lists with up-to-date addresses in planning an alumni gathering in the summer of 2012. Contact April Shuman, at 203-245-9167 or email her at mamashu@yahoo.com.

Former student and current Morgan Science teacher Christopher Zawadski was last to speak. He graduated in 1996 and said not much has changed since then. After the ceremony Zawadski took about half the group on a tour of the current school facility as the rest gathered for treats and coffee to reminisce the old days. I caught them in a circle singing their old school songs with smiles on their faces. Lyrics to Ave Morgan and Towering High were distributed to the crowd.

As research continues into the best recourse for the future of The Morgan School, it is appropriate to reflect on the values and high caliber history education has had in this community. We should hope that the next hundred years continue to bring pride and joy to the students of Clinton.