Each week, #SpanningtheNeed will present an “Inspirational Person of the Week’ and have a “Q & A” with one of its many gifted individuals and/or groups who are willing to go out of their own way to help others. Among the myriad of joyous occasions, one particularly special event stands out – the graduation of high school seniors. This year, as we bid farewell, our local area high schools are taking a step further and Spanning the Need is honoring and spotlighting the achievements of these bright young minds. This week’s featured senior is Zachary Morris from Champion High School.
Name: Zachary Morris
School: Champion High School
Class: 2026
GPA: 3.9
Bio:
Zack is the son of Mark and Kim Morris and is a Senior student at Champion High School. In school he is a part of the National Honors Society (NHS), Champion Teens Care (CTC), Interact Club, and the PEP club. Alongside his Academics he is a member of the Baseball team, Football team, and basketball team. He will graduate in the year 2026 and plans to play baseball for a (Undecided College) and continue his academic career in education with a minor in sports management.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I plan to play baseball for a (Undecided College) and Continue my academic career in education with a minor in sports management.
What is your favorite class?
My favorite class is called Hollywood vs. History. It is a class that is offered here at Champion, and you basically watch historical movies and see how close they relate to actual history. It is a fun, layback class that is also interesting at the same time.
What accomplishments during your high school journey are you most proud of, and how do you feel they have shaped you as an individual?
During my high school journey I think I would have to be most proud of being inducted into the National Honors Society (NHS). I think that it reflects the kind of person that I am, and the willingness I have for this school. Overall, I think I can stand for the four pillars confidently (Citizenship, Scholarship, Character, and Service). These four pillars are what shape me into who I am today.
Beyond academics, what extracurricular activities, volunteering in the community or passions have played a crucial role in your high school life, and how have they influenced your future goals?
Since I was the age of 4 I have always played sports. Baseball was my first love, football was my second, and basketball was my third. Playing sports has a way of keeping me out of trouble and keeping my mind away from school at times. Sports are like my get away where I don’t have to worry about anything. They have also taught me countless lessons: Discipline, character, toughness, leadership, accountability, and more. Like I said before baseball was my first love, and that is the sport that I plan to play in college.
What is the most memorable moment in your scholastic career?
My most memorable moment in my scholastic career was when I got inducted into the National Honors Society. In front of the whole school previous members come to the stand one by one to induct new members. I was lucky enough to get called up. My parents knew 2 weeks prior, and they said keeping it a secret was one of the hardest things they had to do. Being called up to be inducted made me feel proud knowing that all of my hard work paid off.
As you reflect on your time in high school, is there a teacher or mentor who made a lasting impression on you? What made their impact so meaningful?
Mrs. Rasey is the first teacher that comes to mind. I have never liked science as long as I can remember being in school, but she changed that. My first class I took with her was my sophomore year, and she made science a different kind of fun. I am a hands-on learner and lots of her assignments are hands-on which makes science easy to learn/fun to learn. Since then I have taken her courses the rest of the way through high school. My junior year I took a class called forensics, and this year I am currently taking a class called zoology.
What is your favorite sports related movie?
Coach Carter
What is your favorite food?
Tacos
What song best describes you or is the soundtrack to your life?
Big Green Tractor by: Jason Aldean (This is a song my mom said I sang in the car every time it came on the radio) (To this day I still know every word)
Do you have a field of study already chosen when you go to college? Why that field?
I have chosen to go into the field of education. I think I have always been good with the kids, and it could be something that I could enjoy. I have not decided on a class to teach yet, but I know that I could be a great teacher. On top of that, I would like to coach while I am teaching. My family is mostly teachers, so I think that influenced my decision a little bit. My brother is a teacher, a coach, and of the people I look up to the most, so that is also a part of why I want to teach and coach.
Who is your role model?
I would say my role model is my dad. He has always taught me to be a leader, not a follower. I have lived with that my whole life trying to emulate that statement. Furthermore, he shows me how to love, lead, and protect my family. I Couldn’t ask for a better role model.
If there was one person you would want to meet, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would like to meet my grandpa. He died before I was born, so I never got the chance to meet him. I have heard countless stories from my dad about him, but if he is anything like my dad or brother, I know I would love to meet him.
A favorite quote by which you live.
“Don’t Worry about criticism from someone that you would never ask advice from”
