Story and photos by Crystal Hayduk
Over 250 people waited in line on a sweltering day for the opportunity to personally wish Becky Morse well in her retirement. Chelsea School District hosted an ice cream social on Aug. 11 to thank Morse for 31 years of dedicated service in the office at North Creek Elementary School.
Morse said that her unexpected retirement is the result of ongoing medical issues following a November 2014 car accident. “It’s hard [to give up working], but I can’t give 100 percent, and the district’s families deserve 100 percent,” she said.
She was the passenger in a vehicle with her daughter-in-law, Jenny, when they were broadsided. “The car rolled three times, but thankfully landed straight up,” said Morse.
Morse suffered injuries to her head, neck, and back, in addition to a broken leg, and is still receiving various therapies. “Keeping the appointments and following orders is like a job in itself – it becomes your life,” she said. “You don’t realize what can happen when you hit your head.”
She first worked for two years as a lunchroom supervisor, which included recess duty before taking the office position that became her life’s work. “I couldn’t even say what my official title was,” said Morse with a laugh. “My job was ‘Becky.’”
Staff, students, and families agree that Morse fulfilled a special calling in the office. She was the face of North Creek who dealt directly with families and especially the children. Among her countless responsibilities, she managed groups such as student government and service squad; and special events such as the food drive and the variety show. She cared for student’s health needs, ranging from kids who became sick or hurt during the school day to assisting children with chronic health conditions. Students and staff sought her assistance for nearly any day-to-day problem.
Third grader Hayley Hopkins said, “When I was in kindergarten, I fell at recess and had a bloody knee. Miss Becky took care of me and made me feel better.”
“Our family was new to the Chelsea School District last fall,” said parent Amy Potter. “We met Becky once, and the next time we saw her, she knew me and both of my children by name. She impressed us right away.”
Christin Bieber, mother of three, said her children will miss Becky’s welcoming smile every day. “Most of all, we appreciate that she loves Jesus,” said Bieber.
North Creek Principal Marcus Kaemming wishes Morse well in retirement. “Becky is beloved by the staff, families, and most importantly the students here at North Creek. She shows concern for their well-being and growth. We know she will always have a special place in the hearts of all she worked with,” he said.
In a message posted on her Facebook page, Morse expressed deep thanks and gratitude to “the caring and generous” community for the “…outpouring of love, care, gifts…and prayers. I felt [God’s] presence every moment.”
She thanked those she has worked with in the office over the years: Principal Bill Wescott and Patti Musolf, Principal Sharon Whitmore and Gail Tomaka, and Principal Marcus Kaemming and Lana Ching.
In addition to all of the past and present staff, she thanked “…my most important reason for being at North Creek, the precious children who became ‘my kids.’
“I always have and always will love my North Creek families. The thought of not being a daily part of North brings me to tears. I will miss each and every one of you.”
Even though she is retiring from full-time employment, Morse is still a member of the Chelsea community, a mother of three and grandmother of five. Two grandchildren attend Chelsea Schools, so she hopes to volunteer in the classroom and participate in March is Reading Month as her condition permits.
Morse said that in spite of the post-accident difficulties, she is thankful for every day. “It’s because of God’s grace that Jenny and I are even here. The emergency responders said they can’t believe that we got out of this accident alive.”
