Last week, U.S. Congresswoman Susan Wild, D-7th, spoke on the U.S. House of Representatives floor to honor three teachers from across her district for Teacher Appreciation Week.

Recognizing educators from Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties, Wild spoke about how each of these teachers exemplifies what it means to give back to their communities and shape the next generation of Pennsylvanians. One of these honored teachers was Morgan Polony, from Steckel Elementary School in the Whitehall-Coplay School District.

“This Teacher Appreciation Week, I am proud to honor outstanding teachers across my community,” Wild said. “Today, I want to recognize Morgan Polony, a third-grade teacher at Steckel Elementary School in Lehigh County.

“As a Whitehall High School graduate herself, Morgan is deeply connected to her community, both inside and outside the classroom. She has served as a high school softball coach, teacher leader, mentor and active participant in various district committees,” Wild said. “Her students and colleagues know they can always count on her for encouragement, leadership and a positive attitude.

“Morgan’s impact in Whitehall goes beyond teaching,” Wild continued. “She actively participates in community events and fundraising for organizations like Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. Her presence is felt at her students’ sporting events and spirit days, where her colleagues said her school spirit is truly unmatched.

“Thank you, Morgan, for your unwavering dedication to our shared community,” Wild said.

WCSD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert J. Steckel Jr. echoed the sentiments, praising Polony and her work in the district.

“When I started at Whitehall-Coplay three years ago, I learned very quickly how amazing Morgan is as a teacher and member of our community,” Steckel said. “She truly cares about the growth of all of her students as well as the continued pursuit of excellence for our staff and families. I really appreciate the role she has taken as a teacher leader, and her positive impact on the district has certainly been evident.”