'Always Puts In 100 Percent' Effort: Palatine Star Student Athlete

PALATINE, IL — We all know student athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know the individual stories behind the leaderboard.

This submission comes from Beth McGrath who nominated Morgan, of Palatine. Beth McGrath is Morgan's mother.

Star student athlete’s name

Morgan

Star student athlete’s home state

Illinois

Star student athlete’s Patch town

Palatine

How do you know the star student athlete?

Parent

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Gymnastics/ Cheerleading

Why do you believe the star student athlete should be recognized?

She was diagnosed with severe scoliosis in 8th grade. Had spinal fusion surgery June 2018 at Lurie’s Children’s hospital. She now has 2 permanent rods and screws in her back from T2 to T12. Her amazing Dr . Sarwark was so positive and encouraging, he told her once she healed she could go back to sports if she had the will and determination. After 6 months, she went back to gymnastics! She worked so hard, getting stronger. She wasn’t going to let this stop her. She also taught gymnastics to little girls at her gym, coaching them, encouraging them to follow their dreams. Trying a new sport, cheerleading, she made the team at Palatine High School sophomore year. Her newest passion. Loving this new sport, she’s hoping to cheer in college. Her team also runs cheer clinics for young children, supporting their love of cheer. At Lurie’s, she’s part of a support group that will answer questions and talks to other children going through spinal fusion surgery.

There are days her back hurts, but she pushes through. She often says, "Mom, I was blessed to have had a team of doctors that could fix me." We are truly blessed to have a daughter who always puts in 100 percent in everything she does.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star student athlete?

If you hit obstacles, don’t give up. Find support from family, friends, and coaches

Keep up the great work, Morgan!

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know an outstanding student athlete?

Nominate them here.