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Hidden Treasures: Honoring The Contributions Of Others

photo provided Shining a light of learning on all she touches, VUHS salutes one of its Hidden Treasures, Lenore Morse

Tuesday February 9, 2010

By Cookie Steponaitis

    We all know who these people are. We depend on them everyday. They are fixtures in our lives and anchor points in the community. We rely on their devotion, knowledge and presence to hold the line against change. We trust their judgment and we often go through our busy lives without taking time to recognize them or let them know how valued they truly are. They are our hidden and valued treasures.

    Unearthing concealed treasures in our communities is not only beneficial for us as individuals, but illuminating for those who have never been fortunate enough to come into contact with these special individuals. Assistant librarian Lenore Morse is the hidden treasure that belongs in the spotlight at VUHS. Quietly welcoming she has watched over two decades of youth and opened their eyes to the limitless possibilities of books and the power of knowledge.

    Lenore Morse joined the VUHS staff in 1989 and has become a major source of knowledge and information for students and staff alike. In our academic pursuits at VUHS we have all researched topics but never have we really explored the possibilities until we have been MORSED. The new ‘verb’ should be included in the Webster Dictionary because it speaks to the skills, dedication and passion for learning that emanates from Ms. Morse. She takes us all on a journey through the library and into the world of knowledge. She leads, prods and encourages us to read new genres of literature and all the time makes us feel like we are the center of her universe. Whether you want a new book to enjoy, a recommendation on a classic of the past, or require materials and resources with which to explore the topic of a thesis paper, you know you have come to the right place because Lenore Morse pauses and then moves into action.

    With the precision of a military drill master and the ease of a veteran explorer, she guides the learner into the stacks, on to the computer, into the periodicals and whets your appetite for what is out there. She will not do it for you but leaves you with choices, directions and the knowledge that you can come and see her for clarification or re-direction.

    Ms. Morse is also famous for her editing and writing skills. She meets with students, guides them through the intricacies of the writing process and has helped polish more college essays than many of us can count. She will patiently straighten out your verb tenses, identify your run on clauses and even shape up your gerunds and alliterations, all the while using examples that are appropriate for the level and individual she is helping.

    Another quality about people that are hidden treasures is that we often do not comprehend their value and worth until we turn around and they are gone. In June of this year, Ms. Morse will be taking her leave of VUHS and next fall will not appear in the hallways and library of VUHS. Students will be stunned and for some, only then, will the gold like qualities of this special person become clear. Therefore, while we have her in our presence, the school could not help but take this opportunity to shed a well-deserved  light on the years of blessings she has brought to the students, teachers, staff and community of VUHS. As Robert Frost wrote, “So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay.” However, while they are here, they shine so brightly and they cast a glow over all that they contact. VUHS salutes one of its hidden treasures, Lenore Morse.

    If you have a hidden treasure in your community that you could like to shine a spotlight on, please contact the Valley Voice staff at [email protected]  and address the email to the attention of Cookie Step.

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