SYRACUSE – The family of a Syracuse High School graduate and special education teacher Morgan Hallstrom demonstrated the inclusive spirit at the Germanfest volleyball tournament and led the dedication for improvements to the sand volleyball court.

After Morgan’s unexpected passing in 2019, the family determined to use memorial funds to honor her work. She was passionate about Syracuse High School volleyball and was a teacher’s aid in the special education program there. When she became a teacher at Emporia High School in Kansas she started a “Circle of Friends” program.

 

 

Hallstrom: “She always wanted to be able to have her special needs group included in the general population. They would do inclusive, what we would call unified sports now, but they would do different events and have the kids work together and understand each other’s gifts and how everyone has something to contribute.”

One of the last things Morgan did before she died suddenly at the age of 30, was play at the Germanfest volleyball tournament. Her mother, LuRae Hallstrom, was thinking about Morgan’s memorial watching a tournament enclosed by a sagging snow fence with no shade in the proximity.

Syracuse Parks and Recreation Director Sonni Graves said Hallstrom worked tirelessly for the permanent fence and shelter at the sports complex.

Graves: “All hats off go to LuRae. She came, she said you know it’s hot out here, we don’t have trees, let’s us some of these leftover funds and let’s put a shelter up and get some shade.”

 

She said there is new energy for sand volleyball with two leagues this summer and another starting next week.

Morgan’s brother Grant helped bring the energy for the Germanfest tournament with the Dream Team, which featured two players with Down syndrome.

Bob Hallstrom: “The cherry on the top was last night the Dream Team – the Hallstrom Speckmann Dream Team – had two special needs students playing with us and Morgan certainly loved her special needs students.”

Grant said if his sister were there to offer the Dream Team any advice, it would be to have fun.

Grant: “Morgan always loved volleyball, so it was an opportunity to honor her name and share some of her passions with the community to enjoy for a really long time.”

The city of Syracuse and Otoe County board also provided keno funds to complete the park improvements.

Hallstrom: “We are completely overwhelmed by all the love and support. We just feel like love is just flowing.”