dece mber 25 -2 6 , 2 0 24 • vo l . 6 4 i ssu e 0 7 By randy whalen For the Bugle
Local champion gives back to the community Tyler Morris made a name for himself on the football field at Nazareth Academy in LaGrange, but returned home to Plainfield East High School for the final semester of his high school career in order to graduate early and head to the University of Michigan to play alongside high school teammate JJ McCarthy. The two helped the Wolverines to a national championship a season ago and while he was only a Bengal for a short time. Morris recently gave back to the community. Morris donated a portion of his Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) money to District 202 families in need. Morris delivered $3,000 total in gift cards to his alma mater schools at Liberty Elementary School, John F. Kennedy Middle School and Plainfield East High School. In all, he helped bring joy to more than 40 students this holiday season. The gift cards are for parents and guardians to use toward food, necessities and presents. “They are part of the commu-
nity I grew up in and I feel like I’m in a position where I should help others when I have the opportunity,” Morris said in a release put out by Plainfield School District 202. “Plainfield East High School is overwhelmed by Tyler’s generosity,” Plainfield East High School Assistant Principal of Student Services Heather Boswell said.“Every Christmas season our PEHS staff donate gift cards to help support families that have fallen on difficult times,” Boswell added. “We are so grateful for his generosity and support this holiday season.” Morris caught the first touchdown of his college career in the national semifinal win last seaosn against Alabama – as he took a 7-yard strike heading toward the right sideline in stride, turned up the sideline, eluded Alabama defenders and dove for the pylon for a 38-yard touchdown. This season, he posted 23 receptions for 248 yards and two touchdowns for Michigan, but announced his decision in December to enter the transfer portal and look to play elsewhere next season.
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