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Morton Athletics has named Stefano Crancich as the new head coach of the Girls Soccer program, marking an exciting new chapter for the Mustangs. Crancich, who has been part of Morton’s coaching staff since the 2015–16 school year, brings nearly a decade of experience, steady leadership and a deep commitment to student-athletes. He has contributed to both the boys' varsity and girls' programs, earning a reputation for preparation, integrity, and a clear vision for growth.

Crancich currently holds a U.S. Soccer E License and is working toward his D License, reflecting his dedication to continual improvement. “I am honored, humbled and grateful for the trust placed in me and ready to take the program to the next level,” he said.

School Board Secretary Jessica Jaramillo-Flores praised the appointment, noting, “Coach Crancich has demonstrated outstanding character and an ability to inspire our athletes. We’re confident he will guide this program with excellence.”

Morton Athletics looks forward to the future under his leadership.

 

Morton West students Dannielle Santos and Fernanda Ostiguin were awarded Northeastern Illinois University’s STEAM Pathways Scholarship to attend the Xfinity STEAM Symposium, held November 6–10 in Orlando, Fla. The annual national gathering brings TRIO students from across the country together to explore innovation through hands-on learning, leadership development and career-focused programming in science, technology, engineering, the arts and math.

The two Mustangs were selected through the NEIU 21st CCLC Pathways Initiative Grant and the TRIO Upward Bound Grant. They joined six peers from Chicago Public Schools and additional Morton sites, representing the region at the fourth annual symposium. Throughout the week, students participated in innovation labs, design challenges, college and career panels, and workshops that highlighted how STEAM fields continue to shape emerging industries.

According to NEIU program leaders, the theme “Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators” guided this year’s sessions, helping students see the connection between education, technology and long-term opportunity. For Dannielle and Fernanda, the symposium offered a rare chance to interact directly with industry professionals, collaborate with motivated peers from across the country and gain exposure to rapidly evolving careers.

“This scholarship opens doors for our students and shows them what’s possible when education and opportunity come together,” School Board Member Dr. Margaret Kelly said. “We are incredibly proud of Dannielle and Fernanda for representing Morton West with integrity, curiosity and enthusiasm. Experiences like this change lives, and they deserve every bit of this recognition.”

Xfinity underscored its commitment to digital access by providing every TRIO attendee with a free year of Xfinity Mobile service, a Google Pixel Pro XL smartphone distributed in partnership with Google and access to more than $100,000 in laptop distributions. These resources ensure students can continue building their STEAM skills long after the event ends.

The symposium concluded with an exclusive after-hours celebration at Universal Orlando Resort, where students enjoyed the parks privately as part of their closing activities. Attendees were also treated to an advanced screening of Wicked: For Good, offering a memorable and inspiring finale to an educational week celebrating achievement, innovation and the future of STEAM leadership.

Morton’s Boys Cross Country team delivered a standout performance at the state meet in November, marking one of the strongest showings in recent program history. Leading the Mustangs was Orlando Sandoval, who finished 15th in Illinois with a time of 14:24.80, setting a new school record.

Following close behind, Miguel Flores clocked 14:36.90 for 26th place, and Alex Rodriguez finished in 14:49.60, placing 46th. Perfecto Lopez (16:27.90), Gavin Quinn (16:39.70), David Hernandez (17:07.20), and Nathaniel Punti (17:27.70) rounded out Morton’s full roster of state competitors. Their combined efforts secured a 19th-place team finish.

School Board Vice President Mark Kraft applauded the runners. “This team represented Morton with grit and pride,” he said. “Breaking a school record on the state stage is remarkable, and every runner contributed to a performance our community can be proud of.”

The district also recognized coaches Bloom, Kraft, and Anderson for guiding the athletes throughout the season, and thanks literacy coordinator Leah O’Donnell of District 100 for providing event photos.

 

At the last two board meetings, the District 201 Board of Education recognized dozens of Morton students for earning AP Scholar distinctions, celebrating their hard work and the dedication of the teachers who supported them. Each fall, the AP Program honors high school students nationwide who demonstrate exceptional college-level achievement on multiple AP Exams. Awards range from AP Scholar to AP Scholar with Honor and AP Scholar with Distinction, reflecting increasing levels of academic rigor and consistency.

This year’s recipients represent a wide range of subjects, from mathematics and science to world languages and the humanities. Board Member Fernando Godinez praised the students’ commitment to excellence.

“Our AP Scholars show what is possible when determination meets opportunity,” Godinez said. “Their accomplishments reflect not only their talent and effort, but also the strength of our teachers and the support of their families.”

The Board extended its congratulations to all honorees and expressed gratitude to the educators whose guidance helped students achieve these honors. District 201 looks forward to seeing where their accomplishments will lead.