Monique Morris is a force of nature. There is simply no way to stop her crusade for good. In the classroom, at churches, sitting on executive boards, speaking at charitable events, and even on the campaign trail she has made her mark and in the process made Apopka a better place.
Morris was honored this weekend with the Citizen of the Year Award for Orange County District #2, which includes most of Apopka. And despite her impressive list of community service projects, Morris was surprised by the nomination.
"When I received the phone call that I was the nominee I kept saying, "Me? Me? and Commissioner Love's Aide, (Shirley Sharpe-Terrell) responded, "Yes you!" I was in awe, not because I didn't believe it, but because I don't do the things in the community for recognition or for someone to pat me on the back. I do it because it is my passion. I love helping others. On Saturday as I sat there amongst other community servants, I was honored for being selected. I am forever grateful to (Orange County District #2) Commissioner Rod Love for his encouragement and always giving me positive support. "I am also thankful for (Apopka City) Commissioner Alexander H. Smith who supports my efforts and encourages me to be the best that I can be! He always says, '99 1/2 just won't do, you have to make 100!' We are like a tag team. Commissioner Smith and I are always sitting around thinking of something else to do in the community."
Love was pleased to nominate Morris for the award.
Commissioner Rod Love: "Monique is a single mother of three sons and exhibits the true meaning of a servant's heart by putting others before herself."
"Monique is a single mother of three sons and exhibits the true meaning of a servant's heart by putting others before herself. She loves people and doesn't hesitate to help or volunteer in the community. It is just "in her" to be out there leading or helping to lead an initiative."
It's one thing to perform community service when everything in your life is perfect, but quite another to still help out when all is not right at home. Love tells a story about Morris that exemplifies her selflessness even in times of trauma.
"During Hurricane Irma, Monique was very visible in the district serving hot meals, providing water, ice, and resources, even though she was suffering a hardship of her own. There was an electrical wire that fell on her roof and she was unable to enter or live in her home for 10 days. That, however, did not stop her from serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner at her church to the residents. She also pitched in and helped other organizations and schools seek out individuals that needed help. Monique started an initiative on Facebook to help others. She sent out a message to all persons that were getting rid of their Hurricane supplies, and met with people and loaded up her car with water, canned goods, crackers, juice, bread, and distributed the items to families that still did not have power or running water. Her drive to complete a task goes without asking. She comes with great ideas that are brought to fruition."
Morris was also the campaign manager for Smith, who won the Apopka City Commission Seat #1 election this past March. And Smith believes Orange County made a wise decision in choosing her.
Commissioner Alexander H. Smith: Wherever there is something positive going on in this community, you will find Monique's handprint on it."
"A recognition well deserved! Monique R. Morris is a young lady with many talents. Where ever there is something positive going on in this community, you will find her handprint on it. Many in our community call upon her often to assist with various activities and events and she just does not know how to say no. She gives freely of her time, talents and resources to help make a difference in the lives of individuals and the community. One would say she is like the Energizer Bunny, she just never stops going. Watching or working alongside her would make you wonder, where does she get the energy? She is like that silent partner in the background not seeking any recognition. She does it out of love for her community. Being recognized as the District #2 Citizen of the Year is an honor well deserved and earned. I've said it before and I'll say it again... she is the hardest working woman this side of the Mississippi."
Hard working certainly describes her life. After 15 years in the classrooms of Orange County as a teacher, Morris was promoted to the Lead Administrative Dean at Ocoee High School. She is also enrolled at St. Leo University where she is pursuing a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership.
And then there's her community service.
Morris has committed her life to helping others. She is an Administrator/Teacher for free a tutoring program on Tuesday nights from 6:00-7:00 p.m. She has been on the Executive Board for Relay for Life of Apopka (American Cancer Society) for the past 10 years and continues to serve as the Entertainment Committee Chairperson for the past seven years. She was the Chairman/Director of the 9th Annual Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. parade sponsored by the South Apopka Ministerial Alliance. She was one of the speakers for the South Apopka Community Forum held at the John H. Bridges Community Center in partnership with the St. Paul A.M.E. Church. She was a recipient of the Orange County Branch NAACP Service to the Community Award.
Love goes on to explain just how much impact a person like Morris can make in a community.
"The above accomplishments and contributions that Monique has made have had a long-term impact on District #2 because she is committed to serving in the community. There are very few activities that take place without her involvement or input. Community leaders and others recognize her passion for helping others, and she is often recommended to assist adults in different capacities. Sometimes she is making sure things are executed while being behind the scenes. Because of her servant attitude, it does not matter who gets the credit. Her desire is to improve the lives of others."
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