Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Monday, July 14, 2008

 With a week left in the 2007-2008 school calendar, Morton Middle School drama and music teacher Debbie Sogin can track her year with milestones in her battle with breast cancer.

  First week of school? Surgery. Winter break? Chemotherapy. Weeks leading to Spring Break? Radiation treatments.

  “I had no hair and didn’t go without a scarf until Spring Break,” said the 19-year Morton veteran.

  Throughout the year, the school and the community have rallied around Sogin, capping the effort with an army of supporters to help produce “Seussical!”

  Some people thought the spring musical might be a casualty of Sogin’s health issues. But she refused to give up the annual tradition.

  Principal Ronda Runyon praised her dynamic spirit and her love of performance arts. “She is totally dedicated to the students,” Runyon said. “There is no question.”

  Colleagues, parents and former students have pulled together – bringing meals to Sogin’s home, covering for her in class and at speech team events, and carrying on with her music.

  “I wasn’t all that physically nauseated but just couldn’t concentrate,” said Sogin, who said a substitute music teacher and student teacher provided continuity for most of her programs. “I feel so fortunate to be a part of this community at this particular time. I was always amazed at how wonderful everyone was. I still can’t believe all the love and support I’ve had.”

  Especially with “Seussical!”

  Several of Sogin’s former students, including voice and theater majors at SCAPA-Lafayette, routinely come back to Morton to assist with the spring productions. This time, they have handled everything from the directing, set design and choreography to the lighting and costumes.

  “They’re doing all of the work, and it’s turned out fabulous,” said Sogin, who supervises the high schoolers. “It’s a two-way street. They get to put it on their resume, and I get to help them become better at it.”

  Molly Toney, a parent on the school’s publicity team, noted the students’ enthusiasm.

  “The parents are all pretty amazed at their willingness to pitch in while Ms. Sogin oversees the production. It feels like a real community effort,” Toney said.

  One of the main helpers is Nicole Van Denburg, a sophomore at Lafayette High School, who is directing “Seussical!”

  “I felt like the kids really came together more and helped (Sogin) more than they ever had and have given her more respect,” she said.

  Van Denburg said the strong student contingent – some of whom didn’t even attend Morton – not only gave Sogin a well-deserved break but also provided role models for the youngsters.

  “The kids love it and see it’s possible to do this when you’re not much older than they are,” Sogin said.

IF YOU GO

“Seussical!”
What: A musical featuring Dr. Seuss characters and stories
Where: Morton Middle School
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday May 24, 2 p.m. Sunday May 25, 9:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tuesday May 27 (school performances, including Cassidy Elementary kids as guests)
Admission: $6 for adults, $2 for students at the door