Morton

 Morton is a village in Tazewell County, known for its pumpkins and annual Pumpkin Festival. The population was 16,267 at the 2010 Census. Morton, the home of aCaterpillar Inc. distribution facility and a Libby's pumpkin cannery, is part of the Peoria, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area. Morton is also home to the corporate headquarters of Morton Buildings Inc. It holds its annual Morton Pumpkin Festival in the second week of September. It is claimed that 85 percent of the world's canned pumpkin is produced in Morton, earning it the designation "Pumpkin Capital of the World."

 Family Circle voted Morton one of its 10 best towns for families in 2013.

Morton High School is a four-year comprehensive secondary school, currently serving approximately 1,000 students.  Their  faculty includes nearly 70 teachers, the majority of whom have attained master's degrees.  Morton High's extensive curriculum offers over 125 courses, including college preparatory, general education, as well as technology preparation courses. Additionally, MHS offers a full inclusion program for those students with special needs.

During the 2004-2005 school year, Morton High School celebrated, "A Century of Excellence!," one hundred years of service to the students and community of Morton.  The current building was constructed in three phases between 1954 and 1976.  Additionally, a 450-seat, state-of-the-art performing Arts Theater was added in 1997.  MHS is a well-designed, tri-level facility which houses one of the most complete industrial technology components in central Illinois, including a TV studio and multiple computer labs.

The Potters, the school's nickname, symbolizes the fact that Morton housed the largest kiln pottery industry west of New York City until the late 1960s.  The various Morton Potters extracurricular teams have represented MHS well, as students participate in art, business, industrial technology, and speech activities.  The school's athletic, music, and extra-curricular academic teams have achieved outstanding records, augmenting Morton High's reputation for strong academic, music, and athletic programs.