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Celtics donate basketball court to Union Hill School

Students smile while wearing Celtics t-shirts
Students at the Union Hill School during the dedication of the new outdoor basketball court on Friday, September 22, 2023. (Photo by Laraine Weschler, WPS Communications Specialist)

WORCESTER – Friday, September 22, 2023 – Union Hill Elementary School students opened their new basketball court with some pro tips from Boston Celtics player Jordan Walsh on Friday.

Walsh, who joined the Celtics this year, shot hoops with the elementary students and led them in basketball drills. The Celtics dance team taught the students how to move with, as they call it, “swag sway.”

Through the efforts of neighboring private school Worcester Academy, the Boston Celtics, in collaboration with New Balance, renovated the basketball court at Union Hill School. Union Hill is part of the Worcester Public Schools. The new outdoor court at the neighborhood school features the Celtic’s logo. Walsh signed the backboard of the new hoops. All the students received new Celtics-colored basketballs during the event.

Marie Morse expresses surprise as she is surprised by cheering students in the auditorium.
Assistant Superintendent School Principal Marie Morse expresses surprise as she is met with cheering students in the auditorium. The school has proposed naming the basketball court after Dr. Morse, who served as principal of Union Hill from 2010-2016. (Photo by Laraine Weschler, WPS Communications Specialist.)

Union Hill has proposed naming the renovated court after former principal Dr. Marie Morse, who is now Assistant Superintendent for WPS. Dr. Morse led the school through a successful turnaround process from 2010-2016.

“Dr. Morse has gained the respect of this school and the community for her work,” said current principal Ishmael Tabales.

Dr. Morse believes that education is the most potent tool for individual and societal progress. She continues to work to inspire, motivate, and lead toward a brighter, more equitable future for all. She has worked to support a culture of trust, collaboration, and accountability in her many roles in the WPS.

Boston Celtics player Jordan Walsh gives high-fives to students.
Boston Celtics player Jordan Walsh gives high-fives to students. (Photo by Laraine Weschler, WPS Communications Specialist)

Boston Celtics player Jordan Walsh meets students

WPS administrators stand in front of a large banner that says, "Dr. Marie Morse Court."
From left: WPS Executive Director Will Foley, Union Hill Principal Ishmael Tabales, Asst. Superintendent Marie Morse, and Executive Directors Kareem Tatum and Ellen Kelley.