Morgan’s Legacy
On November 22nd, 2015, Morgan Karlee was traveling from Washington State University to SeaTac International. She was planning to meet family and spend a fun-filled Thanksgiving week in California. Morgan never made it. She was hit head-on by a distracted driver. Morgan died at the scene.
Born 10 weeks premature weighing only 2 pounds 9 ounces Morgan Karlee struggled to survive her first four months of life and fought mightily through her school years to keep up with her peers. Her "fun-sized" high school height topped at 4' 9' but that didn't deter her from participating in sports and other school activities that piqued her interest. She did not give up on herself and her SISU Spirit was her trademark or nickname from birth.
SISU is a Finnish word best described as someone with determination, tenacity, purpose and resilience, and these characteristics truly embodied the woman Morgan was.
Morgan actively participated in community service projects from a very tender age including visiting and singing to the elderly. She also thoroughly enjoyed accompanying students in special education to their prom. Additionally, Morgan volunteered innumerable hours at The Fright Factory located in the heart of Buckley, WA. However, her niche and passion was her love of music, participating in Tacoma Youth Chorus from 4th grade through high school.
Morgan was an integral part of AVID classes (Advanced Via Individual Determination) throughout her middle and high school years. She demonstrated her deep and consistent desire to meet the goals she set for herself, her education, and her future through her strength, willpower, fortitude, and the SISU Spirit.
With the love and support of family, peers, and the supportive teachers at White River High School, Morgan flourished. She successfully completed advanced placement classes. She was accepted into Washington State University on a music scholarship, loved being part of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority, and carried her SISU spirit wholeheartedly into college campus life.
To revel in the joy Morgan brought into her family’s life, her mother and brother have established the Morgan Cope Legacy Scholarship Fund to honor her memory and award a deserving AVID high school senior from her alma mater, White River High School, an opportunity to also thrive in college.
