Les Morris received the Master Educator Award from Concordia University, in Concordia Seward, Nebraska at the Commencement Honor Dinner on May 6. 

Born in Astoria and raised in Seaside, Morris graduated from Seaside High School in 1960.

Morris received his diploma from Concordia College, Portland, Oregon, in 1962. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Concordia Teacher’s College, Seward, Nebraska in 1964 and continued his education at Pepperdine University, receiving his Masters in School Administration in 1966. Morris also received a Master’s degree in Theology from Simpson College, San Francisco in 1979.

Morris began his teaching career at First Lutheran School, in Culver City, California. His next teaching position was at Bethany Lutheran School in Menlo Park, California. In 1985, he joined the faculty at West Portal Lutheran, where he serves as head teacher and also teaches English and religion.

Morris began his ministry at First Lutheran School, Culver City, California, teaching fifth and sixth grade and counseling the middle school and high school youth group.

He was called to Bethany Lutheran School, Menlo Park, California, in 1966. He was a teacher, administrator, principal and pastoral assistant during his time at Bethany. Morris then spent one semester substitute teaching in the Mid-Peninsula Public School system and the second semester as a fourth-grade teacher at Bethel Lutheran School, Cupertino, California. In 1985, Morris began serving at West Portal Lutheran School as the sixth-grade teacher. Morris spent over 30 years at West Portal fulfilling many roles including teacher, principal, counselor and advisor.

Morris volunteered his time in both his church and community. His long list of service includes many in the education sector including adult reading tutor, reviewer of children’s literature, proofreader, evaluator of Lutheran and Catholic local schools, mentor to new teachers and leadership roles in many education conferences and committees.

Morris gave much of his time to student athletics serving as Commissioner and treasurer for the Lutheran Athletic Association, director of the Lutheran Basketball Tournament and cheerleading Contest and vice president of Nabata Yero Gridiron Club. Morris also served his community by leading devotions at local convalescent hospitals, visiting shut-ins, serving the needy with clothes, food and shelter as coordinator of Mid-Peninsula Ministry and teaching Vacation Bible School.

He retired in September and recently purchased a home in Seaside.