MORENCI — The 2025 annual Morenci Education Foundation Dinner and Auction is dedicated to Ted and Ivy Hutchison, two devoted alumni who have given a lot to Morenci.
When asked how they feel about being honored this way, Ted replied, “I feel overwhelmed. I never thought something like this would ever happen.”
Ivy said, “It’s good to honor the people behind the scenes. There are a lot of people that make an event happen and it’s good to celebrate them.”
Ivy graduated from Morenci High School in 1978 and attended Adrian College to study elementary education. After completing two years, she took a break to raise her children. In 1987, she began working at Morenci Elementary School as a teacher’s aide. Later, the family moved to Drummond Island, Michigan, where she taught in a co-op preschool. It was there that Ivy realized preschool was truly where her passion lay.
“I’m the oldest of six. I always knew I wanted to work with kids,” she said. “But it wasn’t until Drummond Island that I knew it was with preschoolers.”
When the family moved back to Morenci in 2000, Ivy began working for Head Start in Morenci as an aide. Balancing three children at home and full-time work, she took online classes and earned her B.A. in Family Life Education from Western Michigan University. She accepted a position with Early Head Start in Adrian as a home visitor, where she worked with infants and toddlers and their families.
Throughout her time in Morenci, she has been deeply involved in the community — serving as PTO president, planning the annual Fun Night, and volunteering at the elementary school whenever needed. She also joined the Garden Club in 2005, helping connect students with gardening and crafting activities.
Over the years, Ivy has served as a school board member, 4-H leader, Girl Scout leader, and coach for softball, soccer, and baseball. She has also supported Band Boosters, PTA, the Town & Country Festival, and the Alumni Connection. Like her husband, she is dedicated to helping wherever needed.
“You see a need, you fill it,” Ivy said as Ted nodded in agreement. “We don’t say no very often.”
Ted started helping and working at a young age, doing yard work for residents, and taking a job at Knoblauch Grocery Store at age 14. After graduation, he bought a house in Morenci. Newly married to Ivy, he gained valuable hands-on experience making it livable.
“It was a real fixer-upper. And we did it ourselves,” he said.
He later worked at Stauffer Chemical in Weston, where he earned his journeyman millwright certification — a skill that would prove valuable throughout his career.
In 1988, Ted moved the family to Drummond Island for a job opportunity. He quickly adapted to the challenges of island life.
“I liked living on the island. It was quiet. You could spend a lot of time outdoors with nature,” he said. He worked at the water treatment plant for Domino’s Lodge, earning the first of many water treatment certifications
When the family returned to Morenci, Ted began a new career with the Lenawee County Drain Commission, where he earned numerous certifications and licenses. He then became the wastewater operator for the city of Hudson while also working part-time as Morenci’s wastewater operator. During this time, he was honored as Michigan’s Wastewater Operator of the Year.
In addition to his career, Ted has contributed to the community by helping with Garden Club flowers, the Alumni Reunion Committee, and the Town & Country Festival Committee. He currently supports the DDA with projects and enjoys tinkering in his barn, working around the house, and helping family and friends with various projects.
When asked to name three things he really likes about Morenci, he replied, “There are so many opportunities to be involved with the community. You can help with an event already planned, or you can create your own.” He then talked about a BB gun tournament he sponsored, for which he also handcrafted the trophies. Secondly, he named the Stair District Library as a favorite part of Morenci. “They have fun activities for the kids and always help people. They are a great asset.” Lastly, Ted said, “This is a safe community. If you need help, you can ask a stranger and not worry about being in danger. People will help.”
Ivy answered the same question by saying, “I like how the community pulls together in times of need or celebration, how our downtown is really coming together and because our school is small, everybody knows everybody and that makes for a tight knit community.”
Both Ted and Ivy are excited for the future of Morenci.
“I think Heather Sarnac and other city workers are making decisions that are pulling our community together,” Ted stated. Ivy concurred, adding, “the city and the school have had some rough times, but I believe things are on the upswing.”
A word of advice for Morenci students: “We’re graduates of Morenci and we’re living a good life,” Ivy said. “No matter what your circumstances, there is always hope and a path out there for you.”
“We want everyone to be successful,” she continued, “no matter what that means to them.”
The 2025 Morenci Education Foundation Dinner and Auction will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 6 p.m. in the Morenci High School cafeteria.
The evening will also include the presentation of Distinguished Alumni Awards to John Craig ’88 and Kay Dickerson-Holubik ’02.