Heidi Lynn McLaughlin White
June 16, 1976 – March 10, 2004
Peoria, Illinois
Heidi White was a dynamic, energetic and inspiring music teacher at Morton public schools from 1999 until 2004, teaching music and chorus at Jefferson Elementary, upper elementary chorus (comprised of students from all Morton elementary schools), and chorus at Morton Junior High. Heidi encouraged a level of excellence in her teaching and as a living example of ‘being one’s best’ to students, parents, and fellow teachers. It was Heidi’s faith in her Lord Jesus Christ that spurred her on to live each day to its fullest, and to seize every opportunity to demonstrate to everyone she met the loving, positivism of her faith and hope in Christ.
A year before her death, Heidi White shared with fellow music teacher, Katrina Fitzpatrick, Heidi’s dream of establishing a yearly music faculty concert showcasing the musical talents of Morton schools’ faculty. After Heidi’s death in 2004, her idea blossomed into a yearly concert that includes faculty and students, with the proceeds from the concert used to fund summer enrichment opportunities for students to pursue their vocal and instrumental musical interests.
Before performances, Heidi often reminded her students of their ‘special-ness’ and potential, telling them ‘you are the cheese’ , as on pizza – in other words, the BEST part!
Source: Find a Grave