In Memory of

Class of 1931
Nov 10, 1913 - Dec 25, 2001

Lifelong resident of Lead, known as the "Grandma" to the Students of Lead High School. Well beloved teacher and disciplinarian, spent her life devoted to the education of the future of tomorrow of journalism. Born November 10, 1913 to Virgillio Morganti and Anita (Ghelarducci) Morganti. Preceded in death by her parents and her beloved sister Mary Morganti Givorgi. Helen and Mary loved their traveling the world vacations, fifteen trips in all. With excursions to Galapagos Islands, Peru, the Amazon, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, Russia and Austraila. Fluent in Italian and Spanish, she was a woman of many talents indeed. When World War II began, Helen served as a Director of Service Clubs. By the time of Discharge, she had earned the rank of Captain. She also was the first woman Public Relations Director for the United States Army Corps of Engineers, as well as serving as Public Relations Director for the Black Hills Ordinance Depot at Igloo, South Dakota. Helen, through her work, became an honorary member of the Sioux Tribe. The woman was always working for the next achievement and never resting upon her laurels. While working in Tenure at Lead High School, she worked diligently to bring the school up to excellence. So much that the school won the coveted Bellamy Award for being a school of distinction. The only school in South Dakota to obtain that honor. Helen rallied the students to submit articles, she interviewed alumni to get their opinion as to why Lead High School should be considered for this prestigious award. After the submissions were entered, Lead High School was awarded the Bellamy Award in 1970. In addition, Helen Morganti was selected to serve on the national Bellamy Award Board. Ms. Morganti was always remembered walking in the the school during the Fall to Spring Term at Lead High School, wearing a long wool plaid coat, her large purse and a scarf to cover her hair. Iconic look for an Iconic Lady. She was always so thoughtful. When seniors were graduating, she would give some that she knew well, photos of them that had been taken throughout their years in good old Lead High. She was a member of all sorts of education groups, veterans organizations, civic clubs, also nonprofit organizations. She was definitely a blaze runner for the future of women in society and business. She encourage as a mentor for girls to excel in writing and journalism. Her entire life was amazing. Fantastic writer, fantastic woman, fantastic friend. No one can replace the Great Miss Morganti!