Brian Morris receiving a Navy Achievement Medal for developing a program that tracked overstocked supplies, which saved the department tens of thousands of dollars.
Naval facility Whidbey Island, Washington, where Brian Morris spent most of his career; he served from 1988-1993. Also pictured, Morris’ portrait from boot camp.
Brian Morris receiving a Navy Achievement Medal for developing a program that tracked overstocked supplies, which saved the department tens of thousands of dollars.
WHITE SALMON — Brian Morris, principal of Wallace & Priscilla Stevenson Intermediate and Henkle Middle School, joined the Navy for several reasons.
None of which was a desire to serve on a ship.
Brian Morris, Navy veteran and principal of Wallace & Priscilla Stevenson Intermediate and Henkle Middle School
“Despite not wanting to serve on a ship, I ended up in a sea-going role,” he said. “My chosen job offered limited shore-based positions, but graduating at the top of my class from A-School allowed me first pick in selecting my orders.”
Morris served from 1988-1993. He was first assigned to Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for a year, “working at a shore-based command dedicated to submarine detection using acoustic buoys,” he said. “My only experience on the open sea amounted to a single day aboard a small salvage ship cruising around Oahu.”
He then served for four years at Whidbey Island, Washington. “I served during the first Gulf War, though being on shore duty meant I didn’t see direct action,” he said.
Regardless, he was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal — one of his most memorable experiences — after noticing significant financial waste in its supply department.
“With technology still in its early stages for managing inventory, I developed a basic program to identify overstocked items,” Morris said. “We were able to send this overstock back into the supply chain, which ultimately saved my base tens of thousands of dollars.”
While serving on a ship wasn’t his reason to enlist, choosing the Navy was a practical choice. He wasn’t a strong student in high school — though he dreamed of becoming a teacher — and knew his family couldn’t afford to send him to college. It was also a family tradition, with his grandfather, father and uncles all serving. Enlisting with a close friend from high school through the buddy program, the two were allowed to attend boot camp together.
And after his enlistment ended, he was able to attend college on a full ride scholarship due to a non-combat injury. He earned his associate degree from Columbia Basin Community College in 1995, and then transferred to Eastern Washington University to complete his bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
“As I mentioned, I struggled academically in high school, barely graduating and initially seeing myself more as a follower than a leader,” he said. “However, my time in the Navy transformed me. I quickly advanced from Seaman Apprentice to Petty Officer 2nd Class in under two years, eventually becoming the leading petty officer of my department before I turned 21. This experience instilled in me the confidence to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher, hoping to support students who might face challenges similar to my own.”
He began teaching in 1997 at Wind River Middle School in the Stevenson-Carson School District (SCSD), a tenure that lasted 16 years. He also served as the district’s technical coordinator from 2002-2014.
Naval facility Whidbey Island, Washington, where Brian Morris spent most of his career; he served from 1988-1993. Also pictured, Morris’ portrait from boot camp.
Photos courtesy Brian Morris
In 2000, he earned a master’s degree in teaching from City University in Seattle and his principal certification at Gonzaga University in Spokane in 2013. After 19 years with SCSD, he became assistant principal at Columbia High School, part of the White Salmon Valley School District (WSVSD) in 2016.
“Joining White Salmon Valley Schools was a refreshing change,” he said. “Having taken on increasing leadership responsibilities in Stevenson, I felt well-prepared for the transition.”
Five years later, then superintendent Jerry Lewis invited Morris to serve as interim principal at Henkle Middle School for the 2021-2022 school year, which became a permanent position later that year. In 2023-2024, he also assumed the principalship at Wallace & Priscilla Stevenson Intermediate.
“One wonderful surprise has been the community’s strong support for our schools,” Morris said. “We have dedicated groups like Band Boosters, an active PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization), and the remarkable White Salmon Valley Education Foundation — all invaluable support that didn’t exist at my previous district.
Brian Morris' entire company at boot camp; he's top right, second to last row and second sailor from the end.
Photo courtesy Brian Morris
“Another wonderful surprise has been the quality of the teaching staff,” he added. “Our educators consistently go above and beyond for students, whether by leading clubs, tutoring after hours, coaching or organizing memorable events. There is always someone making a difference, creating special experiences that enrich our students’ lives.”
Morris said that he initially felt some embarrassment around his military service, believing he hadn’t made a significant impact because he served on land. But with time, he now feels differently. “With age and experience, I grew to take pride in my role, realizing that every contribution counts, no matter how small,” he said.
Morris has been married to his wife, Crescence Morris, since 1991. The two have four children and four grandchildren.
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Columbia Gorge News’ annual Veterans Salute can be found inside the Nov. 6 issue, honoring those who have served.
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