By Sarah Mitchell
If you ever find yourself strolling through the streets of Highland Park, chances are you might bump into Carrie and Jason Morski. Though originally from New York, they have found the Park Cities the perfect place to call home.
Carrie, originally from upstate New York, attended D’youville University in Buffalo, where she not only pursued her degree but also played soccer for four years. After receiving her master’s in physical therapy, Carrie made her way to NYC where she worked for three years. Meanwhile, Jason, also from upstate New York, completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Buffalo and later moved to New York City as well. The two met for the first time in college and dated, and their relationship became more serious while they were both in New York City, with Jason proposing in Central Park.
After an initial move to Preston Hollow in 2006, the Morskis relocated to Highland Park in 2020. “We had so many people that were very helpful in assisting us with finding the right location,” explained Jason. “Rogers Healy spent time sharing stories about what it was like to grow up here and really helped to zero in on what neighborhoods to look for.” It was during Covid when the couple had a chance to step back and reassess what was important to them. “We determined that we wanted to be in a neighborhood where our kids could play with other kids,” they shared. “We wanted that same neighborhood feel that we grew up with the kids riding bikes down the street to a friend’s house or playing outside with the neighborhood kids.” Jason added, “The sense of community here is unmatched. People had told us that, but seeing really is believing. Everyone here is so friendly and helpful. In fact, when we moved in, a neighbor baked us a cake and delivered it with a handwritten note. We knew we were in the right place.”
During their time in Preston Hollow, their two children, Maxwell and Addison, attended Parish Episcopal. They are now students at Bradfield Elementary where Maxwell is in third grade and Addison is in first grade. Both Morski children, like Carrie, love soccer. “They started playing when they turned three, far earlier than when I started in high school,” said Carrie. With an initial start in YMCA soccer, they continued playing during their time at Parish Episcopal with Carrie as coach. They have since joined the team at Bradfield and play club soccer for HPSA. “They both still really enjoy it,” said Carrie. “When I tell Addison she has soccer practice, she is very excited and wants to know how much longer until practice starts. Both kids have excellent coaches and are natural athletes.” In addition to soccer, Maxwell also plays on the Scots club baseball team and a recreational basketball team on the Park Cities Baptist Church Upward league.
In addition to staying busy with the kids, Jason works for MFS Investment Management, one of the largest asset managers in the world, and is credited with inventing America’s first mutual fund in 1924. He also serves on the board of Preservation Park Cities. With a love for their historic Highland Park home and vintage cars, he has now taken on the chairman’s role of the PPC car show. “When we moved to the Park Cities, I began noticing a lot of classic cars and began asking around if there was a group that got together,” shared Jason. “When I found out there wasn’t, I hatched a plan to start one with the idea of getting together twice in the spring and fall for a local Cars and Coffee at Highland Park Village. I later found out about the car show at SMU and asked if I could help out.” After that 2022 car show, Polly and Dan McKeithen asked if he would consider taking over. “I decided it would be fun, and if would help Preservation Park Cities, I would do it.” The charity car show, set for April 20th this year, displays around 350 cars and has close to 2,000 attendees. With his own collection of classic cars, with a focus on vintage and modern Porches, in addition to a vintage Landcruiser, Jason said the one car that he will never give up is his 1976 Porche 911S that he purchased in Manhattan and restored.
Carrie enjoys staying active, and you can often find her walking with their mini Goldendoodle, Murphy. “We love to explore the neighborhood, and he goes with me to drop off the kids at school every day,” Carrie shared. “He has become so popular that the kids at school ask about him.” After taking off the last seven years to raise their children, Carrie is also now exploring her options for re-entering the workforce.
When they’re not involved in community events or sports activities, the Morskis enjoy family traditions and outings. From Colorado ski trips during spring break to sunny days on Florida beaches, their holiday traditions and vacations create memories that will last a lifetime. Regarding local destinations, they make the most of the culinary offerings with frequent trips to Mi Cocina, Café Pacific, Park House, and Honor Bar, saying, “We love Highland Park, and we are so glad we are here!”