Applications Are Open For 'Myles Smiled On You' Award

Press release from The Morris Educational Foundation:

Sept. 22, 2021

To lessen the burden of Morristown High School (MHS) alumni needing to repay college or trade school student loans, the Morris Educational Foundation (MEF), today announced online applications are open for the Myles Smiled on You Award. Now through Sunday, October 31, Morristown High School graduates from the class of 2009 or after can apply for the secondary education loan reduction award created in memory of 2013 MHS graduate, Myles Mislavsky.

Compassionate, beloved and giving are all words often used to describe Myles Mislavsky. Known for his bright personality and remarkable smile, his family – Hector Mislavsky, Judy Martinez and Jessie Mislavsky – are keeping his spirit, commitment and smile alive through this award for secondary education loan reduction. The award is for deserving MHS alumni who exemplify Myles' many positive characteristics and who have outstanding college or trade school debt. It is funded by Myles' family, friends and the Golden Bagel Runners and will be administered by the MEF, a non-profit organization, which enhances excellence in education in the Morris School District.

“The MEF is incredibly honored to once again administer the Myles Smiled on You Award on behalf of the Mislavsky/Martinez family,” said Molly Servais, Morris Educational Foundation Scholarship chair and member of the Morris Educational Foundation Board of Trustees. “Myles was a true treasure who embodied kindness, community and positivity and he continues to inspire others through his legacy today. We are extremely grateful to these passionate donors who in honoring Myles, continue to make a lasting impact on alumni who are dedicated to helping others.”

To be considered for this award, Morristown High School alumni must have graduated from a 2- or 4-year college, university or trade school and must meet the application requirements. In 2021, no less than five awards of up to $5,000 will be presented to alumni who graduated after 2009, at least one of whom graduated with Myles in 2013.

In addition to demonstrating secondary education debt burden, the award application requires three essays of 250 words or less detailing the following topics: How did you or are you dealing with challenging mental, physical health or other situations; Describe how you have demonstrated empathy toward others; and What do you do to help your family/community, accompanied by a letter of recommendation.

It is the hope of the Mislavsky/Martinez family that with this financial award, Myles will “smile on” Morristown High School alumni just as he did during his amazing life. Since inception two years ago, 15 recipients each received a $5,000 Myles Smiles on You Award for student loan debt reduction.

For more information on the Myles Smiled on You Award and to access the online application, click here.

This press release was produced by The Morris Educational Foundation. The views expressed here are the author's own.