On March 20, 2024 at the Dragonetti Auditorium on the County College of Morris campus, Montville Township High School senior, Sophia Kalliaras, was nominated by Principal Douglas Sanford for the Morris County School Boards Association Unsung Hero Award.
In his speech, Mr. Sanford remarked, "Sophia is an exceptionally talented young woman. She has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence throughout her high school years. She exhibits a profound thirst for knowledge and a genuine passion for learning, evident in her...outstanding grades and impressive academic achievements.
Beyond the classroom, Sophia is a remarkable two-sport varsity athlete, excelling in both soccer and basketball... Additionally, Sophia's role as a team manager for softball highlights her leadership and commitment to supporting her peers in their athletic endeavors. Moreover, her dedication to community service is exceptional. Sophia actively engages in service-oriented clubs such as Relay for Life, REACH, Make-a-Wish, and Missy's Miracle. Her involvement in these clubs showcases her dedication to community service and her drive to make a positive impact on the world around her.
For Sophia, however, participation is not enough. This young woman has saved another person’s life. Her mother was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia about three years ago, and her only cure was possible through a stem cell transplant. Originally, doctor’s informed them that there were no matches within the family. Additionally, they were told that there were no matches in the stem cell registry. Undeterred, Sophia connected with an organization called, Be The Match. This organization hosts stem cell registry drives across the country. In April 2023, Sophia presented to all of the senior health classes at MTHS, which was approximately 300 students, to share the importance of joining the stem cell registry. Her efforts were meant to educate her classmates and inspire them to want to make a difference and potentially save a person's life. Well, her presentations paid off! Montville hosted a Be The Match drive in May 2023. In only 2 hours, 64 students and teachers participated in the drive in order to join the stem cell registry. By hosting drives with Be The Match and sharing her mother's story, thousands of people have joined the stem cell registry.
Despite so many participants in multiple drives, none were a match for her mother. However, by some sort of miracle, the family was later informed that they could proceed with a stem cell transplant using a family member. It turns out, Sophia was the match for her mother, and, subsequently, became her donor on June 13, 2023. I hope that the account provided paints a picture of a young woman who is ready to take on the world. Despite tremendous adversity, she found a way to inspire others. Everything she does is for the betterment of the world around her. Montville Township High School is proud to nominate Sophia Kalliaras as the Morris County Unsung Hero."
The entire Montville Township High School school community congratulates Sophia on this tremendous honor!