The Moorestown Improvement Association (MIA) is pleased to announce it awarded its annual MIA Scholarship of $1,000 to Grace Haller, and it awarded Carlie MacMillan its annual Ellen Shiplee Scholarship for $1,000. Both recipients were members of the 2019 graduating class of Moorestown High School and were selected because of their contributions and commitment to improving the greater Moorestown community.
Haller will be attending Stockton University where she is planning to pursue a course of study in environmental science. She looks forward to eventually conducting environmental research or involvement in “enforcing environmental policies to help preserve our planet.” MacMillan will attend James Madison University this fall. She expects to major in a program, which will lead to a career in the field of speech language pathology/audiology.
While students at MHS, both of these young women were involved in a variety of school and community activities. During high school, Haller had considerable experience with helping others in need.
“I have been on four mission trips with the Appalachian Service Project, and every time I go, it reminds me about the importance of community,” Haller said.
MacMillan was a member of the Interact service club at MHS, serving in a leadership position. She also spent time last summer renovating houses in Jonesville, Va.
“By week’s end, not only were the houses refurbished but I had made a connection to the family members,” MacMillan said. “If you take some time out of your bustling life to volunteer, you can feel the gratitude and accomplishment of easing the struggle for someone else.”
Since its founding in 1904, the Moorestown Improvement Association has been dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life in the community. Over the years, MIA members have actively engaged in and financially supported initiatives focused on historic preservation, heritage appreciation, environmental concerns and perpetuating the township’s tree-planting tradition.