41°
Mailley, 17, is the first Cliffside Park student to receive the Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award in its 17-year history.
"I was shocked when I first heard I was receiving the award," said Mailley, an honor-roll student who plays on the varsity volleyball team and is involved in drama club. "But I am very proud to be able to stand out like that."
The Cliffside Park native plans to study special education in college. She hopes to one day work in a grammar school teaching special needs pupils.
The West Point Society's award goes to high school juniors who exhibit exceptional performance and potential in the areas of academics, athletics, community service, good citizenship and leadership.
"This award really speaks to the leadership role Mikayla has taken on here in the school," said Cliffside Park High School Principal Larry Pinto, who nominated her. "She is a model for her classmates."
Click here to follow Daily Voice Cliffside Park-Edgewater and receive free news updates.
