Springfield Senior Awarded Scholarship In Memory Of Jonathan Dayton HS Alumni

SPRINGFIELD, NJ — At the Jonathan Dayton High School Scholastic Awards Ceremony, Springfield Senior Molly Thompson received the first 2016 Brian M. McNany Memorial Scholarship in memory of former Dayton alumni Brian M. McNany, Class of 1977.

The McNany Foundation has created an annual Brian M. McNany Memorial Scholarship Award at the Jonathan Dayton High School in Brian's memory. The criteria for the scholarship are that it is a sports scholarship given to a student who has successfully demonstrated a willingness to be involved in community service.

The award is in the amount of $1,000.

This year’s recipient Molly Thompson is a 2-year varsity cross-country runner and a 4-year member of the Jonathan Dayton Chorale, a 4-year performer in Dayton’s annual spring musical and the Vice President of the JDHS French Club.

Molly is a member of the National Honor Society and has received an AP Scholar with Honor Award. Molly has exhibited generous community service involvement at the Food Bank of NJ, Bridges of Summit, NJ and the St. Augustine’s Parish in Newark with packing food boxes, serving, and feeding the hungry in the surrounding communities and New York City.

Molly stated in her required essay, these “experiences showed me directly some of the problems in our community and how service really helps. I learned that 1 out of every 5 children in New Jersey faces hunger – a number I could not even fathom.”

The McNany Charitable Foundation’s was established in memory of the untimely passing of immediate McNany family members, Ms. Ann Marie McNany mother and her two sons, Paul A and Brian M. McNany.

The Foundation’s mission to assist and provide opportunities to youth, athletic and community service orientated programs.

The McNany Family has long history with the Township of Springfield, moving to Springfield in 1970, Ann Marie McNany, raised her five children on her own, worked fulltime as a registered nurse, and volunteered within the community for the Springfield First Aid Squad, Dayton Boosters, and St. James Church. She instilled in her children the importance of giving back to the community and to assist those less fortunate.

Brian M. McNany was a three sport varsity player and recognized high school athlete, with the Class of ’77 of Jonathan Dayton High School. He was a successful member of the Montclair State University Football Team. He became Springfield’s Recreation Director shortly after his college graduation. Brian also had a special commitment to give back to the community as a high school basketball and football coach within the Union County Regional School District.

Brian mentored many students along the way impacting many within the community over the years. Brian was an active Recreation Athletic Referee which enabled him to guide and instruct the youth of many communities. Brian McNany passed away in March, 2015 after a three year battle of cancer at age 55.

The remaining McNany siblings, Ed, Rita and Mike are honored on behalf of our contributors to have presented Molly Thompson with the 2016 Brian M. McNany Memorial Scholarship.Anyone wishing to donate to The McNany Charitable Foundation, PO Box 201, Springfield, NJ 07081.

The 2nd annual fundraiser for the foundation is scheduled for early October. To learn more send an email to: mcfinc2015@gmail.com.

- By Rita McNany

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