By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Hudson – Over 200 friends, relatives and other supporters gathered Oct. 18 for the third annual Miles and Smiles for Michaella, a 3.2-mile walk beginning and ending at Morgan Bowl.
It was an occasion to remember Michaella “Kayla” Walsh Libby, a 2010 Hudson High School graduate who died unexpectedly in 2012 at age 20. While majoring in public health at the University of Maryland (UM), she tutored inner-city children with Kids Power in Washington, D.C., and raised funds for the UM chapter of Students Helping Honduras (SHS).
Inspired by her love of fashion, nine brave women and four good-natured men donned stilettos prior to the walk for a 50-yard, high-heeled dash. Also, a shorter walk called “Michaella’s Mile” was introduced this year. A raffle with donated items raised additional funds. New or gently-used soccer equipment was collected for a new program to help Honduran youth stay out of gangs.
Proceeds go to the Michaella Walsh Libby Scholarship Fund, which is awarded to students who share her interest in community service or will major in a health-related field. Contributions are also given to Kids Power and SHH.
UM students went to Honduras and built a school, which is dedicated in memory of Michaella.
For more information about the scholarship fund, visit michaellawalshlibby.com. To learn more about how Michaella’s parents are continuing her mission, view “Libby Family Visits SHH” at youtube.com/watch?v=vOofj1WGVe4.
Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.