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Marissa Boyan, a 1999 graduate of Canon-McMillan High School in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania was an outstanding student-athlete and individual. Among her achievements, she lists a Bachelor’s Degree from Kenyon College and a Master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Although these accomplishments are impressive and important, her greatest accomplishments relate to helping others to reach their fullest potential. |
In 2000, while attending Kenyon College, Marissa was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor. The golf ball sized tumor was located behind the brain stem and in front of the cerebellum. This life-threatening condition required a series of surgeries followed by radiation treatments. After waking from a grueling surgery, Marissa was faced with recovering her vision, balance, and motor skills. After several months of hard work, prayer, and grace, Marissa recovered and re-entered Kenyon where she completed her Bachelor’s Degree. Marissa followed her first dream to become a teacher (second dream - Dentistry) where she worked as an English teacher at Independence Middle School in the Bethel Park School District. Marissa continued to coach cross country and swimming where she touched the lives of hundreds of youth athletes. She was always challenging her pupils to work harder, strive for more, and be good people. In the Fall of 2006, Marissa underwent another surgery to reduce the
size of the brain tumor. After several months of fighting the tumor,
Marissa passed away on September 11, 2007. Marissa’s life and her fight
to live a fulfilling, touching life was exceptional. Her life is
demonstrated through how she affected those around her with such
positivity. In her memory, we have created an organization to continue and demonstrate her paradigm on life. We focus on awarding youth on their actions and accomplishments as they demonstrate the meaning of our vision. |
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