Middleton High School’s annual alumni soccer game on Aug. 22 included a pre-game ceremony honoring Jack Miller, a Middleton High School student who died in 2021, with the dedication of a scoreboard in his name.
The Jack Miller Memorial Scoreboard at Burghy Soccer Stadium is a permanent reminder of Jack’s legacy for current Cardinals and generations to come. His family, including dad, John Miller; mom, Lori Reesor; and sister, Sarah Miller, shared a tribute to Jack during the dedication ceremony.
Reesor said that Jack had a variety of interests as a high school student and that soccer was a key part of his senior year. That’s how the family decided that giving back to MHS soccer was the best way to pay tribute to Jack.
“Jack made his mark at MHS in a wide variety of ways,” Reesor said. “For some, it was his leadership on the soccer field; for others, it was his kindness when least expected. For many, it was his outgoing, fun personality that just made everything better. I knew Jack was well-liked and had an impact on others but I didn't realize the significance until he was gone.”
She said Jack’s teammates and classmates have shared stories about his leadership, kindness and irrepressible spirit.
“Jack may not have been the best soccer player on the field, but he was a true leader,” Reesor said at the dedication. “One of his teammates wrote to me after receiving Jack’s memorial scholarship: ‘Whether he knew it or not, Jack was a big part of introducing me to MHS soccer. We all knew he wasn’t the greatest goalie, (no offense ha ha), but he always tried his hardest. Regardless of how many goals were scored against him, he would get right back up with a smile on his face. This taught me what MHS soccer (and soccer in general) is about - enjoying the game.’”
In addition to the scoreboard, the Miller family established a scholarship in Jack’s name to recognize seniors who lived the same values as Jack. It has been awarded to students pursuing post-secondary education, in honor of Jack’s dream to attend UW-Madison, as well as students who have made a difference in the lives of others, in honor of Jack’s approach to living life to its fullest. The scholarship also recognized students battling cancer as Jack was a cancer survivor who had been diagnosed with leukemia in seventh grade.
Reesor said she’s grateful to all the students who have reached out to share stories about Jack and the impact he made in their lives.
“He liked to make others laugh and he didn’t care what others thought,” Reesor said. “We have heard many stories about how Jack did this for students at MHS and we are so very proud of all of Jack’s gifts.”
At the dedication, Reesor thanked the District and MHS leaders and staff: “We want to express our deepest thanks to Superintendent Dana Monogue, former principal Peg Shoemaker, former AD Jamie Sims, current AD Brad Crandell, Jack’s coach Brian Byrne, and Coach Pauls for their support in making this dedication possible. We will forever be grateful for the love this school and the entire Middleton community have wrapped around our family.”
Reesor concluded the dedication by encouraging MHS soccer players to live out Jack’s values to honor his memory.
“To all former, current and future MHS soccer players: whenever you look up at this scoreboard, let it be a reminder of how Jack played the game and live his life – work hard every day, choose ‘we’ over ‘me,’ and always, always have fun,” Reesor said at the dedication. “In Jack’s honor, we ask you to go out there and complete Jack’s masterpiece.”