Overview

The Mioli Scholarships are prestigious awards presented annually at the Park Ridge High School Senior Awards ceremony each June. These scholarships honor the legacy of Coach Mioli, whose dedication to both academic excellence and family values shaped generations of student-athletes at Park Ridge High School.

Each scholarship provides a $1,000 award to help recipients pursue their post-secondary education goals. The scholarships are made possible through generous donations from community members, alumni, and local businesses who share Coach Mioli's vision of supporting student-athletes in their pursuit of excellence both on and off the field.

Eligibility

These scholarships are exclusively available to qualified graduating seniors who have participated in the Park Ridge High School football program. Candidates must be in good standing with the team and planning to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational program following graduation.

Scholarship Categories

The Grades and Gridiron Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes and rewards academic excellence among football team members. Recipients of this award demonstrate:

• Outstanding academic achievement

• Commitment to scholarly pursuits while balancing athletic responsibilities

• Intellectual curiosity and dedication to learning

• Leadership qualities in the classroom setting

The Wayward Son Scholarship

This scholarship embodies Coach Mioli's profound belief in the importance of family—both by blood and by choice. Recipients of this award demonstrate:

• Strong commitment to supporting teammates as family

• Exceptional team spirit and camaraderie

• Personal growth and overcoming of obstacles through familial support

• Embodiment of Coach Mioli's philosophy that family extends beyond blood relations to include the bonds formed on the football field

Application Process

Eligible seniors must submit their applications by the specified deadline each spring. The selection committee, comprised of faculty members, coaching staff, and community representatives, reviews all applications and selects recipients based on the specific criteria for each scholarship category.

Award Presentation

The Mioli Scholarships are formally presented during the Park Ridge High School Senior Awards ceremony held each June. Recipients are recognized for their achievements and contributions to both the football program and the broader school community.

Contact Information

For more information about the Mioli Scholarships, including application details and donation opportunities, please contact the Park Ridge High School Guidance Office or the Athletic Department.

Anyone interested in contributing may send a check payable to:

Owl Football Boosters

PO Box 307, Park Ridge, NJ 07656

Gary Mioli was just beginning his twenty-fourth year as Head Coach of the “Fighting Owls” when he unexpectedly passed on September 12, 2014. During his first twenty-three seasons, Coach Mioli maintained a winning record of over 55 percent. He coached the Owls to a league championship in 1991, 1998, 1999 and 2002. Mioli was named Coach of the Year in 1991, 1998, 2002, and 2008.

In his coaching tenure at Park Ridge, he continued Park Ridge’s winning tradition and brought it to new heights. In 1995, the Park Ridge Owls won their first state championship. As stated by his assistant coaches, “Park Ridge’s winning tradition now has the coveted state championship to add to its credit.”

The National Football Foundation and College Hall-of-Fame selected Mioli as Coach of the Year in 1995, 2002 and 2008. In 1996, he coached in the New Jersey North/South All-Star game. Mioli was selected as a coach for the Bergen County All-Star Game on six occasions. In 2000, 2002, and 2008, Coach Mioli was named offensive coordinator for the Bergen County High School Football All-Star Game. In addition, he also coached in the NJ/NY Governor’s Bowl. He had served as President of the New Jersey Football Coaches Association and as President of the Bergen County Coaches Association. In 2007, Coach Mioli was put into the Century Victory Club. In the spring of 2008, Coach Moli was honored by being placed in the New Jersey Scholastic Coaches Hall of Fame. Also, in the spring of 2012, Mioli was honored by being placed in the New Jersey Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. In 2013, Coach Mioli entered the Park Ridge High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Posthumously, Mioli was named The New York Jets’ Coach of the Week, the Bergen County Coaches Association Coach of the Year, and received the National Coaches Day Coach of the Year Award. Coach Mioli’s trademark was his family approach to the sport. His enthusiasm and positive attitude left a lasting impression on all his players and he will always have a place in the hearts of the Park Ridge football family.

Coach Mioli’s Lifetime Record: 135 Wins, 108 Losses, 3 Shutouts