The Morris Educational Foundation’s premier fundraising talent show returns to the Mayo Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased through MPAC at www.mayoarts.org/shows/morristown-onstage-2026/.
Special Launch Offer: Buy 4+ tickets by February 4 and receive 10% off (Valid on Premium, Section A & Section B seats).
Don't miss our 19th annual event featuring 14 amazing musical and dance acts from Morristown area talent and beyond. Learn about them at www.morristownonstage.com.
Every dollar raised benefits the Morris Educational Foundation’s mission to enhance educational opportunities in the Morris School District for every student, every day.
MEF Announces Launch of Artisan Academy at MHS
In partnership with Morristown High School, the MEF proudly announces the launch of the Artisan Academy, an innovative new pathway designed to help student artists transform creativity into opportunity. The Academy is made possible through a private investment from the Lauren & Emily Failla Foundation (LEFF), a non-profit organization created to honor the memory of Lauren and Emily Failla, beloved daughters of Frank and Kay Failla and alumni of Morristown High School.
The idea for the Artisan Academy was sparked by MHS Fine Arts and Technical Education teachers, led by Liz Ostendorp and Jim Boothby, who recognized the need for a program that would help creative students with an entrepreneurial spirit connect their artistic talents with real-world possibilities. Students will explore product design, branding, marketing, and small business development. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and internship opportunities, students will gain experience in creating, producing, and promoting marketable products—building the foundation for a sustainable enterprise and meaningful income potential.
Designed to broaden access and opportunity beyond conventional academic pathways, the Artisan Academy is intentionally inclusive. It is designed for creative students who may not yet be certain of their future plans but demonstrate curiosity, commitment, and a strong work ethic. Students can enroll in the Artisan Academy this spring for the 2026-2027 school year.
Students in the Academy will receive structured guidance in product development and marketing while connecting with professionals who can offer mentorship and exposure to industry practices. Over time, participants will learn how to grow a small enterprise responsibly and creatively, gaining skills that are transferable to many career paths.
The holiday season is the perfect time to thank educators for their positive impact and influence on our students and schools. Show your gratitude by ordering personalized Teacher Tribute cards now through December 10 to receive by December 17.
The MEF has opened auditions for its premier fundraiser, Morristown ONSTAGE. At the must-see event of the year, the selected finalists will perform at the Mayo Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 with a chance to win $1,000.
Auditions will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Morristown High School and are open to those who live, work, worship, receive talent training or attend school in Morristown, Morris Township and Morris Plains, as well as alumni of Morristown High School. Audition by December 5 at www.morristownonstage.com. Registration is free through November 16.
The Morris Educational Foundation awarded five new grants totaling $21,573 that will enhance learning across the Morris School District this year:
* Reading Readiness: Preschooler-Parent Shared Reading
* Footprints Mentorship Program
* Tutoring at FMS
* Advanced Telephoto Sports Lens for MHS
* Equipment to Enhance the MHS Lab Experience
Created in memory of Myles Mislavsky, a 2013 MHS graduate, this $5,000 Award reduces the burden of college or trade school student loan debt for Morristown High School (MHS) alumni. Graduates of Morristown High School can apply for this Award until Thursday, October 30. It is expected that six to ten Awards will be presented in November 2025.
Check out the Fall 2025 edition of The District Newsletter, a joint publication with the MEF, the Morris School District and Morristown Colonial Nation. Enjoy all the fantastic highlights and accolades from the 2024-25 school year.
The Morris Educational Foundation is proud to announce it has awarded $124,225 in grants and programs to the Morris School District in the 2024-2025 school year. Twenty-five grants were awarded supporting the academic pursuits of all 5,700 students in all ten schools. Click to view the full list of grants awarded in the 2024-2025 school year.
The MEF is proud to have awarded over $400,000 in scholarships to support the academic pursuits of 31 outstanding Morristown High School seniors. Thanks to local organizations, alumni and individuals, the MEF can provide support to ease their financial burden while they achieve their dreams in college and beyond. Click to view the full list of present and past award winners and their post-graduate plans.
Learn more about the colleges, universities and other post-graduate plans for the class of 2025.
