How Did We Start?
2MYLES4AUTISM is a 2.5 mile run/walk held in the Howard-Suamico School District each April. The event was originally conceived as a way to raise autism awareness. In 2012, the 3rd graders in Mrs. Vanessa Moran's classroom at Meadowbrook Elementary School decided that they wanted to honor their classmate, Myles, who has autism. Having autism means that he struggles with understanding how to navigate the many social aspects of school and life each day. His classmates understood his struggles and wanted to find a way to support him, which is just what they did through the creation of this event.
They came up with the idea to host this event for several reasons:
- April is “Autism Awareness Month” and this event helps to raise awareness for the struggles of autism.
- The class was very supportive of Myles and recognized that this was a way to help kids to understand his disability and work to build compassion for students with autism and all types of disabilities.
- The date of the event corresponds with Myles' birthday - April 28!
- April is “Autism Awareness Month” and this event helps to raise awareness for the struggles of autism.
- The class was very supportive of Myles and recognized that this was a way to help kids to understand his disability and work to build compassion for students with autism and all types of disabilities.
- The date of the event corresponds with Myles' birthday - April 28!
This Year's Event
This year, our 13TH ANNUAL EVENT, will be at Meadowbrook Elementary School on Saturday, April 20, 2024. As in years past, students in schools all across the Howard-Suamico School District assist with the event. Students work collaboratively to organize the event which incorporates dozens of skills that are taught in a project-based learning opportunity. We have switched our focus from awareness to acceptance! All proceeds will provide assistance for students with autism in the Howard-Suamico School District. We hope that you will be able to join us!
Meet Myles
Myles graduated from Bay Port High School in 2021. He was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4. Some of his favorite things include Sonic, Mario, Star Wars, art, and learning about animals. He is learning to drive, enjoys therapeutic horseback riding and (last summer) plays in an adaptive baseball program! He is currently doing an on-the-job training program called Project Search (held at Bellin and St. Vincent Hospitals), a program sponsored by the Howard-Suamico School District.
The Course 2024
We will begin at Meadowbrook Elementary and walk east through the Meadowbrook Park path to Cardinal Lane. Then, take a right (South) on Cardinal Lane to Riverside Drive by the YMCA. Take a right (West) on Riverside Drive, and right (North) onto Hillcrest Heights, and another right (East) at the North side of the front of the school building. This path is 2 1/2 miles long! See the map below for more information.