From the Morris Educational Foundation:
MORRISTOWN ONSTAGE 2021 WINNER “TAKES FLIGHT”
AT NEW YORK JETS PRESEASON GAME
Morristown, NJ (September 13, 2021) – The Morris Educational Foundation (MEF), host of the annual fundraiser, Morristown ONSTAGE, today welcomed Maya Bhide as the newest talent show winner to sing the national anthem at MetLife Stadium.
As the 18 and Under winner and Top Vocalist of Morristown ONSTAGE 2021, Maya received the New York Jets Take Flight Award at the all virtual show in March, giving her the opportunity to audition.
Morristown ONSTAGE features the best amateur talent from those who live, work, train or attend school in the towns of Morristown, Morris Township and Morris Plains as well as alumni of Morristown High School.
A resident of Randolph, and a junior at Morristown-Beard School, Maya recorded herself singing the national anthem this summer, and her spot-on audition led her to perform the notoriously difficult song in front of the live crowd.
Maya took to the field during the Friday, Aug. 27, 2021, New York Jets preseason game vs. the Philadelphia Eagles and wowed fans with her beautiful rendition of the “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Having rehearsed the song and arrangement three to four times a day about two weeks prior to the game, Maya felt calm and confident going into her performance.
“It was incredible singing in front of thousands of people – it felt like I was on top of the world,” said Maya.
“I briefly saw myself on the big screen in the beginning and end of my performance and that got my adrenaline pumping. I will remember having my family by my side and all the love and positive energy that comes from the crowd. And I want to thank Morristown ONSTAGE and the New York Jets for giving me this amazing opportunity.”
“We are thrilled that Maya was able to experience this notable achievement courtesy of the New York Jets,” said Melanie Smith, Morristown ONSTAGE event chair and vice chair of the Morris Educational Foundation Board of Trustees.
“Her performance of Mariah Carey’s Hero at Morristown ONSTAGE was indeed a showstopper, but watching her sing the national anthem in front of a crowd of this magnitude was extremely special.”
Morristown ONSTAGE was created to further the Morris Educational Foundation’s ability to distribute financial and other resources to and for the Morris School District for enrichment programs and other projects. The 2021 all virtual event successfully raised $150,000 for the MEF.
About Morris Educational Foundation
The Morris Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that seeks to attract private resources to support a variety of educational programs and initiatives in support of the Morris School District. Through effective solicitation and distribution of funds, the Morris Educational Foundation helps enable the District to continue to be the model of visionary social and educational leadership it has been since its inception. For more information, visit www.morrisedfoundation.org.
