“It is still a highlight of mine when I think back to ISKL, Malaysia and high school life overall.” Although it was 30 years ago, receiving the Scott Smith Award in 1990 remains memorable for Tim Munnerlyn (‘90), High School volleyball, basketball and softball standout athlete and leader.
Tim remembers the intense expectation and speculation prior to the award announcement saying, “I felt like the Scott Smith award was a coveted award to win. Many students would speculate on who the winners would be prior to the announcement and it was an honor to win it. Being able to have your name on a plaque that would remain at the school for years to come was a nice bonus to winning the award.”
Also receiving the Coaches’ Award for Volleyball and Most Valuable Player for both Basketball and Softball, Tim says, “I like to think I was a good teammate but I love the competition of sports and enjoyed the coaching I received at ISKL.”
The award is named for Scott Smith (‘76), a spirited and enthusiastic basketball player who spent only his sophomore year at ISKL in 1973-74. Scott was cycling to his summer job when he was hit by a car and tragically passed away. His sister, Kendra Smith Callaway (’75), says that Scott loved ISKL recalling, “At the end of the first week of school in KL he said, ‘Wow, I have more friends after one week at ISKL than after an entire year in the states!’” Each year, the Scott Smith Award is given to the male and female outstanding sportsperson of the year, with selection being based on athletic ability, leadership and sportsmanship.
Describing his years at ISKL as “some of the best days of my life”, Tim went on to study Science at Louisiana State University, and then a Master’s Degree in Education at Buffalo State University. He has worked as a School Counsellor in International Schools in the United Arab Emirates and Poland, and is now the Director of Education Partnerships for Cialfo, the College Application Platform, in Warsaw.
His message to the 2020 recipient of the Scott Smith Award: “First of all – Congratulations! This is a big honor to join the list of student-athletes who have won this award. Winning this award means you have led, sacrificed and given all you can in your respected sports. You will always remember this moment and cherish your time as a student-athlete at ISKL. Go Panthers!”
Tim is pictured here, back row third from left, with his Varsity Basketball Team in Taipei for IASAS 1990.
“Winning this award means you have led, sacrificed and given all you can in your respected sports.” Tim Munnerlyn (‘90), Scott Smith Award 1990
