Matthew S. Miklas

EVANS, Ga. - Matthew Stephen Miklas, 23, of Evans GA was called to Eternal Peace on Wednesday November 9th, 2011 at Doctors Hospital in Augusta GA with his loving and devoted mother at his side. Matt was born on January 11th, 1988 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda Maryland and, shortly after his birth he was clothed with the robe of Christ's righteousness through Holy Baptism. Matt was blessed with a very active and fulfilled life and he never let any obstacles get in his way. Early on he served as an Ambassador for the March of Dimes while residing in New Jersey. After moving to Columbia County in 1993 Matt became very involved in sports and other community activities. He was one of the first children to participate in the Family Y's Adapted Aquatics Program where he became an accomplished swimmer. He competed nationally and set four Junior National Championship records for breaststroke in his division. Matt also competed in wheelchair sports for nine years with the American Association of Adapted Sports Program (AAASP). He was a team member of the Columbia County Fireballs, playing wheelchair basketball winning two state titles back to back. In team handball (wheelchair soccer) he was one of the Fireballs star goalies and was selected to be on the 2002 Georgia All Star Team, which led to a trip to Houston Texas for an exhibition game at the adult nationals. Matt was also selected to be a member of the Family Y Advisory Committee, which helped to bring Miracle League Baseball to Augusta. He committed his Saturdays for the last three seasons by coaching and serving as a role model and mentor for children with special needs, who were dear to his heart. In addition, Matt's altruistic nature led him to volunteer at the Charlie Norwood VAMC, where he logged over 1,000 volunteer hours. Matt was a 2006 graduate of Greenbrier High School where his senior project helped jumpstart the city of Augusta to become more accessible. Matt was pursuing a career in journalism and would have graduated from Augusta State University (ASU) in December 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a minor in political science. While at ASU Matt was a disciplined writer for the university's newspaper, The Bell Ringer, and he eventually was promoted to Chief Reporter. The most momentous experience as Chief Reporter was when he covered the university's historic event as the men's golf team, number one in the nation, traveled to the White House in September 2010 where they were honored at a reception by President Obama. In addition, Matt was the first ASU student to be selected as at intern at the Columbia County New Times where he gained immense experience in the field that he loved. Matt also made a difference around the ASU campus. He was asked to help identify areas that needed improvement, which made the campus even more accessible. He was also honored to be one of a few select students to serve on the university's Strategic Planning Committee. Matt was a huge sports enthusiast and was one of ASU's biggest fans of the men's basketball team, even traveling to see the Jaguars compete in the Elite Eight in Springfield MA. Matt was the beloved son of Kathy Miklas, Evans, the loving grandson of Paul and Priscilla Miklas, Clark NJ, the dear nephew of Pam and Camilo Escobar of VA, Paul and Darlene Miklas of NJ, and an extraordinary cousin to Jennifer, Michael, Jonathan, Christine and Eva. He is also survived by his father, Victor Modesto of FL. In addition, Matt leaves behind to cherish his memory a host of other family members as well as many special friends. The community is invited to attend a memorial celebration of Matt's life on Saturday January 7th, 2012 at 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Augusta, 3500 Walton Way. If so desired donations may be made in Matt's memory to the Matthew Miklas Scholarship Fund, Augusta State University, 2500 Walton Way, Augusta GA, 30904 or The Family Y Miracle League or Katie's Pool, 3570 Wheeler Rd, Augusta GA, 30909 or AAASP, P.O. Box 451047, Atlanta GA 31145.