WWE superstar Mike “The Miz” Mizanin has made it a point in his career to let everyone know that he is a proud native of Parma, Ohio and graduate of Normandy High School, and on the eve of Independence Day, both the city and his alma mater recognized his career achievements.
Mizanin was honored by the city when July 3, 2019 was declared “Mike The Miz Day,” a celebration of his successful runs in sports entertainment and reality television with hundreds of fans gathered at Normandy High School Wednesday night.
“I am absolutely humbled and I’m honored to be here today,” Mizanin said. “This is absolutely incredible.”
In addition to a Proclamation, Mizanin received the key to the city of Parma, which was presented to him by Mayor Timothy DeGeeter.
“The Miz has never forgotten his hometown roots,” Mayor DeGeeter said. “Even after launching his career on MTV, winning WWE championships or appearing on his own popular reality TV show, he has always remembered and acknowledged Parma.
“We’re proud of you, Mike, and all of your accomplishments, and we know, too, that you’re proud to call Parma your hometown.”
After participating in student government and editing the yearbook, as well as athletic pursuits with the cross country, swimming, basketball, baseball and football teams, Mizanin went on to attend Miami (Ohio) University.
It was during that time at Miami where Mizanin auditioned for and was cast on season 10 of the MTV reality show, “The Real World.” Also, Mizanin appeared several times on the Real World/Road Rules Challenge before earning a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
After working his way up through the ranks, Mizanin has gone on to become a seven-time tag-team champion, two-time United States champion, eight-time Intercontinental champion, a former Money in the Bank winner and a reign as WWE champion since his main-roster debut in 2006.
“I promise you, you are in the right city. You are being raised in the right city,” Mizanin told the children in attendance.
“I wouldn’t have all of the successes I have if it wasn’t for the City of Parma. I truly believe that, and it’s not just about the city. It’s about the people in the city. It’s about the friendships that I made, friendships that are here right now.”
Normandy High School honors WWE Superstar 'The Miz' with Mike 'The Miz' Day
During a poignant part of the festivities, Mizanin dedicated “Mike The Miz Day” to a fallen Normandy High School classmate, Jeffrey A. Boskovitch, who made the ultimate sacrifice in 2005 while serving as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps.
“People look at us, and as WWE superstars, they say that we’re heroes,” Mizanin said. “We look at movies and we see these superheroes, but there is no bigger hero than a man that goes over and fights for his country, fights for what he believes in so every one of us can have our freedom.
“I thank you, Jeff. We miss you every, single day, and today, it might be ‘Mike The Miz Day,’ but it’s ‘Jeff Boskovitch Day.’”
Following his dedication to Boskovitch, Mizanin ended the presentation as only he could.
“I usually end my phrases with, ‘I’m “The Miz,” and I’m awesome,’ but today on ‘Mike The Miz Day,’ on ‘Jeff Boskovitch Day,’ the day of Parma, this day is AWESOME!’” Mizanin said. ““I am a product of Parma, and I’m proud of it.”