When a newly arrived student from Egypt sat alone in her second-grade class, struggling to understand a new language and culture, Sofia Muller saw an opportunity to help.

It was one of countless moments that reflect the Sayreville War Memorial High School senior’s dedication to service.

Noticing the student was isolated and struggling to communicate, Muller made a point to include him in classroom activities. Over time, she helped him learn English, navigate American culture, and build friendships. Today, he is thriving academically.

“He would sit at his desk alone and he wouldn’t talk to anyone,’’ Muller recalled. “I felt bad for him. When I approached him, I realized he didn’t know much English and I think that was a reason for his shyness. I stayed persistent, tried to help him with the language barrier and be his friend because I saw he didn’t have anyone else. And now he’s still in the school district. I just saw him for senior awards night and it was really cool to hear he’s planning on going to college.’’

Since then, she has assisted students from Brazil, Ghana, India, and the Dominican Republic, many of whom have gone on to excel in honors-level coursework.

Muller credits volunteerism with shaping her own character as much as it has impacted those she serves.

“It taught me compassion, patience, understanding, and leadership,” she said. “I’ve learned to appreciate my life, especially my health, and to always look for ways to help others.”

From coaching Special Olympics athletes to helping children with disabilities and mentoring immigrant students, Muller has spent much of her life serving others.

A decade of volunteerism, a stellar 4.554 grade-point average, and extensive involvement in extracurricular activities have earned Muller a Marisa Tufaro Memorial Community Service Scholarship.

The Marisa Tufaro Foundation presents the annual $1,000 scholarship in honor and loving memory of its namesake to high school students who support the nonprofit’s mission of assisting pediatric patients and children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area.

Born with a severe cardiac defect, Marisa survived six open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant before succumbing to a rare form of cancer in 2017 following a valiant battle. She was just 13 years old. Despite being hospitalized for more than two years and maintaining hundreds of doctors’ appointments, Marisa was an Edison Township Public Schools honor roll student involved in myriad extracurricular activities who lived a vibrant life that inspired.

Since its inception in July 2017, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has donated nearly $450,000 to fulfill its mission. The nonprofit has also donated thousands of toys, nonperishable food items, winter jackets, baby supplies, children’s books and school supplies upon which it has placed no monetary value.

For more than a decade, Muller has dedicated herself to volunteer service through organizations including Special Olympics, the National Honor Society, the Knights of Columbus, Girl Scouts, local churches, and school-based programs. She has organized food and clothing drives, prepared meals for families in need, tutored students, raised funds for charitable causes, and mentored children facing academic, social, and developmental challenges.

Much of her passion for service stems from her experiences helping her youngest brother, who has disabilities. From teaching him life skills and assisting with schoolwork to encouraging his participation in sports, Muller witnessed firsthand the challenges many special-needs children face.

“He struggled with a few different things, like (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and dyslexia, and when he was going into kindergarten that’s when Covid happened so he really struggled not being in school,’’ she said. “But I had to help him during virtual learning when I had time off and helped him read and do his math work. Thankfully he’s in middle school now and he’s doing all right.’’

As a cooperative education student, Muller serves as an aide to a librarian at an elementary school, where she works closely with students who have behavioral challenges and special needs. Through patience, mentorship, and encouragement, she helps students remain engaged in their lessons and develop confidence in the classroom.

Through the Knights of Columbus, Muller regularly delivers food, clothing, and other necessities to families experiencing hardship. She recalls bringing coats and shoes to children living in motels and seeing their excitement firsthand.

Her volunteer work also includes fundraising for brain-injured children and other charitable causes through community events and partnerships with local organizations.

One of Muller’s most significant commitments has been her 11 years of service with Special Olympics. As a coach, recruiter, and activities coordinator, she develops training programs, teaches sports skills, mentors athletes, and promotes participation in Unified Sports programs.

“It’s really rewarding to get to help them and see them grow and develop over the years,’’ she said.

Among the many friendships she has formed, one stands out: helping a fellow athlete prepare for tap-dance recitals over several years. The relationship evolved into a close friendship that continues today.

“Watching athletes gain confidence, build friendships, and achieve independence inspires me to keep volunteering,” Muller said.

In addition to her extensive community service, Muller has participated in numerous school and extracurricular activities, including the Business Academy, Rutgers University Business for Youth, Future Business Leaders of America, Christian Fellowship Club, Teen Interest Generates Success, the Work-Based Learning Program, Crochet Club, and more than two decades of dance instruction through A Step In Time Dance Studio.

She was also a four-year letterwinner and captain of the Sayreville High School bowling team, for which she steadily improved each season, raising her average 30 pins from freshman to senior year while competing in 162 career games.

“As a kid, I wasn’t really an athletic person but I saw that my high school offered a bowling team,’’ she said. “I’ve done bowling in the past with my family, and so I tried it and fell in love with it. And the community that we formed with the coaches and teammates, everyone is so supportive and it’s been great to be part of a team.’’

Looking ahead, Muller plans to continue volunteering with the Special Olympics while attending Rider University.

“I know there’s going to be a lot of different community service initiatives to choose from, like tutoring and different events that will be held,’’ she said. “I’m really looking forward to joining other groups and organizations and doing whatever I can to serve my community.’’

For her dedication to volunteerism, Muller joins a distinguished group of high school seniors honored with a Marisa Tufaro Memorial Community Service Scholarship, carrying forward a legacy of compassion that inspired the scholarship bearing Marisa’s name.

“I’m just so grateful and honored to win this award because I know it’s for a very special girl,’’ she said.