The Soaring Scholar Scholarship program just celebrated its five-year anniversary with another record-breaking year.  The Class of 2026 was awarded over $60,000 in scholarships. 

What began in 2022 as a modest financial endeavor spearheaded by Bill and Annmarie Harlor of Norton has grown into something very substantial and meaningful.   In the first five years of the program over $190,000 has been awarded to 29 students in SOWMA’s Bridge Mentoring Program. 

“This scholarship is the difference between furthering a student’s education or not,” said Bridge Program Director Brittany O’Hare. 

All Soaring Scholars recipients are active members of the Bridge Program, which pairs students facing homelessness or poverty with a dedicated volunteer mentor and provides the academic tools and resources they need to succeed. 

“We are grateful to our family and friends who have joined us in this effort to help these remarkable young people achieve their goals,” said Bill Harlor.  

Added Annmarie, “We love spending time with these students and hearing about their journeys.  They are the definition of perseverance.”  

Visit our Bridge Mentoring page