Anna Harris was a volunteer that the OMM family lost suddenly and unexpectedly in April of 2021. Anna viewed OMM as an extension of her own family. She was a quiet supporter of her husband and children as they volunteered with any sport or athlete that needed them. She taught empathy and inclusivity to her children and us. Those qualities radiate throughout her family.
She worked regularly behind the scenes with anything that was asked of her whether it was helping with registration, handing out awards, or supporting coaches. She modeled what it means to be a helper, never needing any recognition. She truly loved OMM and just wanted her family to be a part of it any way they could. She was exactly what our OMM community needed and epitomized everything we stand for...kindness, empathy, and inclusion.
We offer this scholarship in her honor.
We’re excited to announce the winner of the 2025 Anna Harris Volunteer Scholarship
Cameron Pritchard!
Cameron shared: "I admit, I was a little nervous at first. ... At the first game, I was matched with an athlete, and I learned I had nothing to be nervous about -- I just needed to treat him the way I wanted to be treated. I learned and grew by far more than the help I gave. I learned the true meaning behind it is better to give than to receive."
The Anna Harris Volunteer Scholarship is a $500 competitive scholarship opportunity that is open to all graduating high school seniors who have volunteered as an OMM Buddy for at least one sport season. It is offered in memory of Anna Harris, a volunteer that the OMM family lost suddenly and unexpectedly in April of 2021. This scholarship is awarded to a volunteer who, like Anna, epitomizes what our organization stands for: kindness, empathy, and inclusion.
SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES
Applications for the scholarships are open to all graduating high school seniors that have volunteered as an Optimist Miracle Movers Buddy for at least one sports season.
One (1) $500 scholarship will be awarded.
Scholarship applicants must have applied to and been accepted by a college, university or vocational training program and enrolled as a full time student before scholarship funds are awarded.
The Plainfield Optimist Club Miracle Movers Board of Directors will determine the recipient based upon the following:
Contribution to community through personal involvement in the Optimist Miracle Movers as a volunteer.
A 300 to 350 word essay.
If the scholarship recipient fails to enroll as a full time student in the fall semester, the scholarship will be forfeited and will be awarded to another qualified applicant.
Submit the completed application via Google Form by midnight Sunday, April 28, 2025.