Omar F. and Lenora L. Tarr Memorial Scholarship

Recipient: Deborah Smith

“I have wanted to pursue music as a career since fourth grade. Attending college these days is very expensive, and I worry each year how I am going to stay in school. The scholarship has enabled me to focus more on my studies rather than how I am going to financially stay in school. I am very grateful to have received it.”

Deborah Smith grew up in a military family, so she moved every 3-4 years for the first 18 years of her life. Her family’s final move was to Brunswick, Maine, where she graduated from high school. She is hoping to get as much from her education as possible, as she is pursuing a double major in Music Education and Vocal Performance. According to Deborah, “The experience has been amazing. I have had the chance to participate in many performances and have also had first hand experience teaching younger students. It has been a time I will never forget.”

The Omar F. and Lenora L. Tarr Memorial Scholarship was established by Fred P. Tarr and Natalie E. Tarr, the son and daughter of Omar and Lenora Tarr. Fred graduated from the University of Maine in 1953 and Natalie graduated from the University of Maine in 1951. Their father, Omar Tarr, graduated from the University of Maine in 1916. Scholarships from the fund are awarded to students who are studying music, nursing, chemical engineering and/or science. The programs reflect Omar Tarr’s career as a chemical engineer, Lenora Tarr’s career as a nurse, and their shared love of music. According to Fred Tarr, “The greatest thing is this fund will continue to grow and outlast us as the Foundation’s management is rock solid. We also enjoy hearing from students like Deborah Smith each year.”