ARLINGTON — Arlington High School senior Harlin Horrer received a $1,000 scholarship for college at the 12th Annual Students of Color Career Conference on March 27.

More than 2,000 students from 19 area schools gathered at Everett Community College to hear career presentations by professionals of color, as well as information about financial aid, scholarships, college and university admissions. The keynote speaker addressed why students shouldn’t let the color of their skin hold them back in achieving their goals of attending college and developing their career.

Participants were then released to attend smaller sessions on specific topics. Two of the three sessions Horrer chose to attend were Leadership 101 and How to Choose a Career.

“It was like they set it up to give you a chance to experience a day in college, going from class to class,” Horrer said.

Student participants gathered again in the EvCC gym to receive awards. According to Horrer, who is half-Navajo, he dropped his jaw and ran down the bleachers when his name was called to receive the Have a Dream Foundation Scholarship, due to his excitement.

Seniors selected for the scholarship must be a student of color and meet the GPA requirement. Applicants also submitted an essay of 500 words on the topic of “My Dream and My Plan to Achieve It,” with reference to any unique circumstance, hardship or obstacle they overcame. Horrer’s dream is to become a teacher, “to help the youth achieve their maximum potential educationally and personally.” He wants to give back to his community and teach kids important life lessons as well as information.

Horrer didn’t think a four-year college would be an option for him until Laura Piercy, who is the school-to-work counselor at Arlington High School, started planting the seed. She met with him several times to discuss his dreams, plans and options. She also took time to help Horrer and his parents navigate college, FAFSA and scholarship applications, since no one in his family has been able to attend college.

He credited Piercy with the hope he has to attend a four-year school. He is paving the way for future generations, as well as for himself. Horrer applied and was accepted by Washington State University, Central Washington University and Eastern Washington University, and he chose to stay an Eagle at Eastern.