John J. Kassabian of Mattapoisett was among the top ten graduating seniors of Old Rochester Regional High School this year. Now, he is among the the forty high school seniors from all over the state who were awarded a scholarship from HarborOne Bank.

As part of its ONECommunity Scholarship Program, the bank has awarded forty high school seniors college scholarships totaling $100,000. ONECommunity Scholarships recognize not only a student’s commitment to academic excellence, but also to their community. Each student received a $2,500 scholarship to assist with the cost of their future college or university.

“This year's students have not only excelled in their high school careers, they excelled as members of their communities – and they did so during an unprecedented and difficult time,” said Joseph Casey, President and CEO of HarborOne Bank. “We are proud to support the next generation and see them succeed in their future careers.”

HarborOne Bank’s 2022 awards are part of a continuing commitment the bank made in 2016 to support college affordability and invest in educational opportunities that help fuel future success. The businesses and families in our communities need an educated workforce to continue to thrive. HaborOne Bank has pledged $1 million over a ten-year period to provide hardworking and deserving students with college scholarships. Over the last 7 years, HarborOne Bank has granted over $700,00 in scholarships to students throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

A volunteer committee of HarborOne employees chose this year’s scholarship recipients from a highly competitive pool of applicants from over 65 communities. Committee members based their decisions on several factors including personal essays, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, awards and recognitions, school activities, and their participation in their community