OXFORD — From about 75 participants the first year to more than 1,000 a decade later, the Aspire Higher parade has become an annual event in the Oxford Hills School District to promote ongoing education.

“It’s grown incredibly,” said Superintendent Mark Eastman, who came up with the idea 10 years ago, which is combined with the school’s Homecoming Weekend.

“We started this as part of our aspirations campaign,” Eastman said of his desire to see students and their families think about their future after high school and how secondary education could play a vital role in their success.

 He
said it is critical for students to continue their education in some fashion after high school in order to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.

The Oxford Hills School District had been conducting annual walks for education, where students would get pledges, but 10 years ago the idea was formulated to upscale the walk and encourage anyone in the community to come out and march with the students to show their support.

The event is capped by the distribution of more than 50, $100 scholarships, provided by local businesses. This year the scholarships will include a full semester at Central Maine Community College for an adult or graduating senior.

“That’s at no cost (to the student,)” Eastman said.

Winners of the scholarships will be drawn at the end of the parade.

The parade is on Saturday, Oct. 3. Students, parents, staff and community members will meet at 10:45 a.m. at the Oxford Hills Middle School to participate in the Aspire Higher Homecoming Parade. The parade will begin at 11:30 a.m.

Everyone is invited to join in the walk.

“Walking with your son, daughter, grandchildren or friend will demonstrate your commitment to their future,” Eastman said in an invitation issued to the community. “The purpose of this event is to encourage students to begin planning and saving for their higher education.”

The parade will march to the Athletic Complex. Parents and walkers may park their cars at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School and use the shuttle bus to travel to the Middle School. Buses will also shuttle back to the Middle School after the parade.

Students will march with their school groups, which will line up on the Middle School football field. In the case of inclement weather, all students will meet in the Oxford Hills Middle School gym for scholarship drawings and presentations. The rain day program will begin at approximately 11:15 a.m.

“It’s really a unique thing,” Eastman said of the event.

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Oxford Hills School District Middle School Principal Troy Eastman and Harrison Elementary School Principal Kim Ramharter display the 10-year commemorative pennant that will be given to marchers during Saturday’s Aspire Higher march.