Photo: (L to R) Rising Stars; Tayler Sabella of Southeastern Regional, Shelia Reyes of Urban Science Academy, Oluibukon "Tutu" Ekpebor of Gould Academy and Sun Life Financial U.S. President, Wes Thompson.

Southeastern Regional Senior Recognized by Sun Life Financial as “Rising Star,” Receives $5K College Scholarship 

Sun Life Financial Inc. awarded a total of $165,000 in grants and scholarships to three youth-oriented nonprofits and to an exemplary student nominated by each organization as part of the Sun Life Rising Star Awards program.

All three high school seniors were on a tour of the Massachusetts State House with their affiliated non-profit when they were honored at a surprise award presentation.

Tayler Sabella of Brockton, a senior at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School, received a $5,000 Sun Life Rising Star scholarship while she was on a tour of the State House with the nonprofit group School on Wheels. A Brockton-based agency, School on Wheels will receive a $50,000 grant from Sun Life.

“Access to quality education for all is critical to our country’s future, and that’s why it’s a priority for Sun Life to continue investing in and improving the lives of students who are committed to furthering their education,” said Sun Life Financial U.S. President Wes Thompson. “We are proud to reward our amazing Rising Star students for their perseverance in the face of adversity. It is our firm belief that they need only opportunity and a little support to rise to their potential.”

Sun Life surprised winning students with their $5,000 scholarships at an awards presentation led by prominent local community members at the Massachusetts State House. The students and attendees were also treated to an exclusive, behind-the-scenes State House tour and a VIP reception recognizing their achievements.

Tayler is an active participant in extra-curricular activities at Southeastern Regional including drama, fitness and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).

She is the only student member on the School on Wheels Advisory Council, where she has participated as a speaker at the School on Wheels Volunteer Appreciation Dinner as well as other events.

Tayler plans on attending either Bridgewater State University or Emerson College following her high school graduation and continues to be a positive role model for her sister, Britni who now plans to attend college and who recently made the honor roll in 7th grade.

The Sun Life Rising Star Awards program aims to address low high school graduation rates in large urban school districts by providing financial and educational resources to students and nonprofit organizations committed to increasing success in high school and beyond. The program, now in its second year, also seeks to promote financial literacy as a means to achieve life-long financial wellness and stability.