The Shallow Ford Foundation is honored to partner with the Live Like Norah Foundation to grow and sustain the Live Like Norah Memorial Scholarship—a scholarship created to help students who reflect Norah Smitherman's values and carry her legacy forward. This partnership is a powerful example of what it means to connect with community—stronger together, united by a shared commitment to hope and opportunity. 

Norah Rayne Smitherman was a 2022 Summa Cum Laude graduate of Forbush High School, a devoted member of Collide Church, and a young woman whose kindness, faith, and leadership touched everyone around her. Her life was a beautiful reflection of service, strength, and unwavering faith, and her spirit lives on through the people and community she loved. 

Each year, the Live Like Norah Memorial Scholarship awards $1,000 to a graduating senior from both Forbush High School and Starmount High School who plans to attend a two or four-year college or university. The award is renewable for up to four years. Recipients are chosen for their academic excellence, active involvement in school and faith communities, and commitment to living out qualities that reflect Norah’s legacy. 

By partnering with the Shallow Ford Foundation, the Live Like Norah Foundation ensures this scholarship will endure through a professionally managed fund and a transparent application process. The Foundation specializes in helping local organizations create lasting impact—whether it’s establishing a scholarship, creating a charitable fund, or supporting community initiatives, we provide the expertise and infrastructure to make giving simple, meaningful, and sustainable.  ‍

Beginning this spring, the Live Like Norah Memorial Scholarship will be part of the Foundation’s new universal scholarship application for Yadkin County. This effort, developed to support Yadkin County Schools, streamlines the application process so students can apply for multiple local scholarships through one easy application. By simplifying access and raising awareness, we’re ensuring that students are making the most of the opportunities available to them. More information on this exciting application will be released soon. 

 If you would like to make a gift to the Live Like Norah Scholarship, visit sff.gives/livelikenorah.