While most kids equate summertime with freedom from schoolwork, one incoming high school student from the Battleboro community is using his free time this summer to hone his math skills, with a little help from The Fountains at The Albemarle in Tarboro.

Eighth-grade math did not come easy to Miles Higgs and, showing wisdom beyond his years, he knows it’s not going to get any easier when he enters North Edgecombe High School, where he hopes to play junior varsity football this fall.

So, this spring the 14-year-old did what few kids would ever think to do on their own – he applied for a grant through Watermark for Kids.

Watermark for Kids awarded Higgs the grant for 32 hours of private math tutoring this summer. Watermark for Kids’ Executive Director C. Jill Hofer said Miles’ application was the first wish for a math tutor ever received by the organization.

Sports camps, music, science, dance and art classes have been commonly funded interests.

Higgs said is grateful for the opportunity to become a Watermark Kid because, as he wrote in his application, “having lots of knowledge will help me have a successful career and math comes very handy in life objectives.”

Growing up in a family of nine children in a county with a 15 percent unemployment rate has taught Miles the importance of self responsibility and education.

His grandparents are also a strong source of encouragement and spiritual foundation in Miles’ life, instilling in him the belief that “opportunity awaits in every sunrise.”

Watermark for Kids is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to help underserved local kids thrive.

Funds are raised through payroll deductions, bake sales and other fundraising projects spearheaded by residents and associates of 32 Watermark retirement communities nationwide, including The Fountains at The Albemarle.

More than 100 kids have had their dreams fueled by Watermark for Kids to date. Applicants must demonstrate both a need and a passion to succeed and to give back in life.

In Eastern North Carolina, the organization previously awarded Catherine Armstrong a wheelchair racer in order to help her excel in high school track meets. For more information about Watermark for Kids, visit WatermarkForKids.org.