About Us

The Story Behind the Scholarship Fund

My name is Stacy Borges, and I am Cole’s mother. Glen, Cole’s father, and our sons, Jon-Alan and Alex, and I would like to thank you for allowing us the opportunity to share Cole’s story and the purpose behind the scholarship fund established in his memory.

Cole, passed away in January 2023. He was 15 years old, a sophomore at Marianna High School, and enrolled in honors classes. Cole had been a dedicated cross-country runner since sixth grade and developed a passion for soccer during high school, playing on the JV team during both his freshman and sophomore years.

Cole was an extraordinary young man. He touched countless lives through his kindness, compassion, and generosity. He was a goal-setter, a loyal friend, and someone who always looked for ways to help others. After his passing, our family learned just how many people he had impacted through his encouragement, friendship, and selfless acts of kindness.

Cole was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church and actively participated in the youth group. He served as an altar server for more than seven years and received the Sacrament of Confirmation just months before his passing. His faith was an important part of who he was.

Cole dreamed of serving his country through the military, but he had recently begun focusing on attending college and earning a degree. Like many teenagers, he was still discovering exactly what path he wanted to pursue.

One thing Cole understood well was the importance of helping others. He volunteered whenever he could, whether through school, church, community projects, or helping his friends and family. He never complained and always understood the value of giving back.

Cole also understood the value of education and the financial challenges many students face when pursuing their dreams.

Because of Cole’s love for helping others, our family knew we wanted his legacy to continue. We established the Cole Borges Memorial Scholarship Fund to assist graduating seniors as they pursue higher education, whether through a traditional college, university, technical school, or trade program.

Why the Moon & Stars 5K?

Cole loved running and had a fascination with the stars. To honor those passions, we created the annual Cole Borges Moon & Stars 5K Run/Walk.

Held in the evening under the night sky, the event serves as a reminder that while Cole is no longer physically with us, his light continues to shine through the lives he touched and through every student who receives support from this scholarship fund.

Why We Moved the Race to September

Beginning in 2026, we made the decision to move the Cole Borges Moon & Stars 5K Run/Walk to September in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month.

While our scholarship fund was created to honor Cole’s generous spirit and passion for helping others achieve their dreams, we also recognize the importance of continuing the conversation about mental health and suicide prevention.

Cole’s story reminds us that struggles are not always visible. Too often, those who are hurting carry their burdens silently. By holding our event during Suicide Prevention Month, we hope to bring greater awareness to the importance of mental health, encourage meaningful conversations, and remind others that they are never alone.

Our goal is not only to raise scholarship funds for deserving students but also to honor Cole by encouraging compassion, understanding, and connection within our communities.

Every runner, walker, volunteer, sponsor, and donor who participates in this event helps us continue Cole’s legacy while spreading a simple but powerful message:

Check on your friends. Check on your family. Check on those you care about.

Sometimes a conversation can change a life.

Together, we can make a difference—one step, one scholarship, and one act of kindness at a time.

Our Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to graduating seniors residing in:

• Jackson County
• Washington County
• Holmes County
• Calhoun County

We proudly support students attending:

• Colleges and Universities
• Technical Schools
• Vocational Programs
• Trade Schools

We believe skilled trades are essential to our communities, and we are committed to supporting students pursuing those careers as well.

Since its creation, the scholarship fund has awarded thousands of dollars to deserving students throughout our area. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors, runners, and volunteers, we continue to expand our impact each year.

How You Can Help

We invite individuals, families, and businesses to become part of Cole’s legacy by:

• Sponsoring the Moon & Stars 5K
• Making a direct donation to the scholarship fund
• Sharing information about the event
• Displaying event flyers in local businesses
• Participating in the race as a runner or walker
• Registering as a donation-only participant

Every dollar raised goes directly toward helping local students pursue their educational goals.

Thank you for your support, generosity, and belief in our mission. Together, we are keeping Cole’s memory alive by helping others achieve their dreams.

With gratitude,

Stacy, Glen, Jon-Alan & Alex Borges