NORWICH – The Norwich Merchants Association (NMA) has announced that Cole Rifanburg – a graduate of Norwich High School's Class of 2016 – is the recipient of the NMA's first ever high school scholarship.

The main criteria for the NMA scholarship was “the applicant had to state that they would be likely to return to our community to run their own business after completing school,” according to a release from the NMA.

“I am super thankful for the scholarship and everything the Norwich Merchants Association does for our community,” said Rifanburg. “By providing me the financial aid to help achieve my goals in life through college – that's why I am so thankful.”