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Senior Bearcat soccer player, Mason Ard, who recently signed to further his education at Thomas University as a member of their soccer team, was surprised with a $1,000 scholarship toward his educational endeavors during the 229 All-Star Game on Thursday.

The scholarship was made possible by the Thomas Area Soccer Association’s (TASA) Board of Directors.

The Board seeks to award this scholarship to a deserving player who lives within 100 miles of Thomasville and enrolls at Thomas University to play soccer.

Ard said he was shocked by the presentation.

“I was really surprised and got a little emotional just because I had no idea it was coming and was really grateful for it,” Ard said.

In order to surprise him, TU’s head soccer coach said he would be attending the All-Star game to scout out future players. However, during halftime, Ard’s coach told him to report to the halfway line.

Once Ard was on the line, his name was announced and TASA, along with his future coach presented him with the scholarship money.

“I want to say thank you to TASA and the board, because it just really means a lot to me,” Ard concluded. “I hope to be able to pay them back one day for all they’ve done for me.”