The legacy of a significant member of our Loreto Normanhurst community is sometimes remembered through the generous donation of an award or scholarship. This kind of generosity weaves community connections between students current and former, building our Loreto network of strong women of service, independence and grit. 

One such woman, Samantha Mar ('93) is honoured by the generosity of the Farrell Family Foundation who have offered a perpetual scholarship in her name. 

Samantha Louise Mar attended Loreto Normanhurst from 1988 to 1993 and is remembered as a disciplined student and academic achiever. She was heavily involved in all facets of school life, including rowing and swimming, and was known for her loyal, caring spirit. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Psychology, Samantha pursued a successful business career in London, where she served as Associate Director of HR Global Operations for UBS Warburg and supported numerous charities. 

Samantha passed away in London in 2003, aged 27.

Samantha is remembered for her compassionate and generous nature. Since 2005, the Samantha Louise Mar Scholarship has been awarded to a student of high academic potential who demonstrates leadership and engagement in extra-curricular, social justice and beyond just as Samantha did. Relatives of Samantha's, the Farrell Family offers this scholarship every six years to a student entering Year 7 at Loreto Normanhurst.

Previous recipients include Sophie Wills ('16) registered paramedic and recipient of the 2020 NSW Ministry of Health's Healthier Communities Award and Western Sydney University's Highly Commended Young Woman of the West for 2021, for her foundation and leadership of the Community Defib Project which improves community access to defibrillators.