SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION OF EAST PROV.
AWARDS MORE THAN $300,000 TO EAST PROV. STUDENTS
Students in East Providence have much to be thankful for. In August, with the help of local residents and businesses, Scholarship Foundation of East Providence administered scholarships totaling nearly $313,000 to East Providence students. Each student received a minimum of $2,000. Scholarships were awarded to 79 East Providence students graduating from public, private, and parochial high schools and 78 scholarships to students who are already enrolled in college, career or technical school. The scholarships were administered on behalf of businesses, civic organizations, schools, reunion committees, PTAs, past recipients, families and individuals in our city, as well as from former Townies across the country. Using a standardized application process, SF of East Providence evaluates candidates anonymously and administers scholarships based on merit and financial need.
“We are happy to be able to increase the amount of our scholarship packages this year,” notes Joseph Durand, president of the scholarship group. Looking back, when the volunteer organization made their first awards in 1969, a total of $1,750 was shared among five recipients. This year, 157 students each received more than the group’s first year total scholarships. “We are grateful to our community for recognizing the need for financial support for higher education for local students, and for their continued generosity,” Durand added. Scholarship Foundation of East Providence has administered more than $5.4 million to more than 5,000 East Providence students.
Mr. Durand recognized 16 new scholarships that were awarded this year, including Alice Perry Martin Memorial, Antonio C. Ferreira Memorial, Antonio Teixeira, Bally’s Twin River Lincoln, Catherine Oliver Memorial, Charles K. Dwyer, EPHS Class of 1963, EPHS Class of 1964 Vincent Spremulli Memorial, Eugene and Christine Johnson, Frank Robert Bellamy Memorial, Joanne C. Kennedy Memorial, Kesner Family Scholarship in Memory of Jean Kesner, Loomis Family Scholarship in memory of Barbara Gibb, Mildred S. Morris Memorial, Raymond Anderson Family and Women in Science Scholarship, New book awards included: EPHS Class of 1964 in memory of Carole Cullen and EPHS Class of 1964 in memory of Cheryl Cooke Lawrence.
President Joe Durand welcomes local residents to join the volunteer organization as a member. Members assist with scholarship application review and distribution, planning annual fundraisers, and maintaining accurate records. To learn more about helping Scholarship Foundation of East Providence, visit www.sfofepri.org or contact pres.sfofep@gmail.com.