PROVIDENCE – Six high school seniors from Cranston, Providence, North Kingstown and Woonsocket will share $100,000 in college scholarships honoring Roger Williams, thanks to the Rhode Island Foundation.
On Sunday, at a celebration at the First Baptist Church in Providence which Williams founded in 1638, the Rhode Island Foundation said Kelsey Dellinger of North Kingstown High School, Fatou Dieng of Woonsocket High School, Taleen Donoyan of Cranston High School West, Diana Iglesias of Central High School, Ngan “Kim” Le of Mount St. Charles Academy and Night Jean Muhingabo of Central High School would receive four-year, renewable scholarships through the Roger Williams Initiative.
The scholarship fund was conceived of and funded by philanthropists Letitia and John Carter.
“It is clear from the quality of the applications,” said John Carter in a statement, “that these students see Roger Williams as a set of living ideals and not just an historical figure. We hope our support helps these six young people achieve great things.”
“Roger Williams believed in the importance of learning from those around him. Thanks to the foresight of the Carters, we are able to inspire students and their parents to think big about what’s possible for their future,” said Neil D. Steinberg, the foundation’s president and CEO in prepared remarks.
While more than 120 students applied, the six successful applicants were chosen based on financial need, appreciation for Roger Williams’ values and record of academic achievement and community service.
Applications from next year’s senior class will be accepted in October.
Emily Gowdey-Backus is a PBN staff writer.
