Five Saints Raphael Academy students recently benefited from the new “Pay It Forward” scholarship. The scholarship was created by an anonymous alum donor to “pay it forward” in appreciation of the education he received at Saint Raphael Academy, Pawtucket. The students were awarded funds based on an extraordinary and impactful act of service that was performed in the last year. The selection committee noted the group’s many accomplishments. For example, one student helped a peer who was not his teammate to complete a cross-country race; another sought out a parent in a mental health crisis; and another started a unique anti-vaping campaign. One of the award winners set out to honor SRA’s military veterans, and a second developed an AI tool for mental health support. The inaugural awardees had the opportunity to meet privately with the donor and selection committee after their award was announced. The scholarship will be given to another group of students this spring. The scholarship winners are Michael, Austin, Zerek, Mackenzie and Mason, pictured in front of the White Building, Saint Raphael Academy’s original school building, along with members of the selection committee.
