Scholarships awarded to eight Somerset graduates

SOMERSET - On Monday evening, eight decorated and well rounded students received scholarships from the Somerset Scholarship Foundation Fund.

The Somerset Scholarship Foundation Fund awards scholarships every year to select students who live in the town of Somerset and who are attending two- or four-year institutions. Due to the pandemic and the safety guidelines provided by the state, the scholarship awards night was moved to an outdoor location at the Somerset Berkley Regional High School tennis court bleachers, and everyone attending was required to wear a mask.

The eight students receiving awards were joined by their families supporting them.

The Somerset Scholarship Fund Awards Committee is made up of Robert Camara, Mary Kate Marchand, and Michael McDonald, and each gave a short speech to open the ceremony. The Somerset Scholarship Foundation was started in 1970 by the late Edward L. Sullivan.

Selectman Holly McNamara also offered some encouraging words for the seniors receiving their awards. “We hope these awards will help prepare you for the next chapter in your lives,” she said.

The John M. Rua Memorial Scholarship is named for the former graduate of Somerset High School who was involved in many local committees and boards, including the Diabetes Association. The recipient of this award was Nikita Pelletier. Next year, she will be attending Northeastern University.

The William “Buddy” White award, named for the former 35-year physical education teacher for the Somerset School Department, went to Owen Santos, who will be attending the University of New Haven in the fall.

The Margaret Ann Douglas Memorial Scholarship went to Elizabeth Newman, who will be attending Lesley University this fall.

The Charles P. Leary Memorial Scholarship, named for a former graduate of Providence College who taught at Somerset High for 39 years, went to Matthew Hinves, who will be attending Providence College in the fall.

“I was thrilled because college is very expensive and it’s nice that I don’t have to pay all of it,” Hinves said, after the ceremony. “I am happy that people in Somerset are nice enough to give Somerset students scholarships.”

Four other scholarships were also awarded on Monday evening to Amber Medeiros, who will be attending Rhode Island College; Jonathan Cabral, who will be going to the University of Rhode Island; Reaghan Cadorette, who will be going to Emmanuel College; and Lindsey Arruda, who will be attending Providence College in the fall.