LT. JIM PAGANO FOUNDATION AWARDS $7,500 IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS TO FIVE SENIORS GRADUATING FROM CRANSTON HIGH SCHOOLS

The Lt. Jim Pagano Foundation awarded $7,500 ($1,500 each) in college scholarships over the last two weeks to five graduating seniors from Cranston West, Cranston East, and the New England Laborers/CPS Construction and Career Academy.  Scholarship awards were based on academic merit, behavior, attendance, and overall achievement while in school, taking into consideration extracurricular activities and community service.

“The selection criteria were based on the values of commitment and achievement in school and in life as values leading to good character. My son, Jimmy, strongly encouraged these values with his own two children, and it is those values the Foundation hopes to promote in students this year and hopefully years to come”, stated Rose Pagano. 

Mikayla Albanese, a student at the NEL/Construction and Career Academy was presented the scholarship at their Honors Night on May 17th.  She is currently taking college courses at CCRI and plans to attend full time in the fall.  Awards on May 18th were presented to two Cranston East seniors, Stephanie Lemus and Katerina Rodrigues, attending University of Rhode Island and Quinnipiac University respectively.  On May 24th at Cranston West’s ceremony, Jean Pagano of the Lt. Jim Pagano Foundation awarded the scholarships to Savannah Bissitt and Kyle Poland.  Savannah will be attending RI College, and Kyle will be attending URI.

Jean, a Foundation board member and Jim’s sister, stated in her CHSW presentation that “As a proud graduate of CHSW class of ’82, Jim would be beaming with pride that we are able to assist seniors in furthering their dreams.  And while his life was cut short in 2008, he always emphasized academic achievement, sports participation, community involvement and kindness to all while he was alive. It is the purpose of the Foundation and these scholarships to honor Jim’s legacy, propel those values important to him among our community youth, and promote courage, confidence and good moral character in life’s pursuits. Congratulations, and may all your dreams come true.”