$10,000 in total scholarship funding presented in former school principal’s honor Burrillville, RI – June 07, 2023 – Wright’s Farm Restaurant, located at 84 Inman Road in Burrillville, Rhode Island, is pleased to announce the two winners of its 8th annual George P. Ducharme Scholarship Program. Tyler Franklin and Julia Tripodi, graduating seniors of Burrillville High School (BHS), each received a $5,000 scholarship to help with college-related expenses. The two students were surprised with the scholarship during BHS’ annual Senior Night on June 7th.
This fall, Franklin will enter Bentley University to study finance and entrepreneurship in hopes of becoming a corporate finance manager, while Tripodi will enter the University of Vermont to study biology and psychology with the goal of working in neurological medicine/science or as a family physician.
A host of students from Burrillville High School applied for the scholarship this year, which is named after the late George P. Ducharme, a 1948 graduate of Burrillville High School and awarded athlete who went on to become the high school’s vice principal and principal from 1966-1985. As recently as 2019, Ducharme was still substituting as principal when duty called within the Burrillville Town School District. He was a military veteran, a mentor, and a valued member of the community for more than 70 years.
“Carrying on the legacy of Mr. Ducharme is an honor and a privilege,” said Frank Galleshaw III, owner of Wright’s Farm Restaurant. “Mr. Ducharme was my teacher, coach, and principal when I was in school, and the lessons he taught me in the classroom and on the field helped to shape me into the person that I am today. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to help these two passionate students pursue their educational goals for the future in his honor.”
The George P. Ducharme Scholarship is open to students attending a U.S.-based four-year college or university. To be eligible to apply, students must be Burrillville town residents, members of the Burrillville High School graduating class that year and have received official acceptance to a matriculating accredited four-year college or university. The selection criteria are based on demonstrated achievement and need; academic and personal recommendations; academic and personal achievements; school and community involvement; and additional factors as determined by the George P. Ducharme Scholarship Committee. Entries are available by visiting the website at: http://www.wrightsfarm.com/about/scholarship/. Entries for the 2024 scholarship will begin in February.