Press Release
Transform RI Scholarship Recognizes Top Finalists for 2025
In an inspiring series of announcements, officials from the Papitto Opportunity Connection (POC) visited high schools across Rhode Island, revealing the Top 10 finalists for the 2025 Transform RI Scholarship. The celebrated program, now in its fourth year, empowers students to voice their ideas aimed at strengthening the state’s communities in need.
Drawing from a field of 637 students from 64 schools, the finalists presented diverse and innovative projects. Ideas included initiatives to combat food insecurity, a job-skills education program focused on the Blackstone River, and a mobile unit offering educational and mental-health resources to underserved areas.
The selected finalists are Rocco DeMartino (Cumberland High School), Haven Hoenick (La Salle Academy), Safiyatu Gassama (Blackstone Valley Prep), Jace Goldstein (Moses Brown), Melissa Gonzalez Gutierrez (Cranston West), Quadratullah Omari (The Met School), Nachiket Patel (Barrington High School), Jessiret Pena Gomez (Central High School), Kendra Ramirez (Central Falls High School), and Suhani Srivastava (North Kingstown High School).
The ultimate winner, who will receive funding to make their idea a reality, will be announced at a celebration on May 28 at The Graduate by Hilton Providence. All finalists will receive scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Since its inception in 2022, POC has invested over $3.5 million in the Transform RI Scholarship program.
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