By EMMA BARTLETT

CHSE’s class of ‘72 recently raised funds to establish a scholarship endowment for Cranston East students. The initiative came about when the class reunion committee was looking for a way to celebrate the 50th reunion while giving back to the school community. Classmates on the committee asked peers to consider donating to the endowment which will be managed by the Rhode Island Foundation. Classmates can make donation in memory or honor of a classmate, teacher coach, mentor or administrator.

Former class president Gordon Fraser approached the district about creating the Cranston High School East Class of 1972 Scholarship Fund in early 2021. He noted that post high school education is expensive in any venue – whether it be a two year college or four year institution and said sometimes scholarship funds could make the difference on being able to immediately be able to or having to wait.

The scholarship will be handed out annually starting next year and the monetary award will be based upon the interest that the funds earn. Fraser said the payout could be different each year.

Cranston East will choose who will receive the scholarship. The requirements were made in agreement with the Rhode Island Foundation, and the funds state that “the student chosen for this award must attend a public two and four year colleges; private two and four year colleges; technical training schools and institutes; and schools of vocational training to support costs related to such education.”

Rhode Island Foundation Senior Communications and Marketing Officer Chris Barnett, said the Cranston East Class of ‘72 scholarship fund is one of many at the Foundation. This year, the foundation had $4 million available in scholarships and said Cranston residents have been recipients of some of our largest scholarships.

Cranston Public Schools said the district is grateful for the class’s generosity and thoughtfulness in establishing a scholarship for East students.

“This donation will impact our students now and in the future and we hope that these students will one day look back on their own days here in Cranston Public Schools and consider helping future students as well,” said Jen Cowart, Cranston Public Schools’ communications specialist. “Cranston High School East was the original Cranston High School and it is so gratifying to know that the educational foundation and the experiences that students from the Class of 1972 received here in our Cranston Public Schools means so much to them, even after 50 years.”

Kevin Murtough, Director of Business of Cranston Public Schools, said depending upon the amount of the award, students who eventually receive the scholarship can use the funds for tuition and textbooks costs which reduce the amount that students may have to pay for further education.

At last count, the class raised $11,562 for the endowment. Classmates can continue contributing to the fund over time to grow the money which would increase the gift that students will receive.