Two local students receive Sherlock Scholarships
July 31, 2011
PROVIDENCE — Alexander Ronci, a Harrisville resident and 2011 graduate of Burrillville High School, and Evan Rovinski, a Mapleville resident and a student at URI, were recently honored in a Statehouse ceremony as recipients of $2,000 Paul V. Sherlock Memorial Scholarships.
For the eighth consecutive year, the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority has provided $50,000 in Sherlock Scholarship awards, recognizing 25 students throughout Rhode Island. Mr. Ronci plans to use his scholarship as he enters Johnson & Wales University in Miami in the fall to study sports management. Mr. Rovinski plans to use his scholarship as he continues his studies at URI in pharmacy.
Taking part in the Sherlock Scholarship awards program at the Statehouse were Governor Lincoln Chafee, RISLA Executive Director Charles P. Kelley, RISLA CFO Noel Simpson, and College Planning Center of Rhode Island Executive Director David DeBlois.
The Sherlock Scholarship is named in honor of the late Paul V. Sherlock, a former state representative, professor of education at Rhode Island College, and 18-year board member of RISLA.
Rep. Sherlock died in 2004 at the age of 73. His legacy includes a tireless advocacy for those with developmental disabilities, learning disorders, and mental illness. He was widely regarded as the father of special education programs in Rhode Island.
While in the House of Represent-atives, Sherlock rose through the leadership ranks, serving as Chairman of the House Finance Committee, a position he held until his death.
Rhode Island College houses the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities.
