Four Easton Students Receive Dunkin' Donuts Scholarships

After a rigorous application process that included an essay and teacher recommendation, four Easton students were awarded with a prestigious Dunkin' Donuts Scholarship Friday afternoon in Providence.

The four Easton students emerged from a competitive pool of participants. 100 students out off 2300 applicants were chosen from the Rhode Island area and southeastern Massachusetts area.

"I was in awe as I took at look at the list of schools this year" said Todd Wallace, field marketing manager of Dunkin Donuts, who presented the awards.

OA Class of 2011 President Alexander Spencer (Harvard), Emily Williams (Bentley University), Ashley Silverstein (Syracuse University) and Lauren Gallagher (Emerson College) took home the honors for Easton.

Dunkin’ Donuts and the franchisees of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts participate in the Scholarship Program. Over the last 16 years $1.6 million has been awarded to students. Dunkin’ Donuts awarded $100,000 in scholarships to high school seniors and college students who "excel academically, demonstrate leadership qualities, are involved with the community and have a clear goal for their future." Each student received a scholarship for $1,000.

The students were joined for the awards ceremony by Providence Mayor Angel Taveras. He spoke of his background and how he knew he wanted to be a lawyer in the third grade. He followed his dream and passion and has worked as a lawyer for 14 years, but it hasn't felt like work -  and told them to follow their passion.