Teens Score Scholarships Honoring Roger Williams

Class of 2025 graduates from Barrington High School and East Greenwich High School have won the Rhode Island Foundation’s largest scholarships.

Audrey Adams of Barrington and Dessa Molina of East Greenwich will receive up to $80,000 over the next four years. They were selected for Carter Roger Williams scholarships from more than 150 applicants statewide.

“A door to a world of opportunities just opened for these students. Thanks to the continuing support of the Carter family, we can help these young people turn their hopes about college into a springboard to an even brighter life,” said David N. Cicilline, president and CEO of the foundation.

Adams just graduated from Barrington High School. While in high school, she was captain of the debate team, editor-in-chief of the literary magazine, a leading member of the Gender Equality and Awareness Club, and a student representative on the school’s DEI Committee. She plans to attend the University of Michigan and study sociology with a minor in creative writing.

“I’ve been dreaming about college for as long as I can remember," Adams said. "I look eagerly toward its array of opportunities, from engaging in countless classes at the intersections of my interests to exploring culture and language through studying abroad."

Molina just graduated from East Greenwich High School, where she served as vice president of the class of 2025, president of the Invest in Girls chapter at EGHS, and president of the Rhode Island and EGHS Future Business Leaders of America chapters. In addition, Molina created and hosts a financial literacy podcast for young women called “EmpowerHer Wallet” and was an Access to Justice intern with the Rhode Island Supreme Court. She plans to attend George Washington University and double major in finance and philosophy with a public affairs focus.

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"I remember presenting to the group of adults, wanting to showcase how we could combat the statistic that only 12% of girls graduate feeling confident in their ability to make financial decisions," Molina said. "When I spoke, I commanded the room with conviction. Each word I articulated resonated with authority and purpose. I committed myself to advocating for others."

Crystal Gonzalez of Providence, Bronte Terry of Cumberland and Dylan Tupaz of West Warwick also received scholarships.

The Carter Roger Williams scholarships are among $4 million in assistance that was available through the foundation for the 2025-26 academic year. Hundreds of students will receive help with the cost of tuition, room and board in the fall semester. The foundation expects to begin taking applications for the 2026-27 academic year in January.

“Our scholarships can help students and their families bridge gaps that might seem overwhelming,” Cicilline said. “This aid can make dreams come true for the students who get the help and the donors who make it possible. The results of their generosity will be felt for years as these young people make their marks in the workplace and in their communities.”