Coventry Resident Among 8 Recipients of Cox Communications Scholarship

Cox Communications recently awarding eight $2,000 scholarships to college-bound students who have achieved high marks not only in the classroom, but also in their communities.

"Before creating this company, our founder James M. Cox was a school teacher and he remained dedicated to the education of youth throughout his life. Cox Communications is proud to carry on his tradition with our scholarship program,” said John Wolfe, senior VP and GM of Cox Communications, Northeast region. 

“This year, we are proud to recognize eight remarkable students who excel in academics and serve their communities. Cox is pleased to play a small role in helping these students build a foundation for future success.”

Coventry High School graduate Cassandra Champagne was one of the eight scholarship recipients this year who truly embodies the well-rounded characteristics Cox seeks to promote.  She plans to pursue a civil engineering degree at Northeastern University in the fall.

“I am proud to join with Cox Communications to honor these outstanding students," said Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis. "Their commitment to community service is truly remarkable. I have no doubt they will be among the future leaders of our state,” 

The seven RI students who joined Cassandra as this year's Cox Communications honorees are:

• Laura Antoniello, a graduate of Burrillville High School, plans to pursue a degree in electronic media, arts  and communication at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

• Jon Barruetabeña, a graduate of Middletown High School, plans to pursue an engineering degree at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

• Veronica Zambrano Coffie, a graduate of Hope High School, plans to pursue a degree in communications at Guilford College

• Marina Eaves, a graduate of Rocky Hill School, plans to pursue a mechanical engineering degree at Northeastern University

• Alexander L. Farnum, a graduate of Smithfield High School, plans to pursue a communications degree at Ithaca College

• Brenton Kreiger, a graduate of North Kingstown High School, plans to pursue an engineering degree at UC Berkley

• Katherine Mitchell, a graduate of Rogers High School, plans to pursue a communications degree at Roger Williams University 

Scholarship recipients are chosen based on their outstanding academic achievement, community service and interest in pursuing a career in the communications, telecommunications, technology or engineering fields. More than 90 scholarship applications were reviewed by a committee comprised of community and business leaders. 

This year, Cox awarded 19 scholarships totaling $35,000, including eight in Connecticut and three in Cleveland, OH. Since 1994, Cox has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to high school seniors throughout Rhode Island, Connecticut and Cleveland.