Newport Teen Wins $80K Roger Williams Scholarship

NEWPORT, RI — The Rhode Island Foundation awarded a Newport teen with a scholarship honoring the Ocean State's founding father.

Ava Reise, a Rogers High School graduate, won the Roger Williams Scholarship, the Rhode Island Foundation said Thursday. The scholarship was made available through the foundation's Carter Roger Williams Initiative, which was launched by philanthropists Letitia and the late John Carter.

"All of these students discovered inspiration in Roger Williams and in turn has an inspiring story of their own to share," said Neil D. Steinberg, president and CEO of the Foundation. "It is only due to the commitment of the Carter family that we can offer students and their parents this opportunity to think big about their future."

Reise was selected based on her academic achievement, financial need, appreciation for Roger Williams’ values and record of community service. She is eligible to receive up to $80,000 over four years. Nearly 80 students across Rhode Island competed for the scholarship assistance.

Reise plans to attend Emmanuel College in Boston and pursue international studies. Her activities at Rogers High School included indoor and outdoor track and field, cross-country, gymnastics, yearbook, theater and the National Honor Society. She also worked at Belle’s Café and The Reef in Newport.

In her application, Reise shared how she relates to Roger Williams’ values.

"Everyone has the ability to voice their opinion, but he took it to the next step by taking action," Reise said. "Williams voiced his reasons for separation of church and state, something that contradicted the beliefs of many during his era. I not only aspire to Williams' confidence, but as well to his resilience. I see myself as a strong individual, however, I am still learning how to stand up after I get knocked down the way Williams did."