‘Living memorial’ supports local students

Posted 1/2/20

'Living memorial' supports local students Nineteen local students became the latest recipients of loans through the Cranston Veterans' Memorial Fund during an award ceremony held Friday, Dec. 27, at the Sprague Mansion. CVMF is a rotating loan fund

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‘Living memorial’ supports local students

AWARD WINNERS: Pictured are this year’s recipients of interest-free loans from the Cranston Veterans’ Memorial Fund. The award ceremony was held at Sprague Mansion on Dec. 27.

(Herald photos by Steve Popiel)

ALL SMILES: Smiling as she receives the Anthony DePetrillo Award from Paula Rampone, coordinator of interest free loans for the Cranston Veterans’ Memorial Fund, is Nicole DeAngelis. She also received a $1,000 prize through a drawing.

(Herald photos by Steve Popiel)

LOAN WINNER: Amber Rastella of Cranston celebrated her selection for the Frank Calcagni Award during the Cranston Veterans’ Memorial Fund award night at Sprague Mansion on Dec. 27. She is pictured with Paula Rampone, coordinator of interest-free loans.

(Herald photos by Steve Popiel)

Posted Thursday, January 2, 2020 1:11 pm

Nineteen local students became the latest recipients of loans through the Cranston Veterans’ Memorial Fund during an award ceremony held Friday, Dec. 27, at the Sprague Mansion.

CVMF is a rotating loan fund supported and operated by the citizens of Cranston with the cooperation of Cranston Public Schools. The fund is administered by respected members of the community, educators, business and professional people and civic leaders.

Established in 1956, the fund serves as a “living memorial” to the 73 sons of the city who laid down their lives for democracy during World War II and the Korean War.

CVMF’s Board of Directors is proud to have played a part in supporting aspiring young students who seek to further their education after graduating from the city’s high schools.

Any resident of Cranston who is a graduate of Cranston High School East, Cranston High School West or the NEL/CPS Career Academy and is enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution, on a full time basis, is eligible to apply for an interest free loan from the CVMF.

Each recipient receives a $1,000, interest-free loan. The loan is renewable yearly upon submitting an application and transcript for a total of $4,000 over a four-year span. The loans are expected to be repaid in full within four years after completion of the educational program or immediately upon dropping out of a full-time program. Complete payback is vital to the continuing success of the CVMF.

Receiving awards this year were Noah James, Amber Rastella, Ethan Gomez, Emily Nunez, Nicole DeAngelis, Nicole Sacco, Zachary Ramsey, Alexandra Corcoran, Kyle Hammond, Kailee Pearson, Zachary Sparks, Taylor Grant, Lauren Alexis Hammond, Paul Maguire, Christian Jose Pena, Amy Jimenez, Alex Seng and Griffen Hill.

Recipients were selected by CVMF’s Executive Board. The selections are based on the completed application, school and community involvement, and personal recommendations. The number of loans awarded each year is based on the fiscal strength of the CVMF.

All the recipients who attended the awards night were eligible for a drawing for cash awards. Winning $500 awards were Paul Maguire and Kailee Pearson, and winning the $1,000 award was Nicole DeAngelis.