By PAM SCHIFF

Opening up his daily email, music director at Cranston East, Greg Arsenault came across a message he never thought he would get. 

“I recognize you weren’t expecting this but the GRAMMY Museum Foundation is planning to make a $2,000 donation to Cranston High School East’s music program as part of our Community Award program.

This donation is part of our GRAMMY Signature Schools Community Award program. The Community Award program involves various organizations providing funding for the GRAMMY Museum Foundation to make donations of $2000 to deserving high school music programs in selected communities around the country. The Hot Topic Foundation generously provided funding to selected a school in Rhode Island.

Given our mission of supporting high school music education, the GRAMMY Foundation’s role is to identify and select the schools to receive the donations,” said Angelica Pollard, the Development Assistant for GSS Community Award.

Arsenault is very proud of the program and their recognition.

“Cranston East was selected for this award based on the excellent reputation that our music department has in the community and public sphere and the impact that we have on our students. It is gratifying to know that our efforts are being recognized on a National level by prestigious organizations such as the Grammys,” 

Pollard expanded on the selection process for East.

“Our goal is always to give the funding to the schools where it will have the most impact, so our Education Team took a look at all the schools in your area and based on publicly available information, we are happy to say that we selected Cranston High School East,” she said.

Sean Kelly, Principal at East was happy and surprised as well.

“These kids work so hard every day, not just in the classroom, they truly deserve this recognition. East is so proud of their award and look forward to all their successes in the future,” he said.