Brittani Parent, a 19-year-old student from Cranston East, is the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship award from Rhode Island Community Action Scholar (RICAS) Scholarships. “Youth Success showed me that I can be a teen mom and fulfill my dreams of being successful in life. It helped me by having someone to talk to about being a better mom and dealing with the changes in my life,” said Parent. “I have a job, I am in college, and I take care of my 19-month-old daughter. Youth Success shows teen moms that people really care about you and that is what got me through my hard times of being a teen mom.” Rhode Island Community Action awarded $1,000 scholarships to qualified high school students in eight Community Action Program locations. Students had to provide a written essay as well as a completed application. Rhode Island Community Action Association Executive Director Paula McFarland said, “This is about helping students, like Brittani, learn the life skills they need to so they can get an education and support themselves and their family.” (Submitted photo)