Cadet Samantha Vernancio was awarded the Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the American Revolution in May, 2023, at the Awards Ceremony for Cranston East JROTC.

On December 13, at the Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, she was presented with her formal award at their Christmas party. She was also the guest of honor.

She placed 5th against all other applicants in the Nation and for the first time ever for a Rhode Island applicant and first in the state. She also received a check for $1000.

The Rhode Island Society (RISSAR) is the state affiliate of the National Society. The State Society was organized in Providence on February 1, 1890 and received a charter from the Rhode Island General Assembly in 1894. On the first anniversary of the Society in 1891, a dinner was held to celebrate the 115th anniversary of the sailing of the first American fleet under the command of Commodore Esek Hopkins of Rhode Island.

The purpose of the organization is to “perpetuate the memory of those who, by their services or sacrifices during the war of the American Revolution, achieved the independence of the American people.” The Society's purposes are patriotic, historical and educational.

The award is presented to one Cadet that exemplifies academic excellence, and demonstrates a competitive spirit.

To qualify for this award, each Cadet must submit a an essay detailing their personal JROTC experience,, and how the program has helped them become a better citizen.

Sons of the American Revolution Award, is given to a meritorious cadet enrolled in Army JROTC at each high school and recognizes an outstanding second-year cadet in a 3-year program or a third-year cadet in a 4-year secondary school program. This award consists of a bronze medal pendant and ribbon bar.

Cranston East JROTC helps to stock food pantries

Working as a team, the 11 Senior Cadets were supported by the other 94 Cadets of the CHSE JROTC.

According to Jason M. Lafferty, Colonel, Infantry United States Army (R)

Senior Army Instructor, the Cadets organized an eight week food drive, with community partner CCAP which was part of our cadet senior class's Service Learning Project.

The collection ran from the month of October finishing on December 8, 2023.

‘Through our collective effort with students, staff, and faculty we have raised approximately 27 cases of assorted food items totaling over 1000 items of dry and canned goods that will directly aid our state in combating the Food Insecurity crisis our very community of Cranston faces,” said Lafferty.

The Senior staff planned this project as part of their cadet portfolio called the Service Learning Project that started last spring when they decided to focus on the more than 4000 families in Rhode Island that have been identified as suffering from hunger and food insecurities.

“Working with cadre we created a partnership with CCAP, administrators and staff and we also partnered with Cranston West during the Thanksgiving football game,” Lafferty said.

29 Full boxes containing approximately 800 pounds of dry and canned goods.

They had collection boxes in over 90 advisories in Briggs and CHSE Main Building including the Human Resources offices for Cranston Public Schools and in the administrative offices of the high school with the staff and administrators work.

Administration of Cranston East was thankful and impressed with the hard work the Cadets devoted to this project.

“Thank you so much for spearheading it. This is the type of hands on projects our students and community need .Good job,” said Isa Tejada Assistant Principal at East.