On May 7, members of Cranston High School East’s class of 1991 – the centennial class at the school – joined the “pay it forward” initiated in recent weeks by the class of 2020 and later picked up by the class of 1980.

The class of ’91 donated $1,000 to the class of 2020 Class Council, and additionally gave $991 to provide 65 prepared, boxed lunches for front line health care staff members at Rhode Island Hospital. The lunches were prepared by The District, a Providence restaurant owned by class of ’91 alumna Jennifer Freitas.

“CHSE core values of civic pride and service to community remains strong and alive in the class of 2020,” a statement from the Centennial Class Executive Committee reads. “What resonates most with us, and especially during these very trying and anxiety filled times, is that these students – the class of 2020 – have answered the call of former President John F. Kennedy when he said, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.’”

The funding provided to the class of 2020 will be used at the discretion of this year’s seniors – whether to provide COVID-19 relief, establish a scholarship, finance a school memorial or assist with any other worthy purpose.

The donation was presented on the steps of Cranston East on May 7, followed by a visit to Rhode Island Hospital to drop off the lunches.

Members of the Centennial Class Executive Committee include Brian Moretti, Joseph McDonald, Elaina Nardi, Jennifer Freitas and Chris Martin.

The East class of 2020 began the “pay it forward” challenge with the decision to donate a large portion of the money set aside for its senior prom to provide meals for health care workers at Scandinavian Communities Rehabilitation and Nursing in Edgewood. The class of 1980 followed with a donation of food from Uncle Tony’s to The Cedars.

“We are touched by these kids and their selfless determination to make a positive contribution to the community,” the statement reads. “On behalf of the entire Centennial Class we salute the Cranston East class of 2020 and wish them all well as they embark on many great years ahead. We also thank them all for reminding us what makes Cranston East so amazing.”

The class of ’91 also called on the classes of 1990 and 1992 to answer the “pay it forward” challenge.

-- Herald staff