The Rhode Island Foundation is sending a Barrington teen off to college with a scholarship honoring Roger Williams, the state’s founding father. Lucas Matthews won the four-year, renewable scholarship through the Foundation’s Carter Roger Williams Initiative, which was launched by philanthropists Letitia and the late John Carter.

“All of these students discovered inspiration in Roger Williams and in turn has an inspiring story of their own to share. It is only due to the commitment of the Carter family that we can offer students and their parents this opportunity to think big about their future,” said Neil D. Steinberg, president and CEO of the Foundation.

Matthews was one of five students selected statewide based on their academic achievement, financial need, appreciation for Roger Williams’ values and record of community service. They are eligible to receive up to $320,000 over four years. Nearly 80 students across Rhode Island competed for the scholarship assistance.

Matthews attends Barrington High School. He plans to attend Roger Williams University and study education and English.

At Barrington High, Matthews is a member of the National Honor Society and the Gay/Straight Alliance; is president of the school’s book club, participates in theater and is an AP Scholar. In addition, he also volunteers with the Barrington Congregational Church, is a member of the Barrington Public Schools Culturally Responsive Learning Community Committee and works part-time at Shaw's Supermarket.

“The move my family made from Maryland to Rhode Island reminds me of one of the most inspiring principles Mr. Williams lived by, which is that sometimes you have to risk everything for a vision that only you can see,” wrote Matthews, who came to Barrington in 2021.