Barrington High School senior Audrey Adams has been selected to receive the Rhode Island Foundation’s largest scholarship. The award is worth up to $80,000 over the next four years. 

The four-year, renewable scholarship is from the Carter Roger Williams Scholarship Fund at the Foundation, which honors the legacy of Roger Williams, the state’s founding father. Launched by the late philanthropists Letitia and John Carter in 2017, the goal is to encourage students to think big about their future.  

“A door to a world of opportunities just opened for these students. Thanks to the continuing support of the Carter family, we can help these young people turn their hopes about college into a springboard to an even brighter life,” said David N. Cicilline, president and CEO of the Foundation. 

Adams is graduating from Barrington High School. She was captain of the debate team, editor-in-chief of the literary magazine, a leading member of the Gender Equality and Awareness Club, and a student representative on the school’s DEI Committee. 

She plans to attend the University of Michigan and study sociology with a minor in creative writing. 

“I’ve been dreaming about college for as long as I can remember,” Amy said. “I look eagerly toward its array of opportunities, from engaging in countless classes at the intersections of my interests to exploring culture and language through studying abroad. I will be able to view the world around me through entirely new angles, each day sparking my intellectual curiosity anew. Most importantly, I’ll be surrounded by a network—a community—of students and professors as eager to learn, grow, and inspire as I am.” 

In her application, Adams shared how she relates to Roger Williams’ values.   

“Roger Williams understood the importance of action. I’ve put forth my own efforts for change from organizing fundraising events for Women’s History Month to participating in protests,” Adams said. “I hope to continue my efforts throughout college and beyond because, as Roger Williams demonstrated, there is always more change to be made.”

The scholarship Adams will receive is one of five totaling up to $400,000 over the next four years. The other recipients are Crystal Gonzalez of Providence, Dessa Molina of East Greenwich, Bronte Terry of Cumberland and Dylan Tupaz of West Warwick. Each student is eligible to receive up to $80,000 over four years. 

“Our scholarships can help students and their families bridge gaps that might seem overwhelming,” said Cicilline. “This aid can make dreams come true for the students who get the help and the donors who make it possible. The results of their generosity will be felt for years as these young people make their marks in the workplace and in their communities.”