RI Hospitality Education Foundation Awards David DePetrillo Memorial Scholarships

RI Hospitality Education Foundation Awards David DePetrillo Memorial Scholarships to Three Rhode Island ProStart® Students

Scholarships presented to students pursuing hospitality education at Johnson & Wales University

The RI Hospitality Education Foundation recently awarded David DePetrillo Memorial Scholarships to three Rhode Island ProStart® students pursuing hospitality education at Johnson & Wales University this fall.

Two of the scholarships were presented during RI Hospitality’s annual membership reception on June 15 and recognized students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the hospitality industry through their classroom studies, culinary training and participation in ProStart® programming.

Established in loving memory of David DePetrillo, former longtime Chairman of the RI Hospitality Education Foundation, the scholarship honors his lifelong dedication to education, tourism and workforce development, as well as his commitment to creating opportunities for young people to succeed in hospitality.

This year’s scholarship recipients are Chloe Joseph of Warwick, RI, a student in the Exeter-West Greenwich ProStart® Program who plans to major in Baking & Pastry Arts at Johnson & Wales University; Kenadee Houle of North Providence, RI, a student in the Davies ProStart® Program who competed in the 2025 National ProStart® Invitational in Foodservice Management and plans to major in Baking & Pastry Arts at Johnson & Wales University; and Ella Murphy of Carolina, RI, a student in the Chariho ProStart® Program who competed in the 2026 RI ProStart® Competition, won second place nationally in SkillsUSA for baking and plans to major in Baking & Pastry Arts at Johnson & Wales University.

“Supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of our industry,” said Farouk Rajab, President/CEO, RI Hospitality Association and the RI Hospitality Education Foundation. “Chloe, Kenadee and Ella have already shown tremendous promise through their work in ProStart®, and we are proud to recognize their accomplishments through a scholarship that reflects David DePetrillo’s lasting commitment to education, workforce development and hospitality.”

ProStart® is a nationally recognized career and technical education program that helps high school students build skills in culinary arts, restaurant management and hospitality. Through classroom learning, hands-on training and industry-focused experiences, the program introduces students to career pathways in hospitality while helping prepare them for continued education and future employment in the field.

Through programs like ProStart®, the RI Hospitality Education Foundation works closely with schools, industry partners and hospitality employers to create career awareness, provide work-readiness training and support students as they prepare for opportunities in foodservice, lodging, tourism, and related fields.

“These students represent the talent, drive and passion that make the future of hospitality so exciting,” said Traci Dufresne, Director, Education Foundation, RI Hospitality. “We are thrilled to celebrate their accomplishments and look forward to seeing all they achieve at Johnson & Wales University and beyond.”

Students and adult learners interested in applying for future David DePetrillo Memorial Scholarship consideration can learn more and access the application at www.rihospitality.org/david-depetrillo-memorial-scholarship-application. Applications are due by November 1.

For more information about RI Hospitality and the RI Hospitality Education Foundation, visit www.rihospitality.org.

About the RI Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF):
The RI Hospitality Education Foundation’s mission is to develop, support and promote career growth opportunities within the hospitality industry to benefit students, organizations, and the economy. This mission is achieved through the foundation’s work with youth, unemployed adults, and incumbent employees. RIHEF’s focus is on career awareness, providing work-readiness training and offering occupational skills training. For more information, visit www.rihospitality.org/riha/About_RIHEF.

About RI Hospitality:

With more than 900 foodservice, hotel, vendor, and other hospitality members in Rhode Island, RI Hospitality has been the voice of the hospitality industry in the state since 1963. For more information on RI Hospitality, please call (401) 223-1120, or write to: RI Hospitality, 94 Sabra Street, Cranston, RI, 02910 or visit www.rihospitality.org.

The RI Hospitality Education Foundation’s mission is to develop, support and promote career growth opportunities within the hospitality industry to benefit students, organizations, and the economy. This mission is achieved through the foundation’s work with youth, unemployed adults, and incumbent employees. RIHEF’s focus is on career awareness, providing work-readiness training and offering occupational skills training. For more information, visit www.rihospitality.org/riha/About_RIHEF.