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Business Beat: Wright’s Farm Restaurant awards 9th annual George P. Ducharme Scholarships
$10,000 in total scholarships presented in former school principal’s honor
Wright’s Farm Restaurant, located at 84 Inman Road in Burrillville, Rhode Island, is pleased to announce the winners of its 9th annual George P. Ducharme Scholarship Program. Jenna Forrest and Emilia Ferraro, graduating seniors of Burrillville High School (BHS), each received a $5,000 scholarship to help with college-related expenses. The two students were surprised with the scholarships during BHS’ annual Senior Night on Wednesday, June 5th.
Forrest plans to attend Providence College to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist. She is currently working on her EMT certification and is enrolled in the BioMed Pathway, which requires three courses: BioMed, Human Body Systems, and Medical Interventions, as well as 80 hours of work-based learning. Forrest has exceeded this requirement, completing 120 hours, some of which were earned volunteering in the recovery unit at Rhode Island Hospital. She will gain additional hours shadowing Brown students in the Oncology unit at the same hospital.
Ferraro plans to attend Emmanuel College in Boston to become a medical doctor. She interned at Brown Medical Lab in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department under Dr. Jonathan D. Kurtis at the end of her sophomore year (2022) and after her junior year (2023). There, she contributed to research using immunology, biology, and molecular biology to develop a vaccine for malaria. Last summer, she was part of a team working on a new anti-malarial drug. Her significant contributions will be recognized in a forthcoming scientific paper, which is an extraordinary achievement for a 17-year-old.
A host of students from Burrillville High School applied for the scholarship this year, which is named after the late George P. Ducharme, a 1948 graduate of Burrillville High School and awarded athlete who went on to become the high school’s vice principal and principal from 1966-1985. As recently as 2019, Ducharme was still substituting as principal when duty called within the Burrillville Town School District. He was a military veteran, a mentor, and a valued member of the community for more than 70 years.
“Carrying on the legacy of Mr. Ducharme is an honor and a privilege,” said Frank Galleshaw III, Owner, Wright’s Farm Restaurant. “Mr. Ducharme was my teacher, coach, and principal when I was in school, and the lessons he taught me in the classroom and on the field helped to shape me into the person that I am today. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to help these two passionate students pursue their educational goals for the future in his honor.”
The George P. Ducharme Scholarship is open to students attending a U.S.-based four-year college or university. To be eligible to apply, students must be Burrillville town residents, members of the Burrillville High School graduating class that year and have received official acceptance to a matriculating accredited four-year college or university. The selection criteria are based on demonstrated achievement and need; academic and personal recommendations; academic and personal achievements; school and community involvement; and additional factors as determined by the George P. Ducharme Scholarship Committee.
Applications for the 2025 scholarship will be available in February at: https://www.wrightsfarm.com/restaurant/about/scholarship/.
Photo Caption (from left-to-right):
- Frank Galleshaw III, Owner, Wright’s Farm Restaurant; Emilia Ferraro, Burrillville High School Senior and recipient of the George P. Ducharme Scholarship; and Joan Ducharme-Surprenant, teacher and daughter of George P. Ducharme.
- Frank Galleshaw III, Owner, Wright’s Farm Restaurant; Jenna Forrest, Burrillville High School Senior and recipient of the George P. Ducharme Scholarship; and Joan Ducharme-Surprenant, teacher and daughter of George P. Ducharme.
About Wright’s Farm Restaurant:
Frank and Joyce Galleshaw purchased the Wright’s Farm Restaurant in 1972 and grew it to the Rhode Island landmark it is today. Wright’s Farm Restaurant is a gathering spot for families to enjoy delicious, family-style chicken dinners using time-honored recipes and cooking methods. The restaurant boasts seating for up to 1,200 in six dining rooms and offers banquet facilities. There is also a Gift Shop and Toy Store offering an outstanding selection to please everyone.
For more information about Wright’s Farm Restaurant visit www.wrightsfarm.com. You can also follow Wright’s Farm on Facebook, and Instagram.