PROVIDENCE — Parents, grandparents and loved ones eagerly pointed cameras at their children and grandchildren, snapping photos as they were each awarded a $1,000 college scholarship during a recent event at Bishop McVinney Elementary School.
Seventeen students were honored for participating in Read to Succeed, Inc., a local non-profit organization that donates books – and funds – to children at three inner city schools in Providence.
“To complete the program, elementary students are required to read six books over the summer and take a test for each one,” said fourth-grader Xioribel Acevedo-Soto, 9. “The best part is that we get to keep all the books. I participated in the program because I thought it would be a good head start for college, but also because I love to read. I visit the library often.”
Fifth-grader Vethlie Milcette, 10, feels the same. Reading the books and passing the tests, plus earning an honorary medal and certificate of completion, helped her gain not only knowledge, but confidence, as well.
“I love to read,” Milcette said, noting that she makes sure she finds time to curl up with a book every day. “I would like to thank everyone at Read to Succeed, [Principal Lou] Hebert, and my teachers, for this wonderful opportunity. I’m looking forward to participating in the Read to Succeed program for many years.”
According to Read to Succeed Executive Director David F. Guertin, Jr., students enroll in the program the summer before they start fourth grade. They are eligible to participate for five summers, earning a total of $5,000 prior to entering high school.
“I’m very proud that these kids are so serious about it,” said Guertin, adding that the organization supports Bishop McVinney, along with Community Preparatory School and Highlander Charter School. “I think they are more excited and serious about their futures than some of the kids who want for nothing. That’s what I’m most impressed with.”
Guertin, who praised the organization’s founders, Ralph and Barbara Papitto, congratulated students. He also asked them to tell their peers about the program.
“We want more of your friends, or maybe your younger brothers or sisters, to read the books, too,” he said at the event.
Ralph and Barbara Papitto, parishioners at Holy Apostles Parish in Cranston, acknowledged the students as well. Barbara told them that she also grew up in Providence. While she didn’t leave the city much, she found a way to visit Egypt, Paris, London and beyond.
“I did it all through books,” she said. “Books will carry you away to wherever you want to go.”
Following the presentations, students were treated to cake. As they licked icing from their fingers, many of them described their experience with Read to Succeed.
“I feel proud of myself because over the summer I read six books,” said fourth-grader Jiovanni Pereira, 10. “Now, I’m going to read every summer.”
Other students shared similar sentiments. Among them was Pereira’s classmate, Iman Le, 10.
“I like reading more now,” Le said. “It makes me want to read a lot. I felt so happy that I got an award.”
Fifth-grader Shanely Reyes, 10, feels the same. The event evoked in her a variety of emotions.
“I feel nervous, happy and excited all at the same time because I received $1,000,” Reyes said. “I really want to go to college, and this will help.”
Principal Hebert, who helped distribute the awards, as well as cake, was in attendance. He expressed his gratitude for the program, and complimented students for their accomplishments.
“They are very hard workers, and I’m very, very proud of them,” he said.
The organization, which was founded in Rhode Island three years ago, is primarily funded by donations and fundraisers. Through the course of five years, said Guertin, it will provide $900,000 worth of scholarships and $60,000 worth of books.
But for the Papittos, helping children is priceless.
“I love to see the kids and the expressions on their faces,” said Ralph. “It’s great.”
Barbara agrees. She said they enjoy visiting students, as well as encouraging them to further their education.
“It’s time to give back,” she said. “One child asked, ‘why do you do this?’ and I said, ‘because I want to help you. When you get to be successful, you’ll turn around and do the same for someone else.’ It’s all part of the circle of life. Jesus instructed us to take care of our young people.”
