Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55 is proud to share that two students from Old Rochester Regional Junior High School (ORRJHS) and Sippican Elementary School were recently selected as winners of Feinstein Foundation Golden Tickets.
The tickets earned each school a $2,000 grant and an additional $500 for the students to donate to a charity of their choice.
“We are grateful for the Feinstein Foundation’s generosity,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “Their dedication to inspiring kindness and community service among young students is helping to shape a more compassionate generation, and we are proud to see its impact in our schools. We greatly appreciate the Foundation and all it has done for the Old Rochester community.”
Seventh grader Lauren Dowd was selected as a winner for ORRJHS. She chose to donate her winnings to Showstoppers Performing Arts, Inc. The nonprofit organization, of which Lauren is a member, instills confidence in performers ages 7 to 18 as they sing at various events for community organizations, including hospitals, nursing homes and more.
First grader Lily Bowser was selected as a Golden Ticket winner for Sippican Elementary School. Lily will donate her $500 winnings to people experiencing homelessness in New York City. Originally from New York, Lily witnessed the impact of homelessness firsthand and was inspired to help unhoused families and individuals after she moved to Marion.
“The Feinstein Foundation’s charitability helps foster a school environment where acts of kindness and generosity are the norm,” said Sippican Elementary School Principal Lynn Dessert. “We are always proud of how our Sippican students choose to support their community through this program. When they have the chance to pay it forward, our students always do so with excitement and sincerity. Congratulations to Lily for winning a Golden Ticket.”
Each Feinstein Junior Scholar receives an individually numbered Golden Ticket. Beginning in October, random drawings are held on WPRI Channel 12, and five student tickets from elementary and middle schools across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts are randomly selected each week.
“We are always inspired by what our students do when provided the opportunity to give back to their community,” said ORRJHS Principal Silas Coellner. “We are proud to see our students choose charities that directly benefit local causes important to them. Lauren’s support of the arts will be appreciated by both the students involved in the program, as well as the community members who enjoy their performances.”