After visiting the James Mitchell Varnum House Museum, Ravi Vishnu, EGHS Class of 2026, developed a passion for historic preservation. Inspired by a conversation with EGHPS member Chip Bennett, he chose to restore the museum's Carriage House and gardens as his Eagle Scout project. Ravi led a team of volunteers in creating a historically appropriate, pollinator-friendly landscape that enhances the museum while reflecting the site's colonial-era character. His accompanying research paper explored the historical significance of the selected plants and the importance of preserving historic sites for future generations. Ravi earned the rank of Eagle Scout, served as co-captain of the EGHS Division I State Championship tennis team, and will study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Rhode Island this fall.

Ryder Gross, EGHS Class of 2026, submitted a paper titled “The Rhode Island Regiment and the Gradual Emancipation Act of 1784” along with a multimedia presentation illustrating the history of the First Regiment from its formation to its disbandment. Ryder was a member of The Confetti Club, an organization that plans birthday parties for hospitalized children, and the Dungeon & Dragons Club. He will attend Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he plans to pursue a career as a narrative designer, developing storylines, characters, and immersive worlds for video games.

Summer Creeden was the recipient of the 2024 East Greenwich Historic Preservation Society Scholarship. A graduate with a passion for history, languages, and global cultures, Summer enrolled at the University of Richmond to study Global Studies with a concentration in Politics and Governance while continuing her studies in Mandarin. Her interest in international perspectives and cultural understanding inspired her article, "World War II Letters from the Front Lines," which appeared in the June 2024 EGHPS Packet.

Raj Vishnu was the recipient of the 2023 East Greenwich Historic Preservation Society Scholarship. A gold medalist on the 2023 State Championship EGHS Academic Decathlon Team, Raj represented Rhode Island at the national competition and was honored by the Rhode Island House of Representatives. An Eagle Scout with BSA Troop 1, East Greenwich, Raj led a community cleanup of Bleachery Pond and the Maskerchugg River in partnership with the East Greenwich Land Trust and the Town of East Greenwich, highlighting the area's historical significance. Raj will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute this fall to study Electrical Engineering, with plans to pursue a career in sustainable energy.

Ethan Jautaikis was the recipient of the 2022 East Greenwich Historic Preservation Society Scholarship. During the 2021-22 school year, Ethan worked with members of EGHPS to create an audio tour of Main and Peirce Streets in historic East Greenwich. Ethan determined he would partner with EGHPS to complete an audio tour of a portion of historic East Greenwich as his senior project, a requirement to graduate from East Greenwich High School. Ethan researched the medium of audio recordings and how one aggregates various recordings to make for a smooth and engaging listening experience. Listen to the East Greenwich Walking Tour.

David Amirsadri was the recipient of the 2021 East Greenwich Historic Preservation Society Scholarship. David has volunteered dozens of hours  with the EGHPS and engaged in original scholarship to study 1940 presidential candidate Wendell Willkie’s visit to East Greenwich among many other topics. David has also devoted hours to maintenance of EGHPS’ archives and local history topics.  David plans to attend the University of Rhode Island and study electrical engineering.  EGHPS is proud to award the East Greenwich Historic Preservation Society Scholarship to David and looks forward to many years of supporting East Greenwich students with a love of history.