Week of September 16, 2019
Ponaganset Football 

This week’s spotlight was sent in by Thomas Marcello: This letter is to recognize the Ponaganset Football Team’s volunteer work on August 11th in the DCYF/OCA Fourth Annual Duffelbag Bash to benefit children living in state care and home placements. Head Coach Jim Cook volunteered his time along with his coaching staff, athletes, and parents to assist in the event. The Ponaganset Football Team devoted the entire day to the event and were instrumental to the success of the event. The Team arrived at 9:30 am and immediately began setting up tents, tables, chairs, coolers and assisted in vendor setup. The athletes then began greeting every guest upon arrival. Not only did the team set up for the event, but they also cleaned up afterward. Coach Cook and all the Ponaganset Football athletes were beyond exceptional and exceeded all expectations. Most importantly all of the young men were kind, compassionate, and respectful.

This week’s spotlight was sent in by Greg O’Connor: On Friday the Lincoln High School Football team opened up their Division 2 schedule with a big 26-0 victory over defending state champion, Woonsocket. The night was extra special as it was Teacher Appreciation Night. Each student-athlete selected one teacher in the Lincoln School System who truly made an impact on them during their time here in Lincoln. Each teacher was honored at halftime during a special Teacher Appreciation Ceremony. Over 60 teachers were selected and honored that night and we had one of the largest crowds ever at a Lincoln High School home football game. The team really helped the community come together and provided for a great Friday night under the lights.

This week’s spotlight was sent in by Micheal Shunney:

Each year the East Greenwich High School Field Hockey team dedicates a single game of the season to Play4TheCure, this year’s event is on 10/15. A player on the team designs a t-shirt which can be purchased, the team sells baked goods and this year is creating a banner sharing if they would like to play the game in honor of anyone. Annually this game on average raises over $1000 dollars, which is donated to support breast cancer research. In addition to the annual Play4TheCure game the entire field hockey team supports youth field hockey by volunteering 2 1/2 hours each weekend to coach young girls who participate in the East Greenwich Youth Field Hockey league. Over the course of the fall season the total number of hours of community involvement volunteered by the team is around 450 hours.

This week’s spotlight was sent in by Anjelique Cooley:

This team has spent their season donating their time and efforts in helping out the running community tremendously. At the start of the their season we held a Car Wash that invited the community service efforts of Central Falls middle schoolers to help out. After raising $430 dollars, the next day (Sunday) they volunteered at the RI USA Track & Field Senior Olympic Games at Brown University. They helped organize race set-up, rake sand pits for jumpers and mark throws for athletes. Just a few weeks ago, they also ran the kids festival at the Ronald McDonald Womens 5k Classic at Brown University. They helped kids through obstacle course races, go-kart rides, the red sox pitching station, and monitored the soccer station as well. Although the team is small, they love to be involved in helping not only their own community but others too.

Week of December 2, 2019

This week’s spotlight was sent in by Kristin Ward: The La Salle Girls Volleyball team completed a service project this year by donating over 50 Boxes of Joy. This ministry sends Christmas gifts to children in developing countries. For many poor children, a Box of Joy – filled with toys, clothing, school supplies, a rosary and the Story of Jesus – was the first Christmas gift they ever received. Led by senior captain, Susie Mueller, the girls enthusiastically donated 51 Boxes of Joy to children who have less than themselves.

This week’s spotlight was sent in by Taylor Wood: This team should be considered for their outstanding performance in our state championships (which we were placed in 1st of our division) and the amazing friendships we have made. This team has brought so many people together and I think that the commitment and hard work that was shown during the season deserves some recognition.

Week of January 13, 2020

This week’s spotlight was sent in by Kate Dubois: The North Smithfield/Mount Saint Charles co-op football team went 12-0 for the first time in football history at either school. The boys were undefeated in regular season play for the second year in a row, and this year they capped off the season with a Super Bowl win. The players work hard on the field, in the classroom, and in the community volunteering their time at events, such as The Pumpkin Festival held in North Smithfield.

This week’s spotlight was sent in by Meghan Reall: In support of the Suits and Sneakers Week to help fight cancer, the Johnston high school girls Basketball team organized and ran a two-night Coaches vs. Cancer Pink Out basketball game. Sophomore Emily Iannuccilli lead the event, along with the rest of the girls team. The team collected donations at the door of the boys JV and Varsity basketball games on Monday 1/20, while the boys did the same for the girls game on Tuesday 1/21. Anyone who donated was asked to complete a “Today I Honor” sign to honor an individual they know who was affected by cancer. The girls and boys teams hung the signs in the gym for both nights. In total, the two teams collected $2,737, which will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Donations at the door, a 50/50 raffle, and generous donations from several members of the Johnston community made this event such a success!

This week’s spotlight was sent in by Roderick McGarry:The Cumberland High School Varsity Girls Swim team has a tradition in which they have a “pasta- spirit dinner” party before important meets vs. division rival teams. This week, the girls team decided to forgo a pasta party, and instead have a “canned goods spirit party” and collect as much food as possible for the RI Food Bank. The girls swim team turned the event into a team bonding activity that focused on charity, sportsmanship and improving the lives of the less fortunate in Rhode Island, as opposed to just competition. The food collected at the spirit event is being delivered to the RI Food Bank this week.

This week’s spotlight was sent in by Sara Dacey:Woonsocket’s varsity wrestling team just finished their season this past Wednesday, February 19, 2020 with a quad match at Barrington High School. They ended their season with a 50 match winning streak giving them two consecutive undefeated seasons and the title of Division II Champs! No one is more deserving of this than these hard working and devoted men!

This week’s spotlight was sent in by Yugerny Toribio: This is the first year in St Patrick Academy history to ever qualify for division playoffs with a 12-6 record. Our very own Keith Wilson just scored his 1,000 points last week. The boys on the team volunteer on a regular basis at the Mary’s House soup kitchen.