The Rhode Island Association of Chinese Americans (RIACA) recently announced that Toll Gate senior Nina Yu and eight other outstanding seniors from seven high schools in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts won 2013 RIACA scholarships. 

RIACA scholarships were established to promote academic excellence and understanding of Chinese culture and Chinese heritage among youngsters. The scholarships require that high school seniors show excellence in academic records, extracurricular activities, leadership and contributions to local communities. In particular, priority is given to students who show great interest in Chinese culture and heritage, and provide service to the local Chinese community.

“This is the first year of RIACA scholarship, and the applications are outstanding,” said the chairman of RIACA, Louis Yip. The nine-member scholarship committee, co-chaired by Dr. Qing Yang of the University of Rhode Island and Dr. Yinsheng Wan of Providence College, has carefully reviewed and evaluated all the applications and interviewed all applicants in accordance with national standards. 

“From a very competitive pool, the committee has selected the winners of 2013 RIACA Scholarship, with either $3,000 or $1,000 award,” said the president of RIACA, Sunny Ng.

The Award Ceremony was held on April 13, with Congresswoman Judy Chu of California as an invited speaker.