In June, Devin Manzo became the inaugural recipient of the Ronald D’s Career, Trade, and Technical Scholarship, founded to help graduates of the Warwick Area Career and Technical Center with the costs of special tools and equipment necessary for a career as a tradesman.

“I was really honored because there are a lot of kids in my class and I was the one selected,” said scholarship recipient Manzo. “I’m really grateful.”

This is the first year the scholarship has been awarded to a student at the Career and Tech Center to help jumpstart their careers in the trades. The funds are to be used to buy the tools, clothing, tests, licensing and more required in the field.

Manzo was awarded $800, and plans to use the funds to continue his journey of becoming a licensed electrician by buying the tools he needs.

The amount awarded to the recipient varies depending on what the scholarship applicant needs, and part of the application is explaining what those needs are. Some applicants might need $200-$300 to pay for a license exam or renewal, but it could be much more than that. The needs of the applicants are assessed on an individual basis.

“I might be biased, but I think that out of all the programs the electrician program is the best one,” said Manzo. He wants to extend special thanks to his teacher, John Valletta. “He is easily the best teacher I’ve had, ever. Not only did we learn but it was also a fun experience.”

The scholarship was established by Kathryn “Kathy” Newman, a retired Toll Gate High School teacher, in memory of her late husband Ronald D. Newman, a career tradesman and master electrician.

“My husband was a master electrician who lived in Rhode Island his whole life,” said Newman. “He really believed in the trades, and he could do anything, not just electrical. The trades are so important and he always thought highly of it.”

Newman taught at Toll Gate for 30 years, and her youngest daughter graduated from the Career and Tech Center’s culinary and pastry arts program. “I want to give back to the school that I love,” she says.

Kathy Newman presented the scholarship to Manzo a few days after he graduated. “He is a tremendous young man, and very polite,” she said.

Manzo is enrolled in a two-year business program at CCRI. He plans to pursue a union job as an electrician after school, but is working with a private company to stay in the field until he finishes his schooling.

This scholarship was established under the Eastern Star Foundation of Rhode Island, Inc., and is a 501(c)(3) fund. Hopefully, this scholarship will continue to provide assistance to more well-deserving students at the Warwick Career and Tech Center in future years.

“I’m hoping to give back to many more students in the future,” Newman says.

The public is welcome to donate to the Ronald D. Scholarship fund. Checks can be made out to the Eastern Star Foundation of Rhode Island, Inc. and mailed to 7360 Saint Ives Way Unit 2201 Naples, FL 34104. Contact Kathy Newman directly at 401-219-2839.