The scholarship offers awards to residents of Ocean State Media’s demographic market area who demonstrate promise of a successful career in the fields of broadcasting, communications, and/or journalism.
2025 Winner:
Scarlett Biancuzzo of Barrington
The Barrington High School Class of 2025 graduate was selected from 38 applicants from the station’s broadcast area in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. She plans to major in journalism and political science at the University of Missouri.
“Receiving this award is validation that the perseverance I have put forth over the past four years has paid off. The generous PBS scholarship will, no doubt, significantly decrease the financial burden of college while simultaneously allowing me to focus on my ultimate goal of becoming a broadcast journalist,” said Biancuzzo.
Although a resident of Bristol, she attended Barrington High in order to explore her interest in journalism through its Career and Technical Education program in Television Production.
“Television production is deeply rooted in journalism, specifically broadcast journalism. I learned how to pose questions that encourage meaningful responses and provide opportunities for others to tell their stories in their own voice,” she said.
“My interest in journalism was supported by my parents and Eagle News Network advisor, Mr. West. They have all helped me continue to follow my dreams and I would not have made it without them! In particular, my advisor has presented me with endless opportunities that have helped me grow in the broadcasting field,” she explained.
SCHOLARSHIP INFO
Selection criteria:
- Completion of the Universal Application, which may include essays, transcripts, a résumé worksheet, letter of recommendation from a teacher or professional who can attest to the applicant’s merit in pursuing a successful career in journalism and/or media, a work sample – such as writing, video, audio, photography, or another creative example, and other supporting documents.
- Resident of Rhode Island or Bristol County, Massachusetts
- A graduating high school senior planning to attend an accredited 4-year post-secondary school, or a student currently enrolled in an accredited 4-year post-secondary institution
- Demonstration of financial need and how this scholarship will make a meaningful difference in their educational plans
- Exhibit merit toward a successful career in journalism and/or media
- Current employees of Ocean State Media, their children, and other immediate family members are not eligible to apply.
- Award: up to $15,000; past recipients are eligible to reapply
Audrey Martin, 2018 recipient
Adam Zangari and Mary Lind, 2019 recipients
Alison McCadden, 2020 recipient
Tara Monastesse, 2021 recipient
Jaychele Nicole Schenck, 2022 recipient
— Isabella Ba, 2023 recipient
Timothy Yean 2024 scholarship recipient
Scarlett Biancuzzo 2025 recipient
