Michael S. Nelson and Principal Heidi Letendre are pleased to announce that Rochester Memorial School fourth-grader Maggie Sommer recently won a Feinstein Foundation Golden Ticket. The ticket earned her school a $5,000 grant and an additional $500 for Maggie to donate to a charity of her choice.
On Monday, November 9, Maggie’s winning ticket and five others were announced on WPRI’s Channel 12 during the 4:30 pm news.
Maggie chose to donate the $500 gift to the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, as she cares deeply about others and wants to help children with autism and their families. The foundation created by former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie aims to help individuals with autism by providing direct financial support, grants, and employment opportunities for people with autism spectrum disorder.
Each Feinstein Jr. Scholar receives an individually numbered Golden Ticket. Beginning in October, random drawings are held on WPRI Channel 12, and five student tickets from elementary and middle schools across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts are randomly selected each week.
“I graciously thank the Feinstein Foundation for their generosity, which not only directly benefits our school district and programs but empowers our students to make direct, positive impacts in their communities,” Principal Letendre said. “The chance for a student to direct a substantial donation to a cause of their choice reinforces the value of community-mindedness and altruism that we so strongly promote at Rochester Memorial School.”
Superintendent Nelson congratulated Maggie on having her ticket selected, and for choosing a cause that benefits other children.
“On behalf of the district, I would like to thank the Feinstein Foundation for their donation to Rochester Memorial School. I know that the funds will be well-spent on opportunities for our students,” Superintendent Nelson said. “I’m proud of our students as they continue to demonstrate the importance of giving back to the community and congratulate Maggie on her Golden Ticket win.”