On the edge of their seats, 16 girls and two teachers from Scituate High School anxiously awaited the announcement of the winners of the two, full tuition scholarships given by Roger Williams University Friday, March 7, 2008.

Finally, the first name was drawn and the president of the university, Roy J. Nirschel, announced that the winner was from Scituate High School; jaws dropped. He continued , “From the class of two thousand,” pausing to look at the eager crowd, “eleven, email address xxxcrazyswimmerxxx@yahoo.com.”

Alana Mercurio, a freshman at SHS won the scholarship, which totals about $125,000. Speechless, Alana turned to Mrs. Dailey and Ms. Donovan, who chaperoned the field trip, uncertain what to do.

Recalling the moment, Alana said, “I laughed. I didn’t know what else to do because it was so shocking.” As a freshman, she can now go through high school knowing her future is set. She said she is still going to keep her options open, but she will always have Roger Williams University as one of those options.

GRRL (Girls Reaching Remarkable Levels) Tech sponsored the sixth annual interactive technology expo with twenty available workshops, where, originally, high school sophomore and junior girls could learn about opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics . The expo was also to raise the awareness of teachers in implementing gender equity in education and learning the latest techniques in preparing female students for success in college and other skills for success in business.

Scituate contacted GRRL and asked to bring some freshmen, also interested in the program, which is how Alana was able to go on the trip.

Mrs. Varrecchione, the school based coordinator, organized the event funded by a Perkins Grant. The Perkins Grant is a federal grant that gives money to post-secondary schools encouraging vocational programs. Mrs. Varrecchione says, “they bring school into the real world.”

This was the biggest turn out GRRL Tech has ever had, as over 400 girls attended.

Alana said, “It was awesome seeing other girls there that have the same interests as you. It was a great overall experience.”

Alana is looking forward to the rest of her high school career, but is still nervous about getting into college and making the right decisions.