In celebration of their 50th Anniversary, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State, formally recognized their graduating “littles” who are continuing on to higher education at the first ever annual scholarship breakfast.

The breakfast, hosted last Thursday at the Crowne Plaza, awarded four littles, Cailee DeAngelis, Juleisy Gonzalez, Hope Strike and Gina Vincent, with a $1,500 Dr. Dorothy Pieniadz scholarship.

The scholarship, which credits the founder of BBBSOS as well as the first female dean of Rhode Island College, benefits the mentees of the mentoring organization that have graduated from high school and will be seeking higher education. The proceeds from the breakfast went directly into the Pieniadz scholarship fund.

Katje Afonseca, executive director of BBBSOS said that since the scholarship program began in 2000, approximately $42,000 has been awarded to the program’s littles.

“It is the most amazing thing to see people celebrate youth pursuing higher education,” Afonseca said. “Dr. Dorothy Pieniadz has always put an emphasis on the importance of education.”

To recognize all the great work done by the organization’s mentors, one of the scholarship recipients, DeAngelis, spoke in about her eight-year relationship with her mentor, Beth Fitzpatrick. She said that throughout her life she has only had a few role models and that Fitzpatrick was one of them. Throughout their eight years together, DeAngelis said Fitzpatrick taught her how to be “a strong female” and the “value of education.” Before their relationship DeAngelis was shy and insecure but has grown to become a confident young woman.

DeAngelis, who will be going on to study athletic training at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, said there are three key things in being a good role model: confidence, showing respect and kindness to everyone, and going above and beyond the call of duty, all traits she equates to her big, Fitzpatrick.

“She has taught me how to be a good role model for my younger sister,” DeAngelis said. “All kids need a mentor who is a reliable adult outside of their parents. Thank you for giving me someone who was always in my corner.”

Gonzalez has been matched with her mentor Judy for four years. Gonzalez said Eisen motivated her to college and now she will be attending CCRI’s nursing program and plans to transfer to Rhode Island College. They have developed a lifelong friendship.

Strike will be attending the University of Rhode Island to “identify her true potential.” She has been matched with her mentor, Linda Bowers, for three years and their favorite thing to do together is go fishing. Strike said Bowers taught her to “go out and experience life and to maintain a positive attitude.”

Vincent is pursuing her dream to become an eye doctor and will be attending URI this fall, majoring in pre-med and microbiology. She has been matched with her mentor since 7th grade and Vincent believes the experiences they’ve shared has boosted her confidence and helped her be more positive.

For more information on BBBSOS or to volunteer as a mentor visit www.bbbsos.org.