Dear readers,

We invite you to join us in celebrating the achievements of our youths whether in the classroom, on the athletic field or in the community. In addition to a weekly “Athlete of the Week” which will be a feature of our local sports coverage, you will find in this edition the holiday essays of elementary school students and stories of their on stage performances. And, of course, we will be publishing the names of those earning school honors. We always welcome your help. Send us the reason and name(s) of those you believe deserve recognition to Ashley at Ashleym@rhodybeat.com. Also, at this time we at the Beacon thank you for your support and wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and happiest of holidays.

John Howell

The Warwick Beacon’s Athlete of the Week is Pilgrim’s Faith Meade. The Pilgrim girls basketball team has jumped out to a 3-0 start in Division III and is poised for a bounce back season after a down 2021. Meade, a senior, has been stellar for Pilgrim at the guard position and led the team with 18 points in a big league showdown against the Lincoln Lions. Pilgrim got the road win, 54-44. For more on Meade’s night, check out sports on page 28.

Editor’s note: As we begin running our weekly Athlete of the Week, the Beacon encourages readers to let their voices be heard on who they believe should be recognized. Whether it is high school players, middle schoolers, youth standouts, we are open to any and all suggestions. Feel free to email sports editor Alex Sponseller at alexs@rhodybeat.com.