2021 Henry J. Sherlock Scholarships awarded.
CIRI provides six students with grants toward college studies.
Marking the tenth year of its scholarship program, CIRI has awarded $3,500 to each of six students to apply to their college studies. Since its inception in 2011, the program has awarded a total of 49 scholarships. The scholarships were renamed in 2014 in honor of Henry Sherlock, executive director of CIRI for 37 years and a lifelong advocate for the pursuit of higher education.
Any senior high school student graduating in 2021 who is the child or grandchild of a present employee or an employee of a CIRI member company — and will be enrolling in a two-year or four-year accredited college or university — was eligible to apply for consideration. The winning 2021 graduates who received this year’s scholarship grants are:
Ava DiBiasio • A graduate of Chariho Regional High School who resides in Carolina, RI, Ava is beginning the Pharm-D Program at University of Rhode Island — a 6-year curriculum that culminates in a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Her goal is to become a psychiatric pharmacist addressing substance abuse and mental health issues. Ava’s father, Albert DiBiasio, is employed by Pare Corporation.
Dara DiBiasio • Twin sister of Ava, Dara DiBiasio also graduated from Chariho Regional High School and resides in Carolina, RI. Beginning a 4-year honors program at Eastern Connecticut State University to earn a BS in Environmental Science, Dara plans to focus on ways humans can directly influence long-term preservation and sustainability. Her father, Albert DiBiasio, is employed by Pare Corporation.
Christopher Grivers • A graduate of North Providence High School who lives in North Providence, Christopher is attending University of Rhode Island. Majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Robotics, he hopes to apply his knowledge to improve the lives of others by helping to overcome physical challenges they face. Christopher’s father, Peter Grivers, is employed by Vanasse Hangen Brustlin.
Katherine Larsen • A Canton High School graduate who resides in Canton, MA, Katherine has embarked on a 4-year program at Northeastern University with a combined major in Biochemistry and Bioengineering. She hopes to do lab work and research in the field of biomedical engineering, and to create/develop devices for use in patients. Katherine’s father, Ronald Larsen, is employed by J.F. White Contracting Co.
Casey McQuesten • A graduate of Bishop Hendricken High School who resides in Exeter, Casey has begun a 4-year program in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at University of Rhode Island. He hopes to become part of a team that designs efficient machines/devices to harness power from renewable energy sources such as solar and hydropower. Casey’s father, Thomas McQuesten, is employed by Skanska USA Civil Northeast.
Allison Pine • A graduate of Millbury Memorial Junior/Senior High School who lives in Millbury, MA, Allison is beginning a 4-to-5-year program at Penn State in Elementary & Early Childhood Education. Her goal is to become a second-grade or third-grade teacher. Allison’s father, Rob Pine, is employed by Skanska USA Civil Northeast.
