Yale-bound FHS Valedictorian Earns Republican Ed Brooke Scholarship

Among the scholarships awarded last night at Franklin High School, was the Sen. Edward W. Brooke Scholarship, awarded by the Franklin Republican Town Committee Treasurer Ray Fioravanti, (left) to graduating senior and class valedictorian Gavin Warnakulasooriya (right)..

According to Warnakulasooriya, he is heading for Yale, where he plans to major in physics and philosophy.  His years at FHS have been busy and productive ones, according to the information supplied to the scholarship committee:

The Franklin Republican Town Committee (RTC), the official organization of registered Republicans in the Town of Franklin, first announced and offered the $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior at Franklin High School last year. The only requirement is that students applying must demonstrate an understanding of Senator Brooke's legacy and its relevance today. Political affiliation or views of the recipient are not considered. Applicants were required to submit a brief essay on Brooke.

Republican Senator Edward W. Brooke, the first black ever elected to the US Senate, represented Massachusetts from 1967 to 1979. He was also a decorated veteran of World War II and served Massachusetts as Attorney General. Brooke was also the keynote speaker at Franklin's Bicentennial Celebration in 1978.