Sophia
Academy is a private middle school for girls specifically who have less
fortunate backgrounds in the Providence area. On Friday, December 13th,
thieves broke into Sophia Academy, ripping classrooms apart and making
off with over $50,000 worth of electronics—as
well as donated Christmas gifts. As news of this ghastly act spread,
members of OSHEAN, local businesses, and the community came together,
offering their support and donating money to make up for what was lost.
OSHEAN member Brown University was quick to respond by generously
donating $25,000 to the Academy. The outpouring of support has allowed
Sophia Academy to make up for what was taken from them, and to continue
with their plans to move to their new home on Presidents’ Day. Elizabeth
Rich, who is the schools operation manager, stated, “The influx of
support has been amazing; it is heart breaking that someone would do
something like this. It has had a significant impact on the progress and
momentum for the school’s plan to move to our new building.”
The
community’s response to the incident stands as a testament to the
dedication that New Englanders, and OSHEAN members, have for technology
in a learning environment. As we continue to face hurdles moving
forwards, no boundaries will restrict our community from having one of
the best Internet-based communication infrastructures in the country.