$2,500 Scholarship to Elevate the Readers of Saint Thomas Aquinas

Generosity is a driving force in Saint Thomas Aquinas’ future progress, as shown through fundraising events and scholarships.

One benefactor, Richard Phillips recently donated $100,000 in scholarship money to be allocated toward tuition cost for current students. Each year, four students will have an opportunity to earn $2,500. How? By reading two books. Why? Because reading is life-changing.

Who is Richard Phillips?

Richard Phillips, a man wrongfully convicted for murder, spent forty-six years incarcerated before he was recently released. As an innocent person trapped in a prison, over four decades of uncomfort and danger is a difficult way to live one’s life. In order to shed some serenity in this hardship, Phillips took up reading. A dear friend of Phillips shares that books were “saving graces” to the unfortunate life he was forced to live.

To take a step back in Phillip’s life before his incarceration, he removed himself from high school following his tenth grade year, tossing away the opportunity to receive an education. For all readers, I’m sure the conclusion can be made that school isn’t every high school sophomore’s favorite pastime, but with maturity comes an appreciation for education, and Mr. Phillips is a prime example. 

In his time in jail, Mr. Phillips developed an appreciation for education after seeing just how he was lacking in knowledge. Determined to make a change, Mr. Phillips spent time painting and reading. Although his paintings are what his main focus has come to be today, he found immense value in reading. 

“Had it not been for the books I read while incarcerated, I would not be who I am today or as wise.” 

Mr. Phillips

Reading is life-changing, especially for Phillips who was wrongfully incarcerated for forty-six years. Phillips hopes to inspire the students of Saint Thomas Aquinas to appreciate the value of reading and its sustaining impact through an academic scholarship that’s main requirement is to read two critically acclaimed novels from this list and write about the impact each book had on his/her life, just as Phillip experienced through his reading in jail. 

Education isn’t solely found in a school, but is a life-long journey. This outlook is what influenced Phillip’s generous donation of $100,000 in scholarship money. He hopes to plant seeds of valued learning in students’ minds while they are in high school so that they can begin their life-long learning journey now.

Each year, four students will have an opportunity to earn $2,500.

To the students, parents, alumni, and supporters of Saint Thomas Aquinas, our warmest thanks are sent to Mr. Phillips for his generous donation and his encouragement of valuing the education available to us.

Read the details of the scholarship, as well as how to apply. 

The Richard Phillips Pursuit of Knowledge Scholarship

 

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About the Contributor

Peyton is a senior, class of 2025. This is her second year on The Shield staff. Here at Aquinas, she runs track, is a board member of the Key Club, and on the bowling team. She is also a Peer Mentor and a Senior Ambassador. In her free time, she enjoys reading books, listening to music, and hanging out with family and friends.