Olivia Passaretti Memorial Scholarship Fund

Olivia Rose Passaretti was a kind, caring, compassionate daughter, sister, athlete, advocate, and friend. A dynamic, effervescent personality who loved her family, karate, softball, music, making TikTok videos, and trying new sports like field hockey and cross country, Olivia’s life was tragically taken by a reckless driver with a long criminal record on New Year’s Eve, at the age of 17. Described by her mother, Janine, as wise beyond her years, with “a true smile . . . a smile that lit up a room,” Olivia participated in many sports as a student athlete, but winning the game was never more important than caring for others. While she was playing in goal during a field hockey game, Janine recalls, an opposing player was hit by a ball, and Olivia left the goal open to help, surrendering a score, but demonstrating the true meaning of sportsmanship. “That was the way Olivia was,” explains her mom.

To honor Olivia’s memory, Janine sought to establish a scholarship fund and was directed to the Foundation by East Greenwich High School, where Olivia was a student. The Olivia Passaretti Memorial Scholarship Fund for student athletes at East Greenwich High School was created for students pursuing postsecondary education who display sportsmanship, both on and off the field.

Janine also wanted to ensure that the scholarship criteria addressed the qualities of “the whole person . . . the way you win and the way you lose,” and be open to students who attend trade schools and other forms of advanced education, as well as those pursuing four-year degrees. “When kids are growing up, you try as hard as you can, you do your best. It’s not just about the ‘A.’ It was never about the grade, it was about the effort,” says Janine regarding her approach to raising Olivia and her sisters, Jacqueline and Victoria. “Loving your children for who they are . . . to feel accepted and loved” was the message strongly emphasized in the Passaretti home.

“Be You” was the motto embraced by Olivia during her brief but inspiring life, modeling encouragement and acceptance for everyone she encountered. Through this scholarship fund, the values so meaningful to Olivia live on, supporting fellow athletes and helping students pursuing varied fields of study find their way. For Janine, the fund is also a way to keep her daughter’s light shining. “I just can’t stop,” she says. “I will continue to be Olivia’s voice.”