The Sister Thea Bowman Black Catholic Education Foundation is proud to announce Bronte Terry, a graduate of Blackstone Valley Prep High School, as one of its 2025 scholarship recipients. Terry will attend The College of the Holy Cross this fall and pursue a degree in neuroscience and psychology, with a passion for addressing disparities in services for children of color, particularly those with disabilities and those facing systemic barriers.
“I’ve learned so much from Sister Thea Bowman, especially about the importance of embracing who I am, unapologetically,” Terry shared. “Her courage and commitment to breaking down barriers resonate deeply with me. As a Black woman, my joy and confidence are often misunderstood, but Sister Thea’s story reminds me to take pride in who I am, to raise my voice for justice, and to create spaces where others can do the same.”
“Bronte is the perfect example of the type of student we work to inspire and support through the Sister Thea Bowman Black Catholic Education Foundation,” said Joe Barker II, Executive Director of the Foundation. “Her commitment to advocating for children, her leadership in diverse communities, and her dedication to breaking down barriers are precisely what we want to form and see in the next generation of leaders. We are proud to support Bronte as she pursues her academic and professional goals, and we are confident she will make a profound impact on the communities she serves.”
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Terry has demonstrated a deep commitment to leadership, service, and advocacy. She spent summers working as a Senior Counselor at the Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket Camp, planning and leading art-centered activities for children while supervising and supporting their well-being. She also served as a Student Intern with the Mayor’s Office of Children, Youth, & Learning in Cumberland, Rhode Island, where she co-led arts and crafts activities and helped guide both leadership and daycare programs.
Her dedication to equity and empowerment is evident through her leadership in student organizations. As Co-Founder of the Female Empowerment Club at Blackstone Valley Prep High School, she helped collect over 300 hygiene product donations for vulnerable populations, advocated for the installation of the school’s first female hygiene product dispenser, and organized educational campaigns for Black History Month and Women’s History Month. She also helped raise funds for humanitarian aid for women and children in Gaza and the West Bank.
As a member of the Black Student Union, she worked to increase awareness around mental health and equity issues for Black students. During her two years as Vice President of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, she partnered with school leadership to create more inclusive policies, including procedures to prevent trans students from being misidentified in official school records. She co-led diversity and anti-bullying trainings for faculty and organized fundraisers supporting the Trevor Project and the Human Rights Campaign.
Her leadership extended to the Scholar Council, where she helped plan pep rallies, organize clothing and food drives, and promote school spirit. She is also a gifted musician, performing as a vocalist, pianist, and guitarist since 2014, including singing the National Anthem at graduation ceremonies.
Through these experiences, she has shown a consistent dedication to building inclusive communities, advocating for justice, and uplifting those most in need. These are qualities that reflect the values and legacy of Sister Thea Bowman.
“I’ve witnessed how the educational and healthcare systems often fail to meet the needs of disadvantaged children, especially those of color. I want to be part of the solution,” said Bronte. “Sister Thea Bowman’s legacy of inclusion and empowerment has inspired me to advocate for these children, ensuring they have the opportunities they deserve to succeed.”