Ten years ago, on September 16, 2002, Brian Carlson passed away unexpectedly. He was only twenty-one years old and had been attending the Community College of Rhode Island to further his education. Brian was a talented writer who touched many hearts with his work and was an inspiration to those who had the pleasure to know him. To reach his dreams, he was determined to overcome some of the obstacles that life had put before him. In memory of Brian Carlson, his former high school teacher, family, and friends set up a scholarship fund to turn a tragic event into one that could have a positive impact on students graduating from Franklin High School.

Provide students who graduate from the Franklin High School an opportunity to attend a college, University, or trade school of their choice. The Brian Carlson Scholarship Fund will give scholarships to students who graduate from FHS and meet the criteria set up by the fund committee. The money will be given annually to a member of the graduating class that most exemplifies Brian's determination, a student that challenges life's lessons and has the willingness to confront his or her demons (overcome adversity) and plans to continue his or her education after graduating from high school.

On March 22, 2009, Brian's youngest sister passed away at the age of twenty-one after a long illness. Kara was a student of the Franklin schools who lived her life with courage, strength and a positive outlook. In memory of her spirit and life's song;

To Laugh, To Sing, To Dance, To Love

we have awarded three $500 scholarships in her memory to recipients that demonstrate these qualities.

• Katherine O'Koren - 2009
• Justin Graci - 2010
• Andrea Bates - 2011