Students graduating from Rogers High School will have increased financial support to pursue higher education thanks to a donation from a previous student.
Lt. Col. Ronald Eckert USMC (Ret.) and his wife, Kathie, announced they have pledged $100,000 to the Thompson Scholarship Fund, supporting graduating seniors from Rogers High School.
“We searched for the best resource for Rogers High School students for two months, speaking with several individuals. Eventually we spoke with Colleen Murray, president of the Rogers High School Alumni Association, who recommended the Thompson Fund as a way to support my alma mater. Meetings with the fund’s board of trustees further reassured us that we could positively impact Rogers students for years to come,” Ron Eckert said in a statement.
“We are excited to support a fund that empowers students to achieve their dreams, and we look forward to seeing the impact of this gift starting in 2025.” Kathie Eckert added.
Established in 1913, the Thompson Scholarship Fund provides tuition to Rogers High School graduates attending recognized colleges or universities.
“The Trustees are honored to steward the generous gift from Ron and Kathie. Their support helps sustain our mission to provide financial aid to Rogers graduates. In recent years, the fund has awarded six to eight four year scholarships annually, and their donation ensures this tradition will continue,” Board chair Dave Galvin stated.
The Eckert’s story began in the summer of 1961 when Kathie, visiting family in Newport, met Ron, a lifeguard at Easton’s Beach.
After parting ways, they reconnected in 1966 at a “hail and farewell” event just before Ron left for Jacksonville, North Carolina. They married the following year, and 57 years later, with three daughters, their journey continues. Passionate about giving back to the school, which played a pivotal role in Ron’s achievements, they sought a meaningful scholarship program to support Rogers High School graduates.
The Eckerts remain connected to Newport with a second home in Middletown and currently reside in Daniel Island, South Carolina.
Ron’s legacy extends beyond his time at Rogers High School, rooted in his athletic journey as a standout football layer. Growing up in a military family, he first played organized football at Potter Elementary, where coach Frank Merciol taught him the importance of keeping his head up and feet moving as an offensive lineman. After moving to Maryland, Ron made the Bel Air High School freshman team and joined the varsity squad the following year. He returned to Rogers High in 1955, becoming co-captain of the football team in 1957. He earned spots on the Providence Journal-Bulletin All-State and Sporting News National High School All-American teams that year.
Ron capped his high school career by representing Rhode Island in the 1958 National All-American game in Hershey, Pennsylvania, becoming the first player from the state at that time.
“To say this was a highlight is an understatement,” Ron said. “My teammates, as well as the Big 33 team members were the finest high school athletes I could imagine. I wondered why I was so blessed to be in their company.”
Ron continued his football career at Upsala College on an athletic scholarship, where he was named Most Valuable Player and selected as a Little All-American by UPI and the Williamson Poll. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the USMC in 1963, going on to play for the Quantico Football Team. The 1963 Press Guide noted Ron as the most welcome newcomer to the team. After two tours in Vietnam, he returned to coach football, becoming head coach and Athletic Director for USMC Athletics.
In 1971, was ordered to retire the football program, which ended in 1972 with Eckert as head coach. Following his retirement after 20 years of active service, he worked as a consultant for the NFL’s Washington Redskins for 19 years, a NCAA Division 1 Official for 14 years, and was a partner in IR-Technologies, which provided services to the U.S. Naval Service. In 2021, he was inducted into the Rogers High School Athletic Hall of Fame for outstanding contributions to the school and the sport.
“My time at Rogers High School was a pivotal part of my journey. Kathie and I are excited to see how our contribution helps future graduates reach their potential through the Thompson Scholarship Fund. We are hopeful that our gift will favorably influence a decision to attend Rogers High School,” Ron said.
For more information about the Thompson Scholarship Fund or to donate, contact Dave Galvin at dgalvin@starshep.com or Matthew Leys at mleys@cphnpt.com.
