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A lifelong resident of Smithfield, Jay Lawrence was a beloved student athlete who served as Captain of the Hockey Team, and was considered by all to be a warm, witty, kind, and charismatic member of the student body during his four years at Smithfield High School. Jay was also twice named to Rhode Island's All-State Hockey Team (1996, 1997).

In 2001, during his Junior year at The University of Rhode Island, Jay was the victim of a devastating motor vehicle accident, breaking the hearts of all those who enjoyed the blessing of knowing his vibrant, loving, generous soul.

In 2002, Jay’s grandfather, George Sutcliffe, along with numerous friends and family, created The Jay Lawrence Foundation. The Foundation raises money to support community members in need, offer medical and home assistance to locals, and most significantly, has contributed over $345,000 in scholarships to student athletes at Smithfield High School.