Number of Funding Requests from Tri-County Nonprofits Grows

    WATERTOWN — The Youth Philanthropy Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation recently awarded $17,200 in grants to six North Country nonprofit organizations that will support a wide range of community programs and projects.

    Each year, the Council reviews requests from tri-county nonprofits to fund projects or initiatives that positively impact the quality of life in Jefferson, Lewis, or St. Lawrence counties. In addition to researching and recommending grants, Council members visit several nonprofit organizations, learn about grantee stewardship, community investment and leadership, and nonprofit sustainability.

    The Council received 23 funding proposals during the 2020-2021 program year with eight agencies invited to present requests to the full Council. Members delivered grant recommendations to the Community Foundation Board of Directors during its June quarterly meeting. The Board unanimously approved the full slate of grant recommendations. 

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Boldt Great-Grandson Expands Program, Awards Support for Two Years of Study

    CLAYTON — Three Jefferson County high school members of the class of 2021 were recently named recipients of the Northern New York Community Foundation George C. Boldt Scholarship.

    Hayden Augliano, Watertown High School, Jason J. Badalato, Carthage Senior High School, and Gabrielle “Ellie” Hyde, Alexandria Central High School, were each awarded a two-year $10,000 scholarship during a reception in Clayton last week with George C. Boldt’s great-grandson, Malcolm Goodridge, and great-great-grandson, Charlie Goodridge. 

    The scholarship honors the legacy of the castle’s builder, noted hotelier and philanthropist George C. Boldt Sr. Mr. Goodridge has led efforts to establish the scholarship with other descendants of Mr. Boldt and dozens of North Country donors who have made gifts to the scholarship fund at the Community Foundation.

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Appreciation Dinner Held in Canton to Honor Students, Founding Donors

    CANTON — Ten St. Lawrence County members of the class of 2021 were recently honored as recipients of the Northern New York Community Foundation Evergreen STEM Scholarship. 

    Students earned the scholarship due to their interest and intent to study in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field while in college. Students applied while in their junior year of high school and were selected during the summer. Recipients will receive a one-year $3,000 scholarship toward their freshman year of college this fall.

    The Evergreen STEM scholarship is made possible through the generosity of Gouverneur residents and Massena natives Charles Owens and his late wife, Higouhi “Hi” Owens. The scholarship is a permanent fund of the Community Foundation and provides $30,000 annually for high school students who live in St. Lawrence County. Since its inception, 50 students have been awarded Evergreen STEM scholarships totaling $150,000 in educational support.

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Pair of Seniors Honored at Homes Wednesday Evening as Top Graduating Athletes

    WATERTOWN — Two Watertown High School seniors were honored Wednesday evening as the top graduating athletes and recipients of the William I. Graf Award. Sarah R. Kilburn was selected as the women’s recipient, and Riley J. Connell was named as the men’s honoree this year.

    The William I. Graf Award was created in 1954 by the Italian-American Civic Association to honor Mr. Graf’s leadership and civic engagement in the community. The Northern New York Community Foundation was selected to help continue the Graf family legacy by administering the fund in perpetuity and raising awareness of the award for students who strive to earn the prestigious honor.

    Mr. Graf was a multi-sport coach and athletic director at Watertown High School. Graf Award honorees are expected to have participated in at least two or more varsity sports in their senior year and demonstrate exceptional character and sportsmanship, discipline, fair play, training, athletic ability, and academics.

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Applications for Several Other Unique Educational Opportunities Also Due June 1     

     WATERTOWN — Students from Jefferson, Lewis, or St. Lawrence counties who have had a break in post-secondary education and are returning to school should apply by next Tuesday, June 1, for the Northern New York Community Foundation’s Nontraditional Student Scholarship.

     Eligible students include all who are enrolling in academic study at a two- or four-year college or trade, vocational, or technical school, either full or part time. Applications may be made through the Foundation’s online scholarship portal accessed at nnycf.org. 

     Next Tuesday is also the deadline for a pair of unique scholarship opportunities at the Community Foundation for current Jefferson and St. Lawrence county students pursuing studies in a STEM field, including:

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