WATERTOWN — Indian River High School Seniors Joseph Martin and Alexa Solar were recently honored as the inaugural recipients of the Northern New York Community Foundation Gabriel Otero & Lexie Morgan Memorial Scholarship.

    The Gabriel Otero & Lexie Morgan Memorial Scholarship was established at the Community Foundation in March 2020 shortly after the two Indian River High School students passed away following a motor vehicle accident in January.

    Gabriel Otero was a junior at Indian River while Lexie Morgan was a senior and the two had a close-knit relationship and were active in several school activities. The scholarship honors their legacies of service to others and commitments to seeking higher education.

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Eleven Local Organizations Will Share $40,000 in Support for Community Projects

     BOONVILLE — Eleven organizations that serve residents of Boonville, Constableville and Westernville were recently awarded 2020 grant funding from the Kenneth V. and Jeannette Remp Sawyer Community Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation.

     Grants totaling $40,000 will support programs and projects that broadly impact the quality of life for residents in the three communities. More than a dozen organizations applied for funding in the third year this opportunity has been made available. In 2019, the Sawyer Community Fund awarded $32,500 to 11 community-based organizations.

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$15,000 in Funding Approved to Support Five Community-Based Projects

LOWVILLE — The George R. Davis Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation will provide $15,000 in grant support for five projects and organizations in the Lowville area. This geographic-specific fund serves as a permanent resource for programs, projects and initiatives to enhance quality of life in the village and town of Lowville in perpetuity.

    Double Play Community Sports Center will receive a $4,000 grant award to help fund a six-week enrichment program. The initiative aims to engage local youth in positive extracurricular activities. The program is on track for this summer as COVID-19-related restrictions allow. The grant award will support purchase of materials, supplies and program management.

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Standout Three-Sport Athlete Will Join Team at Le Moyne to Continue Lacrosse Career

    WATERTOWN — Watertown High School senior Nick Mallette was recently honored as the inaugural recipient of the Northern New York Community Foundation Coach Matthew J. Branski Award.

    The Coach Matthew J. Branski Award was established at the Community Foundation shortly after his passing in January 2020 to honor his leadership as a decades-long lacrosse coach and Watertown High School teacher who mentored countless students and athletes on and off the field.

    Highly regarded by players, parents, fellow teachers and coaches, Mr. Branski was a true friend who always ensured each player was treated with respect. While he demanded excellence, he inspired such results through the example he set for others.

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Pair of Seniors Honored in At-Home Ceremonies as Top Graduating Athletes

    WATERTOWN — Two Watertown High School seniors were honored Sunday afternoon as the top graduating athletes and recipients of the William I. Graf Award. Tiffany M. Russell was selected as the women’s recipient, and Ryan E. Peters 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.

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