Standout Theatre Students Embody Late Arts Leader’s Commitment to Excellence

     WATERTOWN — Three members of the Class of 2025 have been named the first recipients of the Northern New York Community Foundation’s David Simmons Scholarship.

     Mia Kelly, Mia Mouaikel, and Finley Swartz, cast members of Stage Notes’ summer production of “Anything Goes,” were each awarded a $500 scholarship before the curtain opened Wednesday night during the family preview of the musical comedy.

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Students Field 18 Requests for Funding Support from Diverse Slate of Tri-County Nonprofit Organizations

     WATERTOWN — Five nonprofit organizations serving tri-county residents will share $25,000 in grant funding to support a wide range of community programs and projects, thanks to the Youth Philanthropy Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation.

     The student-led Council annually reviews requests, not limited to youth programs, from tri-county nonprofit organizations 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 and learn about community investment and leadership, nonprofit sustainability, and grantee stewardship.

     The Council received 18 funding proposals during the 2024-2025 program year with six invited to present requests to the full Council. Members delivered grant recommendations to the Community Foundation Board of Directors during its recent quarterly meeting, and the Board unanimously approved the full slate of grants.

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$2,500 Award Will Help Raise Visibility of Community Landmarks, Locations

     WATERTOWN — The Northern New York Community Foundation recently awarded a $2,500 grant to support the launch of an interactive trail project that highlights history in the Town of Henderson.

     The Henderson Community Improvement Group is a local nonprofit leading the initiative to reignite the trail project and generate greater interest in the community’s history and features. The group is developing a variety of engaging content that will be accessible online and at several physical locations. Audio and visual presentations, as well as digital photographs, will be packaged with specific project branding to create an immersive experience for residents and community visitors.

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Standout Lacrosse Veteran to Extend Playing Career at Division I Le Moyne College This Fall

     WATERTOWN — Watertown High School’s Jack Adams was recently honored as the 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.

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Pair of Seniors Honored as Top Graduating Athletes at IHC Spring Awards Event

     WATERTOWN — Two members of the Immaculate Heart Central Class of 2025 are the top graduating athletes and recipients of the Clarence B. “Boots” Gaffney Award. Abigail D. Bombard was selected as the women’s recipient and Samuel E. Charlebois was named as this year’s men’s honoree.

     The Italian-American Civic Association established the Gaffney Award in 1980 following his retirement as athletic director to honor his commitment to Immaculate Heart Academy and IHC students. That same year, the award was first presented to the top graduating male and female athletes at Immaculate Heart.

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