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Northern New York Community Foundation

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Watertown High’s Brown Named First ‘Heroes of Democracy’ Award Recipient

June 18, 2024 By admin

Rising Senior Lauded for Collaborative Effort, Leadership to Help Fellow Students in Need

     WATERTOWN — Connor Brown, a rising senior at Watertown High School, is the first recipient of the Northern New York Community Foundation Heroes of Democracy Award.

     Connor was recognized for his leadership and problem-solving skills while organizing efforts to bring a hygiene vending machine to Watertown High School. The innovative initiative aims to address hygiene poverty among students in Jefferson County.

     Dr. William H. Kimball established the Heroes of Democracy Award at the Community Foundation in 2024 to honor Watertown students who “identify a problem involving something they are passionate about in their school, community or world, and propose a nonviolent solution that adheres to the concepts of collaboration and compromise based on verifiable facts.” Awardees should also “demonstrate the ability to thoughtfully listen to others and exemplify kindness, consideration, and respect.”

     Dr. Kimball said Tuesday that Connor is a “clear and obvious choice for the first award,” which includes a scholarship stipend.

     “He is a very impressive young man and a top example of a student who is inspired to be empowered to change the community,” Dr. Kimball said.

Dr. William H. Kimball, right, presents the first Northern New York Community Foundation “Heroes of Democracy Award” to Watertown High School rising senior Connor Brown on Tuesday, June 18, during a meeting of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council at the Watertown City School District.

     Dr. Kimball said he established the award as a call to action for students to work together with peers, administrators, and community leaders to collaborate on solutions to real-world challenges they face in everyday life at school or in their community.

     “Democracy is very important to me,” Dr. Kimball said. “Students who are working on real solutions have an opportunity to learn many lessons, like compromise and respect, while trying to solve problems and make a meaningful difference that will improve the world around them.”

     He added that he hopes the award will continue for years to come while teaching students valuable lessons through experiences of striving to overcome common challenges together.

      “It is very fulfilling and inspiring to see Dr. Kimball’s vision for this award become a reality. He has designed it so that students will help select peer recipients based on the qualities that future generations should aspire to demonstrate,” said Rande S. Richardson Community Foundation executive director. “His intent is to have this recognition of positive role models endure beyond his lifetime.”

     Over the course of eight months, Connor worked diligently with local and school officials to bring the project to fruition. Recognizing the challenges faced by students who may be less fortunate, Connor saw an opportunity to provide essential hygiene products in a convenient and discreet manner.

     The hygiene vending machine offers students access to essential hygiene items free of charge. Partnering with Planned Parenthood of Jefferson County, Connor has secured materials for the machine at no cost, ensuring that all students have access to the products they need. National Honor Society students will keep the machine stocked with products.

     Looking ahead, Connor plans to expand this initiative by installing additional hygiene vending machines at Case Middle School and the Wiley Intermediate School in the upcoming school year.

About the Northern New York Community Foundation

     Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

     Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.

     The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.

Filed Under: Recent News

Northern New York Community Foundation

131 Washington Street
Watertown, NY 13601

Phone: 315-782-7110
Fax: 315-782-0047

info@nnycf.org

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ATTENTION CLASS OF 2025 students, parents, teachers, counselors, and class advisors: Now is the time for Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence County students to apply for post-secondary educational support.

Apply today at bit.ly/nnycf-scholarships

Questions? Contact Mary Perrine, Community Foundation coordinator of partnerships, maryp@nnycf.org, or Tara Hess, stewardship & donor services associate, tara@nnycf.org, or 315-782-7110.

#NNYCF #ClassOf2025 #Scholarships

ATTENTION CLASS OF 2025 students, parents, teachers, counselors, and class advisors: Now is the time for Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence County students to apply for post-secondary educational support.

Apply today at bit.ly/nnycf-scholarships

Questions? Contact Mary Perrine, Community Foundation coordinator of partnerships, maryp@nnycf.org, or Tara Hess, stewardship & donor services associate, tara@nnycf.org, or 315-782-7110.

#NNYCF #ClassOf2025 #Scholarships
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4 months ago
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Thanks to donors like YOU, the LEAD Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation made the holiday season shine a little brighter for tri-county seniors!

Through LEAD's Holiday Giving Fund match, nearly $5,500 was raised to help make the holidays special for seniors in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

Meals on Wheels at Watertown Urban Mission, the Santa for Seniors program at Lowville Food Pantry, and Meals on Wheels at St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging each received $1,832 in support.

Complete details below.

We are grateful for all who support Community Foundation programs like the LEAD Council and initiatives that make a direct and meaningful impact across the regi#NNYCFN#lead##leadingthewayheWay
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LEAD Council Holiday Giving Fund Awards Nearly $5,500 to Brighten Season Across the Region

nnycf.org

LEAD Council Holiday Giving Fund Awards Nearly $5,500 to Brighten Season Across the Region December 26, 2024 By admin Young Professionals Aid Senior Programs in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Coun...
4 months ago
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The Watertown-based manufacturer behind Little Trees air fresheners recently established the CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation.

Grant applications will be reviewed and awarded quarterly throughout the calendar year. Eligible nonprofit organizations may submit one application per year, with grant awards ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $20,000 per application.

This year, applications must focus on educational initiatives, including but not limited to libraries, child care, and preschool programs, career training, vocational and technical education, and similar projects that enhance educational opportunities within Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

The deadline for first-quarter 2025 grant applications is Friday, January 24, 2025. Visit bit.ly/grant-portal to access the Community Foundation’s online grant portal.

Complete details below.

#NNYCF #ThoughtfulGiving #Partnerships #Grantmaking
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CAR-FRESHNER Corp. Establishes Charitable Partnership With the Community Foundation

nnycf.org

CAR-FRESHNER Corp. Establishes Charitable Partnership With the Community Foundation December 23, 2024 By admin New Charitable Fund Will Support Various Community Projects and Initiatives Through Quart...
4 months ago
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Thank you, Car Freshener!

Becky Taylor

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