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Northern New York Community Foundation

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First Laurie Renzi Gadsden Award Recipients Named

June 13, 2023 By admin

Pair of  Sackets Harbor High School Class Leaders Embody Late Guidance Counselor’s Commitment to Community Engagement, Citizenship

     SACKETS HARBOR — Two leading members of the Sackets Harbor Class of 2023 have been named the first recipients of the Northern New York Community Foundation Laurie Renzi Gadsden Award.

     Adelyne Jareo, this year’s Sackets Harbor Central School class valedictorian, and Eric Gayne, an academic leader who ranks fourth in his class, were each awarded a $500 scholarship during Monday’s High School Awards night.

     Given by Gabriel Renzi and Dr. Eugene and Joyce Renzi and family, the Laurie Renzi Gadsden Award was established at the Community Foundation in 2022 in Laurie’s memory to honor her life and perpetuate her legacy of kindness and positivity. Laurie passed away in August 2021 at the age of 57.

Laurie Renzi Gadsden

     Laurie was a beloved guidance counselor at several school districts in Central New York over a 23-year career in public education, most notably in the North Syracuse School District. She loved working with students of all ages but particularly enjoyed helping students with career and college decisions.

     To honor her life, this award is presented annually to either a student, teacher, or staff member of Sackets Harbor Central School or a Jefferson County community member. Recipients will have demonstrated an interest and passion for fostering and promoting good citizenship and civic responsibility, engagement, and service. Through their example, it is hoped that others are inspired to do what they can to be good role models and live in ways that support others, celebrate community, and promote positive behaviors.

     “This fund will forever be a reminder of the importance and power of the human spirit for the betterment of our community and the world,” said Rande Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “We are honored to be asked by the Renzi family to partner on this very meaningful and enduring tribute. It is such a wonderful and fitting way to remember Laurie by continuing to uplift and encourage others as she did.”

About the recipients

From left: Joyce Renzi, Laurie Renzi Gadsden Award recipients Adelyne Jareo and Eric Gayne, Sackets Harbor High School Class of 2023, Dr. Eugene Renzi, and Phil Gadsden.

     Adelyne Jareo will attend the University of Rochester this fall where she plans to study history and political science. She is the daughter of Mark Jareo and Nicole Peer, Adams.

     Adelyne is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. She is the recipient of the St. Lawrence University Augsbury North Country Scholarship, the St. Lawrence University Book Award, the University of Rochester Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony awards, and the Student Sage Award from Russell Sage College. She was honored as a WWNY-TV 7 Academic All-Star and received the New York State Attorney General’s Triple C Award for possessing the qualities of character, courage, and commitment. Adelyne has completed six courses through SUNY Jefferson, earning a college GPA of 3.79.

     She is president of her graduating class and of SPARK — Sackets Patriots are Resilient Kids. She has also participated in Odyssey of the Mind, the Art and Library clubs, and Sources of Strength. Additionally, Adelyne has danced with Joanne’s Northern Lights Dance Company since she was 5. She is also a member of Stage Notes in Watertown.

     Throughout her high school career, Adelyne has been active in a wide range of community service initiatives and has provided mentorship and tutoring to other students in her school’s newly created support center. As an eighth grader, Adelyne was the top participant in the Community Foundation’s inaugural Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge, for which she presented a $1,000 grant to Meals on Wheels of Greater Watertown.

     Eric Gayne will attend the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, Mo., this fall where he plans to study biomedical sciences. He is the son of Leslie and James Gayne, Dexter.

     Eric is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. He is the recipient of the Le Moyne College Heights Award, the Rensselaer Medal, and the University of Rochester’s George Eastman Young Leaders Award. Additionally, Eric was recognized as a WWNY-TV 7 Arts All-Star. As a junior, Eric enrolled in the Medical Careers Program at the Bohlen Technical Center while completing precalculus and chemistry at Sackets. This year, he is taking a full slate of college courses in English, economics, and political science.

     Eric is a member of marching band, serving as treasurer of the band and its booster club president. He is also a member of the chorus and was cast in the school’s production of “Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure.” He is also a “big” in the Patriot Pals Program, a version of Big Brothers Big Sisters. He has participated in the Art and Spanish clubs, and Youth Court of Jefferson County. Eric has involved in many community service initiatives and is a volunteer at St. Andrew’s Church, where he also plays the organ.

Laurie Renzi Gadsden Award recipients Adelyne Jareo and Eric Gayne, Sackets Harbor High School Class of 2023.

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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Northern New York Community Foundation

Northern New York Community Foundation

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Working with donors to benefit the community through grants and scholarships since 1929.

The Challenge is now on! 

We are excited to kick off the seventh annual $10,000 Northern New York Community Foundation Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge.

Students attending 7th and 8th grades in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence County can now compete for a chance to award one of ten $1,000 grants to a tri-county nonprofit that helps strengthen quality of life in their community. 

Apply online or download an application and entry rules at nnycf.org/givingchallenge and enter by Friday, Oct. 27, 2023.

The Giving Challenge is made possible through the generosity of all who give to the Friends of the Foundation Annual Community Betterment Fund, a major gift from an individual donor, and corporate support from Community Bank, N.A. 

Complete details: www.nnycf.org/2023-giving-challenge
 
#NNYCF #GivingChallenge #CommunitySpirit

The Challenge is now on!

We are excited to kick off the seventh annual $10,000 Northern New York Community Foundation Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge.

Students attending 7th and 8th grades in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence County can now compete for a chance to award one of ten $1,000 grants to a tri-county nonprofit that helps strengthen quality of life in their community.

Apply online or download an application and entry rules at nnycf.org/givingchallenge and enter by Friday, Oct. 27, 2023.

The Giving Challenge is made possible through the generosity of all who give to the Friends of the Foundation Annual Community Betterment Fund, a major gift from an individual donor, and corporate support from Community Bank, N.A.

Complete details: www.nnycf.org/2023-giving-challenge

#NNYCF #GivingChallenge #communityspirit
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2 days ago
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This week the Youth Philanthropy Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation visited the SoZo Teen Center of Watertown to learn more about the important work they do.

This week the Youth Philanthropy Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation visited the SoZo Teen Center of Watertown to learn more about the important work they do. ... See MoreSee Less

6 days ago
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Thank you for the conversation, questions, and feedback! We're excited to see the work these youth do for the community!

Melissa Shova!

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We are proud to introduce the Youth Philanthropy Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation Class of 2024! This year’s class welcomes eight new and eight returning student delegates and includes juniors and seniors from General Brown, Lyme, South Jefferson, and Watertown High Schools. 

During the last meeting of the school year in June, students elected members to the Council’s 2023-2024 Executive Committee. Watertown High senior Olivia Urf will serve as the Council Chair; General Brown senior Olivia Wisner will serve as Vice Chair; and Watertown High senior Maya Voss will serve as Secretary. South Jefferson High School senior Jack Mangan is Immediate Past Chair.

The Council also named committee chairs for the new year. Mia Kelly, Watertown High junior, will chair the Communications Committee; McKenna Lee, General Brown senior, will chair the Service Committee; and Ella Smith, Watertown High junior, will chair the Grants Committee.

The Youth Philanthropy Council and its grant program are made possible by gifts from donors who make contributions to the Friends of the Foundation Annual Community Betterment Fund and generous support from Watertown Savings Bank, RBC Wealth Management Watertown, the Renzi Family Charitable Foundation, and the Mart Liinve Family Charitable Fund.

Top photo: Front row, from left, Anastaja Smith, Watertown High junior; Mia Kelly, Watertown High junior; Colden Marks, General Brown Junior/Senior High junior; Rosamond Hunt, Lyme Central School junior; and Finley Swartz, Watertown High junior. Second row, from left, Olivia Urf, Watertown High senior; Maya Voss, Watertown High senior; Hannah Eldridge, Watertown High junior; and McKenna Lee, General Brown Junior/Senior High senior. Third row, from left, Ella Smith, Watertown High junior; Jack Mangan, South Jefferson High senior; Sienna Virga, Watertown High junior; Harper Lane, Watertown High junior; and Olivia Wisner, General Brown Junior/Senior High senior. Back row, from left, Jack Adams, Watertown High junior; Justin Draught, Watertown High junior; Bennett Pistner, Watertown High junior; Vincent Knapp, Watertown High junior; and Elyse King, Watertown High junior.

Bottom photo: From left, Secretary Maya Voss, Watertown High senior; Chair Olivia Urf, Watertown High senior; and Vice Chair Olivia Wisner, General Brown Junior/Senior High senior.

Complete details: www.nnycf.org/2023-24-ypc-class

#YPC #NNYCF #LeadershipImage attachment

We are proud to introduce the Youth Philanthropy Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation Class of 2024! This year’s class welcomes eight new and eight returning student delegates and includes juniors and seniors from General Brown, Lyme, South Jefferson, and Watertown High Schools.

During the last meeting of the school year in June, students elected members to the Council’s 2023-2024 Executive Committee. Watertown High senior Olivia Urf will serve as the Council Chair; General Brown senior Olivia Wisner will serve as Vice Chair; and Watertown High senior Maya Voss will serve as Secretary. South Jefferson High School senior Jack Mangan is Immediate Past Chair.

The Council also named committee chairs for the new year. Mia Kelly, Watertown High junior, will chair the Communications Committee; McKenna Lee, General Brown senior, will chair the Service Committee; and Ella Smith, Watertown High junior, will chair the Grants Committee.

The Youth Philanthropy Council and its grant program are made possible by gifts from donors who make contributions to the Friends of the Foundation Annual Community Betterment Fund and generous support from Watertown Savings Bank, RBC Wealth Management Watertown, the Renzi Family Charitable Foundation, and the Mart Liinve Family Charitable Fund.

Top photo: Front row, from left, Anastaja Smith, Watertown High junior; Mia Kelly, Watertown High junior; Colden Marks, General Brown Junior/Senior High junior; Rosamond Hunt, Lyme Central School junior; and Finley Swartz, Watertown High junior. Second row, from left, Olivia Urf, Watertown High senior; Maya Voss, Watertown High senior; Hannah Eldridge, Watertown High junior; and McKenna Lee, General Brown Junior/Senior High senior. Third row, from left, Ella Smith, Watertown High junior; Jack Mangan, South Jefferson High senior; Sienna Virga, Watertown High junior; Harper Lane, Watertown High junior; and Olivia Wisner, General Brown Junior/Senior High senior. Back row, from left, Jack Adams, Watertown High junior; Justin Draught, Watertown High junior; Bennett Pistner, Watertown High junior; Vincent Knapp, Watertown High junior; and Elyse King, Watertown High junior.

Bottom photo: From left, Secretary Maya Voss, Watertown High senior; Chair Olivia Urf, Watertown High senior; and Vice Chair Olivia Wisner, General Brown Junior/Senior High senior.

Complete details: www.nnycf.org/2023-24-ypc-class

#YPC #NNYCF #Leadership
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1 week ago
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What a great group!

Congratulations to all

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