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.
![\"\"](\"https://nnycf.org/new/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NNYCF_HODAward2_061824-1024x683.jpg\")
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.