$3,000 Awarded to Help Students Pursue Post-Secondary Educational Studies
WATERTOWN — The North Side Legacy Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation recently presented six members of the Class of 2023 with scholarships totaling $3,000 to support their post-secondary educational pursuits.
The North Side Legacy Fund was established in 2019 as a permanent fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation to forever honor and perpetuate the history and heritage of the North Side Improvement League.
Graduating high school seniors who live in the City of Watertown as well as students from other areas who have family ties to the League are encouraged to apply.
This year’s scholarship recipients are Watertown-area residents and students with family ties to the North Side Improvement League who will enroll this fall in a post-secondary educational program. Recipients of this one-year award each received $500 and were selected based on combined test scores, cumulative high school GPA, rank in class, personal data, essay scores, and applicant appraisals.
“Through this fund, the North Side Improvement League continues to make a difference in the lives of local students, which his part of their heritage. At the same time, it is an opportunity to tell the story of the League’s community history and many years of service to Watertown,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “We remain very grateful to have a home for their enduring legacy and all
it represents.”
Class of 2023 North Side Legacy Scholarship recipients
Jack L. Clough, Watertown High School, Belmont Abbey College, Belmont, N.C., special education; son of Peter and Candida Clough, Watertown. Jack’s father grew up on the city’s north side and later served as a North Side Improvement League Director and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. His grandfather, Peter L. Clough also served as a League Director and President.
Abigail L. Davis, Indian River High School, Jefferson Community College, nursing; daughter of Yvonne and Stephen Davis, Evans Mills. Many of her family members, including her maternal grandfather, George Hunt, and uncle, Wesley Hunt, were actively involved in the North Side Improvement League.
Aidan D. Linkroum, Lyme Central High School, Jefferson Community College, liberal arts; son of Adam and Stacey Linkroum, Chaumont. His mother’s family, the Westons, were active members of the North Side Improvement League for many years.
KaiAnna Navarra, Watertown High School, Syracuse University, liberal arts; daughter of Sarah Navarra, Watertown. Her grandfather, Joseph Navarra, was an active member of the North Side Improvement League and a lifelong resident of the city’s north side. KaiAnna also grew up on the north side and attended North Elementary School.
Julian D. St. Croix, General Brown High School, Jefferson Community College, business and finance; son of Dr. Amy and Jayson St. Croix, Dexter. His great-grandfather, James St. Croix, and his grandfather, Jayme St. Croix, were active members of the North Side Improvement League for many years.
Julia M. Valvo, General Brown High School, Jefferson Community College, early childhood education; Daughter of Julie and Michael Valvo, Watertown. Her great-grandparents, Grant and Mary Van Alstyne, each served as President of the North Side Improvement League. Her paternal grandparents, Mike and Judy Valvo, her parents, and many other relatives were also active members of the League for many years.
Since it was established, 22 students with family ties to Watertown’s north side and the former North Side Improvement League have been awarded educational support totaling $10,500.
Past recipients of the Northern New York Community Foundation North Side Legacy Fund Scholarship include, from the Class of 2022: Victoria Ledoux, Immaculate Heart Central; Hannah M. Reichard, Cicero/North Syracuse High School; Martin Joseph Hutchins, Immaculate Heart Central; and Loise Allen Pador, Watertown High School. From the Class of 2021: Dawson DeLine, Watertown High School; Tadd Ledoux, Immaculate Heart Central; Maria Netto, Watertown High School, and Madison White, Watertown High School. From the Class of 2020: Madilyn Eveleigh, Watertown High School; Samantha Farone, Immaculate Heart Central; Benjamin T. Hutchins, Immaculate Heart Central; Brennan Lynch, Watertown High School; Nicholas Mallette, Watertown High School; Mikayla Murphy, Watertown High School; Kate O’Neil, Immaculate Heart Central; and Marissa E. Valvo, General Brown Central High School.
The North Side Legacy Fund also supports nonprofit organizations that serve Watertown residents.
The North Side Improvement League’s rich history and legacy of civic involvement and community betterment that spanned more than a century continues through the North Side Legacy Fund. To help build the fund, gifts can be made to the Northern New York Community Foundation, ATTN: North Side Legacy Fund, 131 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601, or through secure online giving at nnycf.org.
Members of the North Side Legacy Fund Advisory Committee include: Sylvia Buduson, Allison Carlos, Michael Dupee, Jacob Johnson, Laurie Koelmel, Terri Mallette, Bill and Pat Parody, and Terry Williams.
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.