Community

RCC Holds Ceremony to Award Car to Navy Veteran & Student

Published

2 years ago

February 12, 2024

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – Rockland Community College hosted a special ceremony to award a rehabilitated car to Michael J. Finlay, a Navy veteran and Engineering Science student at RCC. This event was made possible through the generous donation of the vehicle by the Rockland County Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the collective effort of several donors who contributed to the restoration of the car.

The Rockland County Veterans Service Agency, in collaboration with the VFW, has had a longstanding program dedicated to rehabilitating donated cars and offering them to Veterans in need. This marks the inaugural ceremony being held at RCC. The fundraiser generated over $3,000 for upgrades to the 2005 Toyota Corolla LE. The car was donated and rehabbed anonymously and the cost for the rehab work was shared by the VFW and funds raised in April 2023.

“We are immensely proud to support Navy veteran and RCC student Michael J. Finlay with a gesture that signifies our gratitude and commitment to his continued success, both academically and personally,” said Dr. Lester Sandres Rápalo, President of Rockland Community College. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Rockland County Veterans of Foreign Wars, the donors, RCC Veteran Affairs, and everyone involved in making this possible. It’s more than just a car; it’s a testament to the fact that when we come together, we can make a significant difference in someone’s life.”

Michael John Finlay served in the US Navy from 2007 to 2012 and received an Honorable Discharge with the rank of Machinist Mate 2nd class. He was deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012. Currently enrolled in the RCC General Engineering program, he resides in Fishkill, New York, and is a single father of two children. Finlay is also a member of the RCC chapter of SALUTE, the National Veterans Honor Society.

“After spending many years raising my children as a single father, I am excited to have become part of the RCC community. I hope to pursue a career in the engineering field, and thanks to RCC I have been able to take the first steps toward achieving my goal,” stated Finlay.

Due to his own car failing last fall, his ability to get to and from school was negatively impacted as was his ability to properly care for his children. That’s when Jonathan Barnwell, Assistant Director of Veterans Affairs at RCC and co-organizer of the Car Award Ceremony, stepped in with a grant from the Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet Program, in Dutchess County, which provided funds for a weekly car service so Michael could finish the semester at RCC. Michael continued studying remotely for the Summer as well as Fall 2023 semester.

“I cannot thank the Rockland County VFW, as well as the donors and coordinators enough for this great blessing. I know of no words that can adequately convey my most sincere gratitude and relief that this has brought me,” said Finlay “To all my fellow veterans who are considering pursuing higher education, I would highly recommend doing so. I know firsthand that sometimes life gets in the way of that, and it can seem like there is no chance at success. Succeeding is possible however, and there are kind, decent, and even exceptional people who will aid in that journey, as they have in mine.”

Photos by RCC

Community

Rockland County Family Injured in Tragic Crash on Way to Florida

Published

3 weeks ago

April 3, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

On March 28, a Rockland County family of five—mother Yuliya, father Yuriy, and their three sons, Deny (15), Mark (12), and Dave (9)—set out for what was meant to be a joyful family vacation to Florida.

Tragically, their journey was cut short when a pickup truck crashed into the back of their vehicle.

Today, two of their young sons, Mark and Dave, are fighting for their lives in critical condition in the ICU at WakeMed Raleigh Campus in North Carolina.

While Yuliya and Yuriy did not suffer severe physical injuries, the emotional toll of this unimaginable tragedy is profound. No parent should ever have to endure this kind of pain and uncertainty.

The Hlovatsky family, along with their friends and loved ones, are asking for prayers and support during this incredibly difficult time. Right now, Mark and Dave’s lives hang in the balance.

A GoFundMe link to support the family is being shared on our Facebook page.

Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

Community

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Katelyn Tuohy – Rockland County’s Record-Breaking Distance Runner

Published

1 month ago

March 12, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

In recent years, few athletes from Rockland County, New York have captured national attention the way Katelyn Tuohy has. From record-breaking high school performances to championship victories at the collegiate level, Tuohy has become one of the most accomplished distance runners of her generation.

Tuohy first rose to prominence while competing for North Rockland High School. As a teenager, she dominated cross country and track competitions across New York and the United States. Her performances regularly shattered course records and national marks, quickly turning her into a household name in high school running circles.

During her high school career, Tuohy earned multiple national honors and repeatedly claimed the prestigious Gatorade National Player of the Year award for girls cross country and track. Her ability to maintain both speed and endurance allowed her to excel in events ranging from the mile to longer distance races. Coaches and analysts frequently described her as one of the most talented high school runners the country had ever seen.

After graduating from North Rockland, Tuohy continued her career at NC State Wolfpack, where she quickly proved that her success was far from over. Competing at the highest level of collegiate athletics, she became a key member of the university’s powerhouse distance program.

Her biggest breakthrough came when she captured the individual title at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, cementing her place among the elite runners in college sports. The victory not only highlighted her consistency and determination but also helped bring national recognition to the NC State program.

Despite competing on a national stage, Tuohy’s story remains closely tied to her roots in Rockland County. Many local runners view her as a role model who demonstrates what dedication, discipline, and perseverance can achieve. Young athletes throughout the region continue to look up to her as proof that world-class talent can come from their own community.

As Tuohy’s career continues to evolve, many expect her to pursue opportunities on the international stage and possibly compete in global championships or future Olympic events. Regardless of where her path leads next, her journey from Rockland County standout to national champion has already secured her place among the most inspiring athletes to come out of the region.

For runners across New York and beyond, Katelyn Tuohy’s success sends a powerful message: with talent, hard work, and determination, even the longest race can be won.

Photo courtesy Wikipedia