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Rockland County High School Student Creates Initiative To Help Protect The Environment And Shares It Locally And Throughout The World

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2 years ago

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Madeline Abrams, a high school junior at Green Meadow Waldorf School in Chestnut Ridge, has created an initiative to capture rain water using discarded plastic water bottles through an irrigation system she developed for vegetable gardens, farms and landscapes.

During the past year, Madeline has presented her rain harvesting system virtually through Rotary Clubs to 45 communities in the Tri-State area, California, the Southwest and also to countries in Africa including Uganda, Namibia, Lesotho, Angola and South Africa. Through those presentations, she’s adapted her invention to the needs of the local area. Interestingly on one of the calls with a Rotary Club in Lesotho, she learned that porcupines eat plastic bottles which led to an adjustment in her plans for connecting rain barrels to hold the captured water. Her rain harvest system was published in an article in an international Rotary magazine that covers the country of Uganda.

Last month in recognition of Earth Day, Madeline gave a Zoom presentation supported by public libraries in New York, New Jersey, Boston, Hartford, Palo Alto and San Francisco making her Earth Day program available to their patrons. The attendees engaged in a discussion following the presentation regarding ways to bring Madeline’s invention to their communities. 

On a recent call with a college professor who leads service trips to El Salvador, Madeline learned that plastic water bottles are regularly burned with other garbage releasing toxic fumes in the process. Madeline’s invention helps with water conservation and also helps to reduce the negative environmental impact that can occur from burning plastic. 

Madeline’s goal is to share her rain harvest system with as many communities as possible and to help increase awareness about plastic waste, water conservation and a unique way to repurpose plastic water bottles.  

Madeline has created her Harvest Every Drop website (http://harvesteverydrop.com Madeline is an impressive young woman with a strong sense of service and a desire to make an impact in the world.

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Spring Valley High School Names 2026 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

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8 hours ago

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April 30, 2026

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Spring Valley High School has announced its top academic honors for the Class of 2026, naming Pablo Monzon-Lemus as valedictorian and Kristian Vetchy as salutatorian.

The designations recognize the students with the highest and second-highest weighted grade point averages in the graduating class.

Monzon-Lemus, this year’s valedictorian, plans to pursue a path in law and advocacy, inspired by his upbringing in a marginalized community. While he has not yet finalized his college choice, he intends to double major in political science and computer science.

He is a member of the National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, and Math Honor Society. His extracurricular involvement includes YMCA Youth & Government, where he served as a bill sponsor, as well as Model United Nations, where he held the role of president. He is also active in Key Club, Yearbook, and the Superintendent’s Circle.

Outside the classroom, Monzon-Lemus has worked as a tutor and instructor at Mathnasium and a local retail store. He also volunteers his time at school by tutoring classmates during lunch periods to help them prepare for the New York State Regents exams.

Vetchy, named salutatorian, plans to pursue studies in computer science or engineering and is considering a future career as a computer programmer or game developer.

He is a member of the National Honor Society and Science Honor Society. His extracurricular activities include participation in Thespian Troupe 721, the varsity golf team, and the school orchestra.

Vetchy has played the piano for more than a decade and also enjoys drawing, cooking, and baking. In his free time, he is an avid gamer.

School officials praised both students for their academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to the school community.

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Stolen Dog in Haverstraw: Community Asked to Help Locate Missing Pet

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16 hours ago

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April 30, 2026

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Residents of Rockland are being asked to keep an eye out for a dog reported stolen, as the owner and local community work to bring the pet home safely.

According to the owner, the dog was taken under suspicious circumstances, and efforts are now underway to locate the animal as quickly as possible.

Anyone who may have seen the dog or has information about its whereabouts is urged to come forward. Even small details could help lead to a safe recovery.

Community members are encouraged to check home security cameras, sheds, yards, and surrounding areas.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Amanda @ 845-664-3973  or local authorities.

The owner is asking for the public’s help in spreading the word and bringing their dog home.

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