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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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Help Cookie Find a Forever Home After 4 Years at Rockland County Shelter

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3 days ago

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May 2, 2026

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Meet Cookie — a beautiful, sweet soul who has spent far too long waiting.

Cookie has been at the Rockland County Animal Shelter for 4 years. She’s now over 8 years old, meaning she’s spent half her life in a shelter.

Despite that, Cookie remains incredibly loving and full of life.

She:

  • Loves car rides and adventures
  • Enjoys running around and soaking up the sun
  • Walks well on a leash and knows basic commands
  • Absolutely adores people and loves to snuggle

Cookie does need to be the only dog in the home, which can make finding the right match take longer—but the right person is out there. There are people looking for that one deeply loyal, affectionate companion—and Cookie is exactly that dog.

She also has a dedicated advocate, Jessica Hyman Garcia, who regularly takes her out to experience the world beyond the shelter. But what Cookie truly deserves is a home of her own.

Recently, volunteers say she seems more resigned… and that’s the hardest part. After all this time, she’s still waiting.

We can change that.

If you or someone you know is looking for a loving, devoted companion, please consider meeting Cookie.

📞 Call: 845-414-9700
📍 Location: Rockland County, NY

Please share and help Cookie finally find the home she deserves.

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Spring Valley High School Names 2026 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

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5 days 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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