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Sons of Italy Foundation Announces 2026 National Leadership Grants

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The Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF), in partnership with the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA), is now accepting applications for its 2026 National Leadership Grants, a merit-based scholarship program supporting Italian-American students pursuing higher education.

Through the program, SIF awards multiple scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to outstanding undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership ability, and a commitment to community service.

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 5:00 p.m. EST on February 27, 2026
    (Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.)

  • Award Notifications: Applicants will be notified of results in April 2026

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder

  • Trace Italian ancestry to at least one Italian or Italian-American grandparent

  • Be enrolled, or planning to enroll, in an accredited undergraduate, graduate, or professional program for the Fall 2026 term

  • Not be a previous recipient of a Sons of Italy Foundation scholarship

Application Requirements

To be considered, applicants must submit:

  • A $35 non-refundable application fee, which includes a one-year At-Large OSDIA membership

  • Official academic transcripts through Fall 2025 (or the most recently completed term)

  • Two letters of recommendation from professional referees (family members are not permitted)

  • Official standardized test scores from the past five years, if applicable

  • Thoughtful essays, including personal and leadership reflections
    (Applicants may submit the Italian language essay in Italian, if applicable)

The application process is fully online, and all materials must be submitted by the deadline. Scholarship awards are presented directly to the recipient’s academic institution in accordance with eligibility guidelines.

The National Leadership Grants program celebrates Italian heritage while empowering the next generation of leaders.

Apply here: https://vist.ly/4mahq

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Spring Valley High School Names 2026 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

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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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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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