Community

Sons of Italy Foundation Announces 2026 National Leadership Grants

Published

1 month ago

January 13, 2026

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

Community

Rockland’s John Thompson Celebrates 13 Years with RCC Basketball

Published

1 week ago

February 7, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y. — Rockland’s John Thompson was recently recognized for marking 13 years with the RCC Basketball Team, a milestone highlighting his long-standing commitment to the program.

Thompson has spent more than a decade supporting RCC Basketball and was honored for his dedication and the many contributions he has made to the team over the years. His continued involvement reflects the stability and community support behind the program.

RCC officials acknowledged Thompson’s impact and thanked him for his years of service to RCC Basketball.

Community

Rockland’s Ciaran Dalton, Former Rutgers Goalkeeper, on Trial with Nashville SC

Published

1 week ago

February 4, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Pearl River, N.Y. — Ciaran Dalton, a 22-year-old Pearl River native, is taking the next step in his soccer career as he goes on trial with Nashville SC, a club in Major League Soccer.

Dalton’s path to the professional level has been shaped by steady development and high-level performances. He began playing locally with Rockland GAA and OMM Soccer in Orangetown before a brief stint at Pearl River High School. He later joined the New York Red Bulls Academy, one of the nation’s top youth development programs.

Dalton went on to become a four-year starting goalkeeper at Rutgers University, where he established himself as a reliable presence in net. As a freshman, he helped the Scarlet Knights win the Big Ten Tournament Championship, recording 53 saves, three shutouts, and a .707 save percentage. Over his collegiate career, Dalton totaled more than 200 saves, earned multiple shutouts, and received conference honors.

After graduating from Rutgers in December, Dalton earned the opportunity to train with Nashville SC, marking a full-circle moment from Rockland County’s local soccer fields to the doorstep of Major League Soccer.

The trial represents a significant milestone for the former Rutgers standout as he looks to continue his career at the professional level.