Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is pleased to announce 170 scholarship awards totaling $360,000. Funding will support the educational dreams of promising local students.
 
“We received a record-setting number of applications this spring – in excess of 1,500 individuals,” said Aliza Krevolin, Director of Special Projects. “It is a highly competitive process, with applications and essays submitted by outstanding students. Ultimately, 145 students received support based on their talents, interests, intentions and needs.”
 
Of those, the Mark Milano Scholarship conferred two such awards for a total of $8,000. Founded in memory of Mark Milano, the fund established a family legacy that empowers students of Spackenkill High School. A running back and defensive end for Spackenkill, he passed away in October of 2006. In the wake of their family tragedy, contributions came to the Milano-Rivera family to memorialize Mark. Jim Milano, Mark’s father, recounts “at that time, Charlie North reached out to recommend how best to put those funds to use. He advised that I work with Community Foundations, and he was right, working with them has made this possible.”
 
“We wanted to translate that sadness and loss into something positive,” Jim continued. “Together as a family we pooled our thoughts and resources to create this scholarship. It’s amazing to me that it has awarded more than $61,000 to 14 students in just seven years. I am grateful to have the support of my family, especially my cousin Mark Milano – whose support has bolstered our fund. While I still miss my son, I am comforted to see how his leadership and spirit continue to do good in the world.”

“The Foundations is proud to partner with the Milano-Rivera family to invest in the success of our youth,” said Cristin McPeake, Vice President of Programs. “Their commitment to making life better throughout the community inspires our work – and guides the effort of our volunteer committees, who select recipients. We thank the Milano-Rivera family, all of our scholarship fund holders and committee members for making these vital awards possible. With their help, we look forward to seeing the potential of these students realized.”