The Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls is in its 98th year of service, having operated since its founding in 1915… In 1989, The Glens Falls Kiwanis Foundation was newly incorporated to provide funding for the club’s Youth Civil Leadership Program. Each year, the Foundation awards two four-year scholarships, in honor of two of their members… This year, those honorees were John Doty and Andy Lemery, and this year, the foundation also had sufficient funds to award a runner-up, one-year scholarship in the memory of Tony Palangi… On June 7th, at the Queensbury Hotel, The Glens Falls Kiwanis Foundation awarded a total of $21,000 in scholarships!

This year, a four-year scholarship was presented to Nora MacInnis in honor of John Doty… John proudly served our country for 13 years in the US Navy. He joined Kiwanis in 1976, and has been warmly greeting members and guests as they arrive at their luncheon meetings ever since. He is affectionately known as “Mr. Raffle” and “Mr. Perfect Attendance” as a dedicated member of what was once known as the house committee.

John is also very passionate about model railroading – in addition to being a proud member of the Upstate Model Railroaders Club, for many years, John also chaired The Model Train Show fundraiser. John can often be found at community events, setting up train displays at the YMCA, Armory, and the Queensbury Hotel that have entertained and brought joy to children and families for years within our community!

John and his wife Mary Ann have been married for 61 years! Together, John and Mary Ann owned and operated U Rent All for 27 years – which was located on Glen Street in Queensbury – where they provided equipment for all the Kiwanis events, like LARAC, Americade, Taste of the North Country, and going back to the Adirondack Balloon Festival. They also have two sons and four grandchildren, who will carry on a legacy of faithful service to our country, club and community.

Nora MacInnis was the recipient of the Honorary John Doty Scholarship. She is a senior at Bolton Central School, and is involved in a variety of extracurriculars, including volleyball, drama club, band, and student council. She has been an active member in her school’s Key Club chapter since eighth grade, and served as the president since her junior year; in this position, she facilitates club events, runs weekly meetings, and assists with the school’s backpack program. For the past 3 years, she was appointed by each Youth Governor to assist in advising legislation that impacts our state, and has received awards for most outstanding debate… It has also been her honor to be selected to represent New York State on a national platform as a delegate at the Conference on National Affairs, both last summer and this upcoming summer! She’s also served as a representative of her class since freshman year, and acted as the Student Council President this school year. Beginning in the fall, she will further her education at SUNY Cortland, to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications to become a Public Relations specialist; particularly for non-profit organizations.

The Honorary Andy Lemery four year scholarship was presented to Aliza DeMattos. Andy graduated from Bentley University in 1955 with a degree in Finance, and was immediately hired as the fourth employee at a newly formed company known as Kamyr. Andy worked at Kamyr and its seven subsidiaries for 38 years in numerous capacities within the finance division, including controller, treasurer and corporate secretary. He joined Kiwanis in 1978 and had many years of perfect attendance. He worked tirelessly for over 20 years, supervising the cash drawer at LARAC and training many Key Clubbers how to count money and serve as a cashier.

Andy and his wife June have been married for 65 years. They have 2 daughters, 3 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Andy and June spent many winters in Florida, but after 29 years, sold their house in Florida and spent this past winter back in Glens Falls. Andy loves to garden and swim, and is an avid bike rider. He is also very patriotic, marching (and now riding in a convertible) with Kiwanis in the Memorial Day Parade; and he hopes you will join him!

Aliza DeMattos is a graduating Senior from Queensbury High School, who has been a member of the Queensbury Varsity Field Hockey and Lacrosse teams… Aliza has been involved in numerous clubs and organizations, including FBLA, Yearbook, Media Arts Production, National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, LEAT, and others. During her tenure at QHS, she has served as the Key Club’s President, and in addition to her school involvement, Aliza has long volunteered for the Double H Ranch, for children ages six to 16 who are dealing with life-threatening illnesses. Aliza will attend Bentley University – Andy’s alma mater – in the Fall, majoring in Finance and Economics, as well as playing lacrosse for the Falcons! Her ultimate goal is to be heavily entrenched in the business world. 

There was also a one-year scholarship given out in memory of Tony Palangi, AKA “Mr. Kiwanis”… His faithful service to the Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls, NY, and his commitment to Kiwanis youth will never be forgotten. Tony founded the first Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls-sponsored Key Club at Glens Falls High School in 1976, and went on to serve as the Kiwanis Club’s Youth Service Leadership Chair from 1976 to 2007. During his tenure, the Key Club program grew to 10 clubs in our area high schools, a Builders Club at Glens Falls Middle School, and a Circle K Club at SUNY Adirondack.  

Jane Trowbridge was awarded the scholarship in memory of Tony Palangi. She has been an active member of the Bolton Key Club throughout her high school career, and has also enjoyed helping out at her school’s fall carnival, book fairs, and the “Pancakes and Pajamas” event. She has especially loved volunteering as the assistant coach of both the Elementary basketball and softball teams… In the Fall, she will be attending Dutchess Community College, majoring in Aviation Science. Jane is excited to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a pilot!

One of the other ways that Kiwanis International makes a positive impact on the lives of children is through Key Club… Key Club members learn how to lead, and stand for what’s right through service and volunteerism. Through Key Club, high school students are making a difference in their schools and communities. 

The mission of Key Club – as an international student-led organization – is to give members opportunities to provide service, build character, and develop leadership. The core values of Key Club are leadership, character building, caring, and inclusiveness… Key Club International has supported the transformation of high school students as they graduate and become the world’s next class of leaders. This aim is achieved with the cooperation of school principals and teachers, to prepare the students to become useful citizens.

For more information, please visit glensfallskiwanis.org.