Hollywood Actor Gives Back to Ossining High

Ossining High School senior Jessee Rivera is the first recipient of a new grant for students who wish to pursue a career in the arts.  The grant was established by 1993 OHS graduate and television character actor Dominic Pace. "I hope this is the first of many awards. It's a big motivational boost for me," said Rivera.

Pace has guest starred in television shows such as Desperate Housewives, NYPD Blue, Cold Case and Navy: NCIS.  Now he wants to give back to the school that supported him as a young actor. 

Back in 1992 Pace had a starring role in the school’s production of Grease. "There was a tremendous amount of support from the community, whether it was an athletic coach, parents of friends or faculty from K-12. During that time when you grew up in Ossining you were part of a family… a support group where everyone was rooting for you in whatever endeavor you pursued. That’s something that I've always remembered and cherished about the community," said Pace.

Pace and a board of teachers picked the $500 grant recipient. "We're so grateful for the opportunity to recognize and award our students for their achievements in the arts. It's especially rewarding when an alumnus is able to return and support our current students and programs," said Ossining School District Director of Cultural Arts Bradley Morrison.

Pace recently moved back to New York because it provides more of a family environment than his home in L.A.  He and his family had been living in L.A. for the past 11 years. Since September Pace and his family have been calling Cold Spring home.  He says he doesn’t know if he’ll return to California. 

With a little luck, acting work will follow him to the Empire State. Pace recently got a co-starring role in the season premier of the Showtime series House of Lies.