Schools
Meet The Greg W. Sill Foundation Of LI, Supporting Passionate, Positive Students
The foundation's scholarship grants money to high school seniors who promote positivity, adventure and empathy as Greg Sill did.
SMITHTOWN, NY — Local charities are the unsung heroes of our communities. Nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations strive to create lasting change and positively impact the lives of those around them.
Some people start organizations as a way to cope with grief, some see an issue they want to tackle, and some want to bring lasting change. Sometimes, all those reasons apply.
Patch wants to highlight your local charity and connect it with community members who want to help and do good, so that way, more people can benefit. Here is just one of many charities doing terrific work in your community.
What is your name?
Emily Sill
What is the name of your charity?
The Greg W. Sill Foundation
What is your position within your charity?
Board Director
What community is your organization based in
Smithtown
Link to your website
What is your mission?
The Greg W. Sill Foundation celebrates and supports passionate students who spark positivity and lead lives of goodwill towards others.
What does your charity do to further its mission? Please list examples.
POWER OF A PEBBLE SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship grants $1,000-$5,000 to high school seniors in honor of Greg Sill.
Currently Offered at:
Smithtown HSW & HSE
Sachem North High School (Known as Greg W. Sill Memorial Scholarship)
Brentwood High School
What inspired you to start your charity?
After the unexpected death of my father, we knew we had to keep his legacy alive. As a loved teacher and community member, giving back to the students while sharing his spirit and positive perspective on the world was the best way to do exactly that. The scholarship awards students who emulate the same values he did and promotes positivity, adventure and empathy.
How can people help you accomplish your organization's mission or get involved in events
Keeping an eye on any fundraisers we or the Smithtown School District puts on that supports us. Attending our annual Golf Outing in July, sharing our pages and messages further around Long Island, and encouraging your students to apply for our scholarship. It is not determined on academic performance, but rather your character and values.
What is the most memorable moment you've had since starting your organization?
Our first annual golf outing in July 2022 was a huge success. I think for my sisters, mom and I, seeing everyone who attended for the day of golf and dinner at the end of the night solidified that what we are doing is growing at a phenomenal rate. We were blown away by the amount of support, love and fun we could see at the event and are proud to have started so strong!
What else would you like people to know about your charity?
With the communities' support, we are able to keep my dad's name alive and meaningful, and we are endlessly grateful for their support. He left such an impact on the people who knew him, so it's incredible to see his name impacting others in a new way through the foundation.
The best way to get to know him and his energy is by watching the videos we have linked on our website. I think it helps people to understand why it's so important we continue to spread his message.
SillWorld is the exciting, inviting and curiosity-driven world and lifestyle Mr. Sill created in his World History classrooms throughout his 23 years of teaching. It was a place where history came to life and he encouraged students to experience the story of us humans as an epic one, not just boring facts from a textbook.
What are your organization's social media pages or handles?
@gwsillfoundation
Instagram
The Greg W. Sill Foundation
Facebook
Do you help run a charity?
Nominate it here or share this link with someone who does.
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