Syosset High School Seniors Receive Scholarships From The Sabrina Navaretta Memorial Foundation

Syosset, NY; July 7, 2025 – Four Syosset High School seniors recently received scholarships from The Sabrina Navaretta Memorial Foundation in memory of Sabrina Navaretta of Woodbury, a Syosset High School alumna whose life was tragically taken in April 2023 in a car accident while returning as a freshman from a University of Delaware event. Since the Foundation presented its singular scholarship upon its establishment in June 2023, following Sabrina's passing two months prior, it expanded to two scholarships in 2024. This year represents the first time there are four recipients.

Jake Gagliano was awarded $5,000 from The Sabrina Navaretta Memorial Foundation Scholarship for emulating several of Sabrina’s qualities, including extraordinary kindness, the ability to inspire, and a deep commitment to family and community. Brynn Pinto, Leah Breslin and Aiden Saavedra were each given $1,500 from The Sabrina Navaretta Syosset High School Dog Rescue Club Scholarship for sharing Sabrina’s dedication to the Syosset Dog Rescue Club and her passion for helping animals in need.

“We are deeply grateful to the Navarettas and their Sabrina Navaretta Memorial Foundation for honoring these remarkable seniors with scholarships,” said Principal of Syosset High School, Dr. Giovanni Durante. “It is an honor to have the Foundation remembering Sabrina and keeping her legacy alive at Syosset High School each year. Through the Foundation’s generosity of scholarships, our students are empowered to pursue their dreams with hope and purpose.”

Sabrina’s Mother, Mara Navaretta, finds it especially rewarding to present the Foundation’s annual scholarships to Syosset High School’s students. She explained, “The Sabrina Navaretta Memorial Foundation’s mission is to honor our daughter by continuing her legacy of giving to others. One of the ways our Foundation is able to achieve this is by awarding these fine students.”
John Navaretta, Sabrina’s father, added, “We feel so privileged to have this opportunity to pay it forward through the scholarships we give to these students, who embody so much of Sabrina in their work ethic, dedication and kindness. Our ability to make a difference for our local students and organizations every year is a result of the incredible people and businesses who continually support and donate to our Foundation in honor of Sabrina and her everlasting philanthropic spirit."

The Sabrina Navaretta Memorial Foundation provides various outreach and assistance beyond senior scholarships. It also offers support to grieving families in need, donations to the Syosset Dog Rescue Club, contributions to environmental groups that protect our waterways and help for people with different needs in our community. As a result of continuous donations, the Foundation has grown over the last three years, allowing it to make a greater impact in its charitable efforts. Recently, the Navarettas announced that their Foundation will award a new scholarship in 2026 to a graduating Syosset High School senior who is a junior member of the Syosset Fire Department.

About The Syosset Dog Rescue Club
Launched in 2016 as the first dog rescue club on Long Island, Syosset Dog Rescue is one of the largest clubs at Syosset High School. The Syosset Dog Rescue Club consists of student members who are dedicated to helping not-for-profit dog, cat, horse and wildlife rescue organizations across the New York Tri-State area. Its mission is to educate students about the rescue of dogs and other animals, provide them with hands-on experience with rescue dogs, and raise money for dog and other animal rescue groups through its various events.

About The Sabrina Navaretta Memorial Foundation
Though her life was short, Sabrina Navaretta made an everlasting impression while living her life to the fullest by giving to and thinking of others. This inspired her parents, John and Mara, to establish The Sabrina Navaretta Foundation in June 2023 after her tragic death on April 28, 2023. The Syosset-based Foundation covers numerous areas of philanthropic service, including: high school senior scholarships, animal rescue, grief support, environmental stewardship and assistance for people with different needs in our community. The Navarettas are appreciative of their Foundation donors and continued support. Anyone who would like to donate can do so by Venmo via @SabNavScholarship, Zelle via 516-551-3347, or a mailed check issued to the Sabrina Navaretta Memorial Foundation, addressed to 30 Berry Hill Road, Syosset, NY 11791. For more information about the Sabrina Navaretta Foundation, please visit www.sabnavfoundation.org, contact 516 551-3347, or email sabnavevents@gmail.com.

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PHOTO CAPTION:
Pictured at Syosset High School are four seniors who recently received scholarships from The Sabrina Navaretta Memorial Foundation, a not-for-profit established in honor of Sabrina Navaretta of Woodbury, a Syosset High School alumna whose life was tragically taken in April 2023 in a car accident while returning as a freshman from a University of Delaware event. (First three from left to right) Leah Breslin, Aiden Saavedra and Brynn Pinto were each presented $1,500 from The Sabrina Navaretta Syosset High School Dog Rescue Club Scholarship for sharing the same dedication to the Syosset Dog Rescue Club and passion for helping animals in need as Sabrina Navaretta. (Fourth on far right) Senior Jake Gagliano received $5,000 from The Sabrina Navaretta Memorial Scholarship for emulating several of Sabrina’s qualities, including extraordinary kindness, the ability to inspire, and a deep commitment to family and community.
PHOTO CREDIT: Photo credit and permission to publish are courtesy of Syosset Central School District.