2026 Mason FOREVER Foundation award-winners announced

Mason FOREVER Foundation press release

Mason FOREVER Foundation announces this year’s local scholarship recipients: Lewiston-Porter graduates Sophia Violante is a Doctor of Physical Therapy major at Nazareth University; Elizabeth O’Keefe is a Master of Science microbiology and immunology major at SUNY Buffalo; and Gabriella Westoven is a radiology major at SUNY Niagara. Caiden Martin, graduate of St. Joseph’s High School is an exercise science/ physical therapy major at John Carroll.

Other awardees include Daniella Gizienski of Randolph, New Jersey, a biology major at Moravian University; and Trinity Morgan Adams of Fort Collins, Colorado, a nursing major at Colorado Christian University.

Students are awarded scholarships based on their course of study, grade-point average, commitment to the medical/health/fitness professions, sports involvement, and community service.

The Mason FOREVER Foundation was established in honor of Mason Sawyer Monteleone. He was an interdisciplinary health science major at the University of Florida in Tallahassee when he tragically died in a car accident at the age of 21. He was interested in becoming a physician assistant or an orthopedic surgeon. He graduated from Canisius High School in Buffalo, and attended middle school at Lewiston-Porter.

The foundation supports the community and youth interested in medical, health, fitness and sports. Its major fundraising events are an annual 5K that is held in May/June; and meat raffle, which will be at Lewiston Fire Co. 1 on Friday, Oct. 30. We are partnering with Lew-Port girls flag football. There will be a 50/50 raffle, a basket raffle and a silent auction. Those interested in purchasing a ticket for the event can contact Tracy at 716-525-0409 or Jamie at 716-471-1240.

Visit the foundation website, www.masonforefver.com, to donate, or to learn about scholarship opportunities and community events.