New Community Foundation Scholarship to Honor Legacy of Watertown Arts Leader

WATERTOWN — A new, permanent scholarship fund is planned at the Northern New York Community  Foundation to honor the life and legacy of Watertown native David A. Simmons. 

 To perpetuate his legacy, local arts organizations are working together to build the David Simmons  Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation. It will support students from Jefferson County who  have participated in the performing arts during high school. In this way, it will help extend the support and  encouragement David shared during his life.  

 As Christmas was David’s favorite season, it is especially fitting to announce this endeavor now. The first recipients will be named in 2025 to commemorate all that David meant to the community.   David was an integral part of the Watertown arts community and a favorite to local audiences. He had a  long history of involvement with community theater organizations and was a Theatre Association of New York  State award winner.  

 David passed away in September 2023 just two weeks shy of his 61st birthday. He graduated in 1980  from Immaculate Heart Central School and attended Jefferson Community College. In 2012, David married Scott A. Rennie. 

 A friend to many, David generously shared his talents with all who were lucky to have known him. His  contributions to the arts community were numerous. He was a masterful choreographer, making a profound  and lasting impact on the lives of thousands of students.  

 “We are honored to work alongside local arts organizations to extend David’s legacy of mentorship of local  students and that each time the scholarship is given, there will be an opportunity to celebrate his life,” said  Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. 

 To join others in helping to the David Simmons Scholarship Fund, please make gifts to: Northern New York Community Foundation, 131 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601, with David Simmons Scholarship on  the memo line. Visit nnycf.org to give securely online.  

About the Northern New York Community Foundation 

 Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching  the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.  Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families  and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and  collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable  objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy  while inspiring others. 

 The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional  advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the  Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative  solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.