July 10, 2025 Lake George Land Conservancy Receives Gift from Lake George High School Class of 2025

Bolton Landing, NY – The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) was recently surprised and honored to be the recipient of the Lake George High School’s (LGHS) graduating class’s “last act of giving back.”

Lake George Jr.-Sr. High School Principal Francis Cocozza explained, “It is a cherished tradition at Lake George High School for the graduating class to collectively decide the recipient of their remaining class funds, supplemented by donations from classmates during the graduation ceremony. This last act of giving back to our community as an LGHS student culminates as seniors place their contributions in a basket just before receiving their diplomas.”

This year, the LGHS Class of 2025 guided by the 2025 Senior Honor Group (top 10%) selected the LGLC, with a particular focus on the current campaign to protect the land on and around Pilot Knob Mountain.

“We are deeply grateful and touched that these LGHS students chose to donate to the LGLC,” expressed LGLC Executive Director Mike Horn. “Their class gift will leave a legacy of conservation and the protection of these lands and waters for generations to come.”

Each year, the graduating students are presented with an overview of various local and regional organizations, highlighting their missions and key initiatives. The LGLC’s dedication to preserving Lake George and its surrounding natural environment deeply resonated with the students. They were particularly enthusiastic that their contributions would directly support the permanent preservation of the Pilot Knob Mountain area.

The honor groups’ independent research further solidified this choice, recognizing the critical importance of the lake’s protection to our community.

Sophia Kassal, representing the Class of 2025 Senior Honor Group, eloquently articulated the significance of protecting Lake George during a speech at the graduation ceremony. Kassal underscored that this act of donating their remaining funds to the LGLC’s worthy projects would ensure future generations can continue to enjoy the lake and its beautiful mountains.

“As Lake George High School Principal for nearly 19 years,” said Cocozza, “I am consistently humbled and reassured by the thoughtful charity selections made by our graduating seniors each year. This year’s choice powerfully reinforces that Lake George is central to our community’s identity and that our youth deeply understand and appreciate the vital importance of its future protection.”

###