The Becky Monterosso Scholarship: A Legacy of Compassion

In the dance of life, we often find ourselves intertwined with the most beautiful souls, whose light flickers briefly but brightly, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. My beloved sister, Rebecca Monterosso, affectionately known as Becky, was one such radiant spirit. Though tragically taken from us in a house fire, her brilliance continues to illuminate the hearts of all who knew her.

Becky's journey was not one of smooth roads and easy paths. From a tender age, she grappled with the shadows of depression and anxiety, forces that sought to dim her radiance. Yet, with unparalleled courage and unwavering determination, she reclaimed her life from the clutches of darkness. In her struggle, she found purpose – a purpose rooted in compassion, empathy, and unwavering resilience.

With each passing day, Becky transformed her pain into power, her struggles into strength. She became a beacon of hope for countless souls navigating similar storms, sharing her story with raw honesty and unyielding courage. Through her blog, she painted a vivid tapestry of her mental health journey, inspiring friends, family, and strangers alike to embrace their own vulnerabilities and seek the light in the midst of darkness.

Becky's dream was simple yet profound – to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health, to make conversations about it as natural as the rhythm of our breath. She envisioned a world where individuals could step forward without fear of judgment, where love and acceptance reigned supreme.

I am humbled and filled with deep gratitude as I reflect on the success of last year’s fundraiser. Together, we were able to donate $5,500 to the New Lebanon Central School District for the Becky Monterosso Memorial Scholarship. This money went to a student who most closely aligned with the personal, moral, and career choices that Becky made in her life, helping to carry forward the spirit of service and compassion that defined her.

In her honor, I have continued my mission to ensure that Becky’s legacy endures. Through the creation of the Rebecca Monterosso Memorial Scholarship, we aim to empower graduating seniors of the New Lebanon school district to pursue careers dedicated to helping others – whether in psychology, medicine, social work, or any field that embodies Becky’s spirit of service.

Please join me on this journey once again. I humbly ask for your continued support as we work to make a difference in the lives of these students. Your generosity has the power to transform futures, offering hope and opportunity to young souls who, like Becky, dare to dream of a better tomorrow.

Let us come together, not in sorrow, but in celebration of a life well-lived, a spirit eternally remembered. Together, let us carry forth Becky’s torch of love and compassion, illuminating the path for generations to come. For in our collective efforts lies the promise of a world where no one suffers in silence, where every voice is heard, and every heart embraced.

In memory of my beloved sister, let us be the change we wish to see in the world. Let us be the light that guides others out of the darkness. Let us, in the spirit of Becky’s unwavering love, make a difference that resonates for eternity.

With heartfelt gratitude and hope,

Mark Monterosso