Number of Participants: 11
Hours Donated: 2
Value of Time Served: $765
Event Type: Civic & Community
Activity: Football
School: Columbia High School
Date: October 29, 2025
Location:
Columbia High School
Luther Road, East Greenbush
NY
About:
In an inspiring display of unity and compassion, members of the Columbia High School football team came together to honor the memory of a former coach’s wife.
Norm Preston, a local football legend well known throughout the East Greenbush and Rensselaer communities, has left a lasting mark through his decades of coaching and mentorship. Last week, his wife, Jean, passed away after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
This week, members of the Columbia varsity football team, coached by Norm’s grandson, Jacob , attended Jean’s wake to pay their respects and support the Preston family during this difficult time.
According to Norm and Jean’s granddaughter, Jean would have loved that the players chose to do this on their own. Their gesture is a powerful testament to their character, the values instilled by their parents, and the strength of the community that raised them
