Month: December 2024

This week I had the honor of interviewing a few students from the ACE Program at Manchester School of Technology (MST). This afterschool program is only offered in two cities in New Hampshire, Manchester being one of them. The students are mentored by professionals in fields related to Architecture and the process of building homes, buildings, and other structures. Whether you want to pursue this career or are simply interested in learning more about architecture, this program is open to all. 

Chris Powers, the teacher of this program at MST, works for Procon, a design build construction management firm. Chris chose to be a mentor for this program so he could offer students with learning opportunities that he didn’t have at that age and allow them to gather experience in these fields while determining their chosen career. He enjoys teaching the students here and mentions how this program exposes the students to different paths so they can see what each field is really about. 

Josselyn Ascencio, a senior dreaming of becoming a Commercial Architect, shared her thoughts about this program. This hour and a half of her time after school helped her look into different industries while listening to professionals in those fields share information about their expertise. She and her classmates are using this information to build a tiny house from scratch and use it to compete against other schools in the ACE program. “This program will definitely help you and just give you an overview on everything Architecture”, Josselyn shared. This learning experience has given her a detailed picture of these careers and will help her decide on her future. 

Megan Shamer, a senior looking to major in Architecture, took this program to learn more about the field in a broader aspect. She dreams of working in both animation and architecture. Megan mentions, “the director of the program has also shown how I can incorporate animation into Architecture”. She has learned that her skills can be used in another career she wants to be a part of, broadening her options of where she can utilize her skills. Megan also commends the program for bringing in a variety of guest speakers and has even had the opportunity to visit the Autodesk Center in Boston. All her questions have been answered by professional and reliable people as she makes a decision on her future. 

Jonathan Reyes Santos, a senior who joined this program to determine if Architecture was the path he wanted to take. He is looking to pursue both architecture and software design as a career. He says about the program, “It’s nice learning about the different building aspects”. Sharing that they listen to many presentations, but also learn about important techniques and tools like scaling and floor planning. Jonathan recommends this program to other students, but to keep in mind the work they do and how they approach teaching students, as it may not be for everyone. 

Given the information shared by both the students and the instructor, I hope students will consider this program or field. Open to all students, you can learn about the many steps and fields involved while being able to work on a hands-on project to help build your skills. Students will be able to connect with professionals and explore sites in the field. 

Today, Service Credit Union demonstrated the true spirit of community by donating 800 coats to the Manchester School District, ensuring that students in need will stay warm this winter. This generous act of kindness highlights the power of partnership and collaboration in supporting the well-being of our community’s children.

The effort was spearheaded by Joyce Lewis, the Director of Comprehensive School Counseling for the district. Lewis gathered the specific coat needs from each school, ensuring the donations would make the greatest impact. The coats arrived today, ready to be sorted and distributed—and that’s where the village stepped in.

Our Director of Community Partnerships and Engagement quickly mobilized a group of dedicated partners to sort the coats for easy distribution. Volunteers from the NH Statewide Family Engagement Center, Manchester Community Schools Facilitators, New England College Facilities Staff, The Granite YMCA, and Manchester School District’s Family Welcome Center administrators worked together to organize the donation by school, streamlining the process for schools to collect their share.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Service Credit Union for their remarkable generosity and to all the community partners who stepped up to make this distribution seamless. This effort reminds us all that when a community comes together, incredible things happen.

With winter around the corner, these coats will do more than provide warmth—they’ll be a testament to the strength and compassion of Manchester’s village. Thank you to everyone who played a role in making this possible!

As the year comes to a close, we reflect on the remarkable progress we’ve made in 2024. Guided by the goals set forth by our Champion’s Council during strategic planning, we’ve tackled challenges head-on and achieved meaningful milestones for our community.

This year’s accomplishments wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our partners, supporters, and community members. Your commitment to our shared vision has helped us make Manchester stronger, more inclusive, and full of opportunity for our community.

To see the specific ways we’ve made an impact, check out our December Impact Newsletter, now available online. It highlights the achievements and initiatives that defined our year, offering a closer look at how we’re driving change.

Together, we are laying the groundwork for an even brighter future. As we look toward 2025, we are excited to carry forward this momentum and continue working side by side with all of you to create lasting impact.

Thank you for being an essential part of this journey. Here’s to another year of progress, collaboration, and growth for Manchester!

ONWARD!

Central High School Graduate, Katherine Dubois is making waves in the national baking scene as a quarterfinalist in The Greatest Baker, a competition presented by celebrity chef Buddy Valastro. Out of 47,000 bakers who entered, Katherine has risen to the top 1%, a testament to her talent and passion for pastry. The competition’s semifinals hinge on public votes, and Katherine is counting on support from her community to secure her spot. Voting is open until December 19 at 10 PM EST, with one free vote per person daily at greatestbaker.com/2024/katherine-dubois.

Currently, Katherine is refining her skills at the renowned Le Cordon Bleu in Bangkok, Thailand, where she is set to graduate this month. Her pastry journey began last year at Le Cordon Bleu Paris. “Baking brings me joy, and I love sharing it with friends, family, and at special events,” she says. Over the summer, Katherine brought her expertise back home, leading a cooking workshop for multilingual students at Manchester’s Newcomer Academy, demonstrating her dedication to both her craft and her community.

A proud Manchester native, Katherine is a graduate of Webster Elementary, Hillside Middle, and Central High. Her family is deeply rooted in the city as well: her mother teaches at Parkside Middle School, and her sister coordinates the 21st Century program at Weston Elementary.

For a glimpse of Katherine’s artistry, visit her Instagram, @minou_bisou_, where she showcases her pastry creations, from intricate tarts to elegant éclairs.

Join Katherine in her journey and help put Manchester on the map by casting your vote. Let’s rally behind one of our own as she takes her talents to the national stage!

This holiday season, Member’s First Credit Union has once again demonstrated its commitment to the community by hosting a food drive and a hats-and-mittens drive to benefit the Manchester School District. Recognizing the challenges faced by many local families, the Credit Union called upon its members and staff to come together and collect items to support students and their families during the winter months.

Through this initiative, the Credit Union gathered an impressive array of non-perishable food items, as well as cozy hats and mittens, ensuring that Manchester students can stay warm and nourished throughout the season. The collected donations will directly aid families in need within the district, providing essential support during a time when many face increased hardships.

By rallying the support of its members and employees, Member’s First Credit Union has not only made a significant impact but also set an inspiring example of how local businesses can play an active role in building stronger, more resilient communities.

Thank you, Member’s First Credit Union, for your dedication to making Manchester a better place for all!

If you or your business is interested in getting involved in this initiative, please reach out to aimeek@manchesterproud.org

Throughout the month of November, Fidelity Investments rallied their associates at the Merrimack, NH location for a heartwarming initiative: a food drive aimed at supporting local families in need. The response was overwhelmingly positive, showcasing the spirit of generosity and community that defines the organization.

Last week, the collected donations were delivered to Beech Street Elementary School, where Loren Robidas, the school’s Community School Facilitator, graciously received them. The contributions will go a long way in supporting students and their families during the holiday season, a time when community care matters most.

This act of kindness reflects the ongoing commitment of Fidelity Investments to give back to the communities where they live and work. On behalf of Beech Street Elementary and the families who will benefit from this thoughtful initiative, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Fidelity Investments and their associates for their generosity. Together, acts like these build stronger, more connected communities. Thank you, Fidelity!

If you or your business is interested in getting involved in this initiative, please reach out to aimeek@manchesterproud.org

The holiday season is a time of giving, and Sam’s Club has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the Manchester community. (Read the previous Proud Moment on Sam’s Club here) This week, the retail giant donated 70 turkeys to the Manchester School District, continuing its ongoing generosity.

The donation was received at Gossler Park Elementary School by Angela Leach, the school’s Community Schools Facilitator, who expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the district. These turkeys will make a meaningful impact for many families, ensuring a warm and nourishing holiday meal during this season of celebration.

Sam’s Club’s dedication to the Manchester community is an inspiring reminder of the power of partnerships. This donation follows another recent contribution, further solidifying their role as a valued community partner.

A huge thank you to Sam’s Club for stepping up to make the holidays brighter for Manchester families! Your continued support brings hope and joy to our community.

If you or your business is interested in getting involved in this initiative, please reach out to aimeek@manchesterproud.org

This week, the Access Academy Fall Showcase highlighted the remarkable achievements of Manchester high school students enrolled in this innovative after-school program. Since its inception in 2010, Access Academy has empowered students to grow as lifelong learners, explore future pathways, and thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

Access Academy serves high school students from underrepresented groups, including English language learners, first-generation college hopefuls, and those facing economic or housing instability. By offering college-level courses taught by college students with support from professors, Meelia Center staff, and community partners, the program fosters mentorship and skills development. Students also earn Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) credits, advancing them toward high school graduation.

This supportive framework creates opportunities for students like Mia-Rose Taylor, a Central High School senior and this year’s student speaker. Introduced to the program by her English teacher, Mr. Howe, Mia-Rose expressed her gratitude for Access Academy’s meaningful experiences.

“I’m really glad I chose to sign up this semester. I can tell the students and staff alike care about this program,” Mia-Rose said. She plans to pursue a career in policy or law, inspired by the program’s encouragement of intellectual curiosity and self-discovery. She left the audience with a call to action: “No matter your age, be curious and have an open mind.”

A student panel featuring Jon, Gigi, Ella, Oj, and Jeremiah offered insights into how Access Academy has shaped their futures. For Oj, a sophomore at Memorial High School, the program marked a turning point. “I’ve never been the type to think about my future seriously, but because of Access Academy, I have,” Oj shared.

Students spoke passionately about their favorite experiences, from dissecting a squid in marine biology to forming new friendships. Jeremiah, a freshman at Memorial High School, highlighted the practical applications of the program, saying, “My class helped with my business class at Memorial.” He also couldn’t resist praising the pizza.

The panelists emphasized the program’s supportive environment, with Gigi, a sophomore at Manchester School of Technology, noting, “There is a lot of support from instructors,” eliminating the need for extra hours outside of Access Academy.

Under the guidance of Director Liz Kirwan, a former ELL teacher at West High School and past chair of the Manchester Proud board, Access Academy continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact. Kirwan underscored the program’s role in providing “supplemental experiences” that align with Manchester School District’s goals and enhance student learning.

As the evening concluded, the Showcase served as a testament to Access Academy’s mission: to equip students with the tools and confidence to succeed in their academic and career pursuits. From fostering college readiness to nurturing lifelong friendships, the program is changing lives.

Access Academy exemplifies what’s possible when students are given the resources, mentorship, and encouragement to dream big and take ownership of their futures.