The Compass

The Compass

Proud Moment – Manchester’s Own Katherine Dubois Competes in National Baking Showdown

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!

Proud Moments – Member’s First Credit Union Spreads Warmth and Support with Generous Donation Drives

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