The Compass

The Compass

Manchester Proud Update – Aimee Kereage Promoted to Executive Director of Manchester Proud

Manchester, NH – Manchester Proud is excited to announce that Aimee Kereage has been promoted to Executive Director. Aimee’s deep commitment to the well-being and success of Manchester’s youth, coupled with her extensive leadership experience, makes her uniquely qualified to guide the organization’s mission of strengthening the city’s educational and community impact.

Aimee’s professional journey began in the restaurant industry, where she spent nearly two decades honing her leadership and training skills. From 2000 to 2014, she served as a General Manager and Regional Training Manager for a national restaurant chain. However, her desire to make a broader impact led her to pursue a Master’s in Social Work in 2014. During her internship at Amoskeag Health’s pediatric division, Aimee developed a passion for working with the youth of Manchester, inspiring her to transition into community-focused roles.

Her commitment to youth development continued to flourish during her tenure as Director of Community Impact at Granite United Way from 2018 to 2021, where she oversaw youth-focused initiatives across Southern New Hampshire.

In 2021, Aimee was hired as Manchester Proud’s first employee, stepping into the role of Community Partnerships Coordinator. In this capacity, she was instrumental in fostering collaboration between schools, families, and the wider community to enhance educational outcomes. Her leadership and vision have been pivotal in shaping Manchester Proud’s initiatives.

About this promotion, Barry Brensinger, former Manchester Proud Coordinator and current Manchester Proud Champion’s Council member stated, “Since joining Manchester Proud, Aimee has not only taken our community partnerships to new heights, she has proven her commitment to the growth and success of our work overall.  I am looking forward to the good work ahead under Aimee’s leadership and wish her every success.”

The Champion’s Council Chair, Steve Thiel shared, “Aimee has the full support of the Manchester Proud Champion’s Council as she takes the next step in her leadership journey. Her dedication to fostering meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships with community organizations in support of public education has been both admirable and essential for our City. We look forward to continuing to support her and are deeply grateful for her contributions.”

As Executive Director, Aimee will continue to build on Manchester Proud’s commitment to supporting the city’s youth and schools. Her promotion reflects the organization’s recognition of her ability to inspire meaningful change through collaboration and innovation.

Proud Moment – City Year NH’s Walking Bus initiative

City Year New Hampshire is making a significant impact within the Manchester School District by working to address inequities in education. City Year New Hampshire has been active for 25 years now. Through its dedicated AmeriCorps members, City Year partners with teachers and schools to provide additional support, fostering learning environments where all students can thrive.

City Year’s efforts have been instrumental in helping students achieve academic success. The program’s tutoring initiatives have yielded impressive results, with 59% of students tutored by City Year meeting or exceeding one year of growth in English Language Arts and 67% meeting or exceeding one year of growth in mathematics. By working closely with students, AmeriCorps members help reinforce key concepts, build confidence, and encourage a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

One of City Year’s missions is to promote student attendance by ensuring a safe journey to school. At Bakersville Elementary School, a team of five AmeriCorps members leads a Walking Bus initiative, accompanying students on their walk to and from school each day. A City Year Corps member shared their perspective on the initiative: “Walking Bus is a unique opportunity to engage with students outside the classroom, fostering relationships that we might not otherwise develop in the short school day. Those 20-30 minutes allow for genuine conversation, building trust, and learning about their experiences. Ultimately, I hope the connection is just as enriching for them as it is for me!” This initiative not only helps ensure students arrive at school safely and on time but also strengthens the relationships between students and their mentors, reinforcing the supportive environment City Year strives to create.

City Year New Hampshire continues to be a vital resource in the Manchester School District, providing academic support, mentoring, and community engagement. By helping students grow academically, fostering meaningful relationships, and ensuring safe school commutes, City Year is making a lasting difference in the lives of Manchester’s students. As the program moves forward, its commitment to equitable education remains steadfast, ensuring that every student has the support they need to succeed.

Proud Moment – West High School’s Ke’Shawn Foster

Ke’Shawn Foster, a senior at West High School in Manchester, NH, has left his mark as an athlete, student, and aspiring entrepreneur. Named the 2024-2025 Football Captain, Ke’Shawn has also participated in basketball and track, keeping himself active year-round. “I’m big into sports, I like staying active all year,” he shared. His dedication to athletics and leadership on the field has set him apart as a role model among his peers.

Looking ahead, Ke’Shawn hopes to continue his football journey in college while studying business. His dream? To open a café. “I love breakfast food. Breakfast on Christmas morning, my grandma would make grits, bacon, all of it. I have great memories with my family surrounding breakfast,” he reflected. His passion for food and the nostalgia of family meals inspire his entrepreneurial aspirations.

Growing up in the Manchester School District, Ke’Shawn attended Hallsville, Webster, Weston, Parkside, and now West High School. When asked about his favorite classes, he highlighted Pottery with Mr. Cripps and English with Mrs. Balch. “With pottery, it was a space where I could make what came to mind, kinda like cooking. Mr. Cripps supported me in doing my own projects.” English, a subject he once disliked, became a favorite thanks to engaging discussions and literature. “I hated English, but now I love it. The way we go over literature is just fun. The Odyssey is my favorite.” During our conversation, KeShawn was in the middle of a creative project for English, building a kite based on a book he was reading in class.

Reflecting on West’s football season, Ke’Shawn expressed pride in how far the program has come. “The program has come a long way. This year, we turned it around as a team and as a community. We were able to lock in.” He credits much of the team’s success to their coaches. “They made us all believe we could do it,” he said, acknowledging the positive changes and new standards set by the coaching staff.

One of Ke’Shawn’s most memorable moments came during Senior Night. “I had two touchdowns in the game, and it was down to the wire. I knew in my head that Terrance [his co-captain and friend] was gonna get the ball. The game ended with Terrance catching the ball, moving us to the playoffs for the first time since 2007.” This moment encapsulated the hard work, trust, and camaraderie that defined their season. Ke’Shawn’s leadership and performance on the field did not go unnoticed, he was nominated for this Proud Moment by his coach, Andrew Provencher, who described him as “such a great kid.”

Beyond sports, Ke’Shawn values his relationships with his seven siblings and many friends. Balancing athletics, academics, and a part-time job, he remains committed to his goals. Although he plans to leave Manchester for college, he hopes to return to his hometown. He recognizes the misconceptions about Manchester and wants to change the narrative. “Manchester is a good spot. It has a very bad stereotype, but it’s not true. I think there is a lot of beauty and good here.”

Ke’Shawn leaves a powerful message for those striving for success: “For you to achieve something out of grasp, you have to work hard at it and put your eggs in that basket.” His determination, leadership, and passion ensure that wherever he goes, he will continue to make an impact.

Proud Moment – Orange Theory Bedford Brings Warmth to Gossler Park Elementary Students

Over the months of December and January, Orange Theory in Bedford demonstrated the true spirit of community by collecting coats, snow pants, and snow boots to support students in need at Gossler Park Elementary School.

This initiative, spearheaded by the Orange Theory team, provided essential winter gear to ensure that students could stay warm during their walks to school and enjoy outdoor play in the snow. With the help of their dedicated staff, Allie J personally delivered the donations to Gossler Park Elementary School’s Community School Facilitator, Angela Leach, earlier this week.

Angela expressed heartfelt gratitude for the generosity shown by Orange Theory and its members, noting the significant impact the donation will have on students’ well-being this winter.

A huge thank-you to Orange Theory Bedford for stepping up to make a difference in the lives of local students, fostering warmth, comfort, and the joy of playing in the snow.

Proud Moment – West High’s Andrew Provencher Named SI.com Coach of the Year

Andrew Provencher, head coach of Manchester’s West High School football team, has been recognized as Coach of the Year by SI.com, a well-deserved accolade for a leader who has revitalized his team and inspired his school community. We were able to sit down and chat with Coach Provencher this month to share about his journey.

Coach Provencher’s journey in football began in his youth in Manchester. While an injury ended his playing career, it became the catalyst for his passion for coaching. Now in his second year at West High, Provencher has transformed the team from a small group of 14 players into a thriving program of over 60 athletes. Remarkably, 80% of these players are new to football, and their development has been a source of pride for the coaching staff. About this Coach Provencher says, “I am super proud of the young guys who have never played football and to see their development makes us coaches proud.”

In reflecting on his recognition, Provencher emphasized the collaborative effort behind the success. “It’s much more than me. It’s more of a reflection of our coaching staff,” he said. The team’s growth and accomplishments this season have been a testament to the dedication of the entire West High football community.

Looking ahead, the team is ready to embrace their 2025 motto: “Raise the Bar.” Coach Provencher remains steadfast in his original vision for the program, which he shared with The Union Leader upon his hiring: “we want to play competitively with playoffs and state championships.”

Coach Provencher describes his players as a family. “We call it our football family,” he says, and the bond among players, coaches, and supporters has become a cornerstone of the team’s success. This sense of unity extends beyond the field. Provencher proudly notes that many of his players are multi-sport athletes, helping elevate West High’s overall athletics program. The students’ commitment to academics also shines brightest during football season. “They are at their academic best because they want to play,” he explained.

The team’s success has rippled through the entire school community. Events like T-Mobile’s Friday Night Lights showcased the team’s talent and drew enthusiastic support from fans. “Go to your community games, support the student-athletes,” Provencher urged. “It makes a difference.”

Beyond football, Coach Provencher is instilling a spirit of service in his players. “I tell the student-athletes that they have an obligation to help their school,” he said. He’s now calling on community organizations to partner with the team for volunteer initiatives. “We want to be active participants in our community,” Provencher said, extending an open invitation for collaboration.

As West High celebrates a season of wins and a revitalized football program, the impact of Coach Andrew Provencher’s leadership is clear. His dedication to his players, school, and community is paving the way for continued success, both on and off the field.

Read the Manchester School District article here: https://www.mansd.org/article/1950683 

Proud Moment – Building a Legacy, Coach Robert Sturgis

In just over seven years, Coach Robert Sturgis has reshaped the football program at Manchester Memorial High School, bringing renewed energy, increased participation, and a culture of dedication. Originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, Coach Sturgis joined Memorial as the head football coach after an impressive playing and coaching career. From high school football to playing for Norwich University to serving as the Offensive Coordinator at Ana Maria College, his journey to Manchester has left a lasting impact.

When Coach Sturgis first arrived at Memorial, the football team struggled with numbers, barely fielding 30 players. Today, that number has more than doubled to almost 80, a testament to the program’s growth under his leadership. This past season was a historic one for the Crusaders, they made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2003 and saw Coach Sturgis named runner-up for SI.com’s New Hampshire Coach of the Year.

Reflecting on the honor, where he trailed Manchester High School West’s Football Coach, Andrew Provencher, Sturgis remarked, “Crazy for both of us to get that many votes, but it’s cool that two city schools had such a great season this year.”

The team’s success is no accident. A strong emphasis on offseason training has set the tone for Memorial’s resurgence. When we visited Coach Sturgis on a Thursday after school, the weight room was buzzing with nearly 60 players, a testament to their dedication.

“A lot of hard work has put them in this position,” Sturgis said. “What I’m most proud of is them trusting the process it takes to win, showing up every day to lift weights and put in the work.”

Team captain and Manchester Memorial junior, Jacob Schuff echoed this sentiment, describing Coach Sturgis as a leader who pushes his players because he believes in their potential. “He’ll be tough on you, but it’s because he believes in you,” Jacob shared.

Team captain and Manchester Memorial junior, Janvelpena Ramirez added about Coach Sturgis, “He pushes us to be our best.”

Coach Sturgis is already looking ahead to next season. “We aren’t at the kids’ table anymore,” he said with a smile. “We’re at the teen table, and we want to be at the adult table as the team to compete against.”

Team captain Jacob added a confident message for the community: “Last season was not a fluke. We’re putting in the work.”

Coach Sturgis sees community support as a vital ingredient for the team’s continued success. “Show up to games,” he urged. “It’s a different feeling to play in front of your community than just your family. Although, we are lucky for our team’s family support!”

He also highlighted how the growth in school spirit is extending beyond the football field, with other sports programs at Memorial seeing increased participation. Athletics, he explained, are more than just competition, they teach life skills that extend to the classroom and beyond.

“Showing up to class shows you care,” Sturgis said, emphasizing the correlation between academic performance and athletic involvement.

It’s clear that Manchester Memorial High School is on the cusp of something special. With Coach Sturgis at the helm, the Crusaders have gone from underdogs to a rising force in New Hampshire football. As the team continues to grow and set its sights on new goals, one thing is certain: the Crusaders are a team to watch, and their community will play an integral role in their journey.

For Memorial, the future looks brighter than ever, thanks to the unwavering dedication of Coach Sturgis and his team.

Proud Moment – Manchester School of Technology Martial Arts Club

Many people choose to do some type of sport during their high school years, whether it’s because they find it interesting or fun, or because they want to make a career out of it. Manchester School of Technology, a small school with not as many clubs offered as bigger high schools, recently started a Martial Arts Club in the spring of 2023. I, myself, was able to be a part of this club for my junior and now senior year of high school, and it has been incredibly fun and fulfilling. This club is more than just learning self-defense and is open to both staff, teachers, and students. 

Ms. Passamonte is a teacher from MST and is currently a white belt. She used to teach a crochet club here, but when she heard about the martial arts club, she decided to participate in that instead and sees herself continuing to be in this club in the future. She mentions in the interview, “I’m having lots of fun here. I like being able to be active with my co-workers and just build a community.” Ms. Passamonte recommends others at MST to partake in this club, as it offers an engaging opportunity for you to get to know your classmates, students, and peers. She states that, “It helps you build confidence in yourself and in how you kind of carry yourself”.

Marion-Maria Haff, a senior at MST and someone who had previously done Jiu Jitsu earlier in her high school years but had to leave it due to cost; but, when she heard about MST’s Martial Arts Club starting up, she knew she wanted to join it and it was free, no charges to join or partake in. Marion is loving it so far and the different things they get to learn, her favorite one being sword fighting which they just recently started getting into. Even though she is a senior, she is definitely interested in continuing this type of art in the future and recommends others to try it. She describes this environment and community as, “It’s really fun, like we learn a lot and it’s definitely serious. But, I think everyone here is also like, they really respect each other and care about each other”/

Mr. Roop, another teacher here at MST, has done past training as he has a black belt in Ishida Karate, a yellow belt in Jiu Jitsu, and has done some Filipino Martial Arts. He joined MST’s Martial Arts Club, to get back into the art and he mentions, “It’s good for the soul. It’s good for the body and the soul”. This club has offered him time for a good workout, learning new techniques, and interacting with good people. All of which, he is enjoying immensely. Mr. Roop sees himself coming back next year to be a part of this community. This club is open to anyone at this high school, no matter what experience you have had, everyone will have an opportunity to learn. 

From students to teachers, even to our school’s administration participate. Kathleen Blanchette is an Administration Assistant here who is a white belt in MST’s Martial Arts Club. She chose to join because she finds it “physically and mentally challenging”. This club and community excite her to be a part of and she is enjoying this learning opportunity thoroughly. Although she has no goal of reaching a black belt, she will continue coming back to participate and learn. Even though this is her first time in this kind of environment and club, she mentions, “The atmosphere is fully perfect for what we are learning and I have to say that Mr. Puglisi is an excellent teacher.”

Finally, the instructor of this program and the Assistant Principal of MST, Mr. Puglisi. He is a sixth-degree black belt in Hapkido and fourth-degree black belt in Taekwondo. He began studying his journey in Martial Arts in 1984, studying at Springfield College. He earned his first degree black belt in 1989 while he visited the founder of Hapkido Choi Yong Sool, Hapkido School in Daegu Korea. Then he used his knowledge and experience to open a Hapkido School here in Manchester, NH in 1992. But, 26 years later, in 2018, he had to close it down and soon became our school’s Assistant Principal. “I love sharing the knowledge of Martial Art. I think it is something unique and provides an opportunity to the students at MST”, he states as his reasoning for opening this club here. Mr. Pugisi hopes to continue the club and even wants to expand it to the other high schools in Manchester, creating a broader community and opportunity for tournaments and competitions. 

This club has offered many people at my school an experience, a community, and a chance to learn. Mr. Pugilisi shares, “To participate in Martial Arts isn’t just for young people and it becomes a lifelong sport or lifestyle that you can do well into your older years”. This club is more than just learning self-defense and is open to both staff, teachers, and students.