Month: May 2025

As we approach summer, I find myself thinking deeply about what it means to truly support our young people—not just as students, but as members of a larger community that has a responsibility to help them thrive.

This past week, I had the privilege of attending the National Community Schools and Family Engagement Conference. During a powerful plenary session, a speaker shared something that stopped me in my tracks: It’s the community’s responsibility to create systems in which children can thrive. That one sentence has echoed in my mind ever since. It so clearly captures the heart of what we at Manchester Proud are striving for.

Our mission isn’t just about programs, grants, or events. It’s about creating a city where children and families are surrounded by support systems that help them succeed—in school and in life. It’s about building a community where every child feels safe, seen, and valued.

Yet, as I scroll through social media or hear painful news from our own city—like the heartbreaking loss of a student this week—I’m reminded of how far we have to go. Too often, I see people tearing each other down, assigning blame, questioning motives, and fueling division. And I wonder: what message are we sending our kids when we, the adults, lose sight of our shared responsibility?

Still, in the midst of that frustration, I am inspired by the power of connection. That’s the work of Manchester Proud. We are the bridge between those who want to help and the schools and students who need it most. We help connect businesses with teachers to ensure classrooms are stocked with the supplies students need to learn. We rally community members and partners to host food drives and build clothing closets, so families can find support without shame. We lift up the organizations already invested in our youth—and help them do even more by aligning their work with the needs in our schools.

Looking ahead, our focus remains clear: we are here to help children thrive. And in doing so, we lift up our entire community.

Let’s continue to be the adults our children need—working together, listening deeply, and leading with compassion. Let’s build a Manchester where every child has what they need to succeed, and where community means something powerful.

After four years of having the chance of taking classes at Saint Anselm College’s Access Acadmy, my final year and final semester came. I have created many memories and grown significantly through this program. This experience has given me a great opportunity to receive extra credit, learn new skills, and dive deeper into skills I already have. Of course, to also be able to spend more time with my friends after school. 

Just like the first semester, we sat down for the final showcase in an auditorium, listening to the voices of students and peers, and seeing everyone’s final projects. This year was a little different and more special, this time, I was one of the seniors who were gifted a rose and a certificate of completion. In my first year attending Access Academy, I looked forward to this day. The rose meant so much to me and my friends, and we were so glad to finally receive it. Reminiscing over the years and diverse classes I have taken, I am grateful I decided to take this program. 

I highly recommend this program to be taken from Freshman through Senior year. Whether you’re there for the credits, skills, or the food, there is something everyone should be able to enjoy and find worth it.

Manchester Community Schools is taking a bold step toward improving community health and wellness with a new initiative focused on nutrition education and healthy cooking. Spearheaded by Community School Facilitator Loren Robidas, in collaboration with Awilda Muniz of the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, this program aims to equip families with the knowledge and tools they need to make smart, nutritious food choices.

The series kicked off with an engaging session on MyPlate, a practical guide that emphasizes the importance of balanced meals featuring fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. Awilda Muniz led participants through the basics of creating meals that support overall wellness, using MyPlate to explain portion sizes and food group recommendations.

But the learning doesn’t stop there. Upcoming sessions in the series will delve into essential topics like:

• Eating healthy on a budget
• Understanding food labels
• The truth about soft drinks

These fun and interactive classes are designed to empower families to make healthier daily decisions, regardless of income or lifestyle. A standout feature of the program is its hands-on, practical approach, ensuring that participants leave with not only knowledge but also tools to apply it at home.

To further support healthy living, every participant who completes the series will receive a FREE slow cooker, making it easier than ever to prepare nutritious meals at home.

This impactful initiative highlights Manchester Community Schools’ commitment to student and family wellness. Thanks to the dedication of Loren Robidas and Awilda Muniz, the city is seeing firsthand how community partnerships can turn education into action, making healthy living accessible and sustainable for all.

Last Thursday, May 8th, 2025, Manchester was alive with energy, flavor, and music and I had the chance to experience it all. As a Manchester Proud intern, I spent the evening with my family and best friend enjoying one of the city’s most beloved spring traditions: the annual Taco Tour, followed by an incredible performance at A Night of Jazz, hosted by the Manchester School District Music Department at the Rex Theatre.

The Taco Tour has brought together local restaurants, food trucks, and small businesses to transform downtown Manchester into a vibrant culinary celebration. Elm Street buzzed with activity as families, friends, and food lovers gathered to try $3 tacos of every variety each uniquely crafted by the city’s own chefs and taquerias. Some stands even sold t-shirts and desserts, adding extra flavor and flair to the evening.

This year, more than 100 restaurants competed for the highly coveted titles of Best Taco and Most Creative Taco. But what made the competition even more special was the trophy itself, a symbol of excellence that was crafted by local students. The Greater Manchester Chamber, which hosts the Taco Tour, collaborated with the Manchester School of Technology (MST) to create a one-of-a-kind award. Students Megan Shamer of MST High School and Corah Daigle of Londonderry High School designed and built the trophy using Autodesk Inventor software and 3D printing technology.

The result? A stunning piece featuring Manchester’s iconic City Hall, topped with a hard-shell taco—a creative and meaningful tribute to both the city and the festival. “This was a highlight of the school year,” said Daigle. “Knowing we were designing something that is going to be part of such a large event in Manchester.” Shamer added, “I would like to receive this as a trophy! It’s cool to see the outcome of the work.”

Dan Colburn, Advanced Design Technology teacher at MST, praised the project for giving students a real-world experience, from client request to final product. “This experience replicated what professionals do in industry,” he noted. Superintendent Jennifer Chmiel also expressed her appreciation, calling it “an amazing way to bring a real-world experience into the classroom.”

After enjoying some of the many incredible tacos and soaking in the excitement on Elm Street, we headed to the Rex Theatre for A Night of Jazz. The performance by Manchester School District’s student musicians was a perfect finale to the evening filled with talent, passion, and pride. The music carried the same spirit of community and creativity that the Taco Tour celebrated just blocks away.

Nights like these remind us why Manchester is such a special place: where education, small business, art, and culture come together to create something unforgettable. From the hands that crafted tacos to the students who designed a trophy, and the young musicians who brought down the house.

Beech Street Elementary School recently hosted a vibrant and inspiring parade that highlighted the power of cultural heritage, community leadership, and student empowerment. The event featured a lineup of local leaders and performers who represent the diverse backgrounds and talents that enrich the Manchester, New Hampshire community.

Jason Bonilla, School Board Member for Ward 5, was one of the honored guests. A proud advocate for education, equity, and cultural inclusion, Jason brings his passion for representing Manchester’s vibrant Spanish-speaking community into every aspect of his service. As a dedicated leader, he continues to be a vital voice for students and families across the city.

Joining the celebration was Jean Hakuzimana, State Director of Ascentria Care Alliance Services for New Americans and founder of NH Songa. A native of Rwanda, Jean has spent his life supporting refugees and new Americans as they seek belonging and opportunity in New Hampshire. Through his compassionate leadership, Jean has helped countless families begin new lives with hope and dignity.

Alan Cote also participated, representing the Franco-American Centre and Alliance Française de Manchester. Alan is known for his dedication to preserving Franco-American heritage through language, arts, and education. His efforts have played a crucial role in maintaining French cultural traditions in New Hampshire, bringing generations together through shared stories and community events.

The parade’s energy soared thanks to a dynamic performance by Tinotenda Duche from Bring It!. With powerful displays of African dance, Tinotenda brought cultural rhythm and spirit to life. His work is rooted in African traditions and focuses on self-expression through movement. Tinotenda’s performance was a celebration of identity, confidence, and community, inspiring students to embrace their individuality with pride.

The Beech Street Elementary parade was more than just a festive event—it was a meaningful celebration of the community’s diversity, resilience, and shared values. By featuring leaders and artists who embody cultural pride and service, the school offered students an unforgettable opportunity to connect with role models and see the strength that lies in honoring one’s heritage.