Author: Lauren Boisvert

Every year, high school students from across New Hampshire audition for prestigious state-wide music festivals, and this year was no exception. Continuing a tradition of musical excellence, 13 students from Manchester’s high schools have been selected to participate in these renowned festivals. Representing Central, Memorial, and West High Schools, these talented young musicians will showcase their skills at the NHMEA Jazz All-State Festival from February 6-8 in Derry and the NHMEA All-State Festival from April 2-4 in Concord. Read the Manchester School District’s announcement on this here: https://www.mansd.org/article/1981176 

Among these talented musicians is David Kulikovskiy, a junior who has earned a place in the NHMEA All-State Orchestra.

David, whose primary instrument is the violin, is also a student in the Video & Digital Media program at Manchester School of Technology (MST). He is considering Audio Engineering as a potential college major but remains passionate about performance. Reflecting on his All-State journey, David said, “In the future, I would like to be a performer. All-State is a step to that.”

Preparation for the All-State audition was no small feat. David developed a disciplined practice routine, listening to the audition music on repeat while following along with sheet music. He would slow down the recordings to play along at a comfortable pace, gradually increasing the speed as his confidence grew. He also credits his private lesson instructor for his success, along with his mom’s encouragement. “My mom kept on me to practice,” David shared. David also credits his music teacher at Memorial High School, Mrs. Jaques for her mentorship.

Outside of school, David is an active member of his church’s orchestra, which includes both adults and children. His musical journey began in third grade when he was drawn to the violin during an assembly introducing students to different instruments. Despite his older brother’s attempts to teach him piano, David found his passion in the strings.

When he’s not playing violin, David enjoys fitness and boxing, hobbies that balance his artistic pursuits. Looking ahead, David plans to re-audition during the festival with hopes of earning a higher seat placement. He continues to practice every day after school, working on scales and perfecting his technique.

David is excited to meet new friends and play alongside his peers at the NHMEA All-State Festival in April. For those inspired by his dedication, David offers this advice: “Don’t stop playing over the summer. Practice every day. Do your homework on time so you have time to practice.”

Congratulations to David Kulikovskiy and all of Manchester’s All-State musicians for their hard work and dedication to their craft!

Manchester Proud is excited to announce the launch of Manchester Cares, a new initiative made possible by a generous grant from the Norwin S. and Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation. This pilot project is designed to address the basic needs of students in Manchester public schools, helping to create environments where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

The Bean Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of Manchester Proud since its founding in 2018, consistently championing efforts to foster excellence, equity, and engagement in Manchester’s public schools. The Foundation’s latest grant will allow Manchester Proud to begin the Fund-A-Need initiative under the Manchester Cares umbrella. This initiative will provide essential funding to address the most pressing needs of students, including clothing, food, and supplies.

“The Bean Foundation has supported Manchester Proud since its founding in 2018. We applaud its work to foster excellence, equity, and engagement in Manchester public schools. Bean trustees became aware recently of efforts to open school-based food pantries. Manchester Proud was the right entity to get this effort up and running, so Bean was pleased to make the seed grant to start the Fund-A-Need initiative,” said Tom Donovan, Senior Trustee of the Bean Foundation.

This week, a diverse group of reviewers from the Manchester School District and local non-profits evaluated applications from schools across the district. Seven projects were selected to receive funding, totaling $6,200.38. The selected schools include:

• Hillside Middle School
• West High School
• Parkside Middle School
• Southside Middle School
• Beech Street Elementary School
• Weston Elementary School
• Central High School

These projects will provide students with critical items to support their well-being and academic success, reinforcing the belief that when students’ basic needs are met, they are better able to engage in learning and thrive in their school communities.

The Manchester Cares initiative is a powerful example of what can be accomplished through collaboration and community investment. Manchester Proud is deeply grateful to the Bean Foundation for their unwavering support and their belief in our mission to build a stronger, more equitable future for all Manchester students.

Together, we are making a difference. ONWARD!

Esme, a sophomore and a dedicated member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester (BGCGM) has achieved a remarkable milestone, one that sets her apart on a national level. Out of 5,400 Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide, Esme has been selected as one of only 20 performers invited to take the stage at the Boys & Girls Club National Conference in San Diego this May.

Growing up in the Manchester School District, Esme has been an active member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester and has also been heavily involved with the Palace Youth Theatre, both of which have played a pivotal role in shaping her passion for the performing arts.

Esme’s love for theatre began in first grade, initially as a fun activity, but it has since evolved into a serious pursuit. Over the past decade, she has become a true triple threat—excelling in singing, dancing, and acting. Currently, she is a prominent member of the Palace Theatre’s Teen Company, a prestigious group that requires auditions for participation and produces professional-level productions.

Her journey into performing arts was inspired in part by her brother, Isaiah, who is not only her biggest supporter but also the Performing Arts Director at BGCGM. Isaiah, who also grew up participating in the Palace Theatre youth programs, was the one who encouraged Esme to audition for the National Conference. Together, they prepared three video submissions showcasing her talent: Rise Up by Andra Day, Valerie by Amy Winehouse, and a piece from In the Heights. After submitting her videos, Isaiah received an email confirming that Esme had advanced to the next round. Three weeks later, Esme was invited to a Zoom meeting, which she believed was about Diane Fitzpatrick, the CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester, being honored as Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year. However, to her surprise, the meeting was actually with Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s CEO Jim Clark to announce that she had been chosen to perform at the National Conference!

To prepare for this incredible opportunity, she has begun weekly coaching sessions with a professional mentor provided by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. These sessions, held every Monday, help her refine her skills and ensure she delivers a stellar performance on the national stage.

Looking ahead, Esme envisions a future in performing arts, considering schools in New York or Boston to further her studies in acting and performance. Her dream role? Carmen Diaz in Fame, a character she describes as a “diva with emotional depth,” a challenge she is eager to embrace. In addition to her passion for theatre, Esme has a strong academic interest in literature, citing World Literature as her favorite class this year due to her love for reading and writing about books from different cultures.

Despite her packed schedule of school, rehearsals, and coaching sessions, Esme also balances a part-time job. She comes from a close-knit family with two siblings and four dogs, drawing strength from their support.As she prepares for this exciting performance, Esme offers a message to those who aspire to get involved in the performing arts: “Don’t be afraid to get out there and push yourself.” Her journey from a young theatre enthusiast to a nationally recognized performer is proof that dedication, passion, and a willingness to embrace challenges can lead to extraordinary opportunities.

During the month of February, I was given the opportunity to interview for the Fire Science and EMT CTE at Manchester School of Technology. I was able to hear how it came to be and the meaning of the program it has on the students. Although this program isn’t as well known as some of the others, I got to see and hear just how amazing this program is and how much the students love it. I hope that after you read this, whether you’re a student or parent, you’ll consider signing up for this program next year. 

Leo Roy, a retired lieutenant from Manchester Fire, is the instructor and coordinator for this program. Mr. Roy was approached in the early 1990s to assist in putting together the Fire Explorer Training Academy by the Daniel Webster Council. He states that it was “very successful.”. They started in New England College until the New Hampshire Fire Academy was built, finished in 1995, and once the Academy was adopted he retired from it. To this day, the Academy still stands as it continues to educate many youths in Fire. He continued serving in Manchester at the Manchester Fire Department until his sister, who is involved at Manchester School of Technology, asked him if he would be interested in doing a moulage for the Criminal Justice and Health Science CTEs that they were doing since he loved Halloween a lot. Agreeing to do so, he had done it for a couple of years up till MST wanted to expand their CTE offerings and Mr. Roy offered the idea of doing Fire Science. And just a couple of years later, it got started. 

Mr. Roy teaches his students knowing that his students are the next generation and he wants to be able to contribute to them and their future. His program offers the students a much different experience than the other high schools. While these other high schools in New Hampshire may offer a program related to Fire Science, it is only an exploratory program. At the Manchester School of Technology, his program is a certificate program. He also states that, “We are still the only ones in the state that do a two-year program in one year.” Here you get to spend two blocks in the program with a higher passing rate than the others. 

For those interested in this program, Mr. Roy says, “Anybody with a really strong altruistic gene in their body that really wants to go and help people, should take this class.” Although you get to jump out of windows and climb buildings, you get a certificate that opens a large variety of doors. You get to learn about emergency services, a first-sight view as you work with the Manchester Fire Department, and if you’re someone who needs your hours on an Ambulance then you can get them done a lot easier here as the rates are much higher here in the City of Manchester.

After talking to Mr. Roy, I got to get the thoughts of the program from a few students. Abby and Dominique shared with me that throughout this year, they have learned an incredible amount and enjoyed going on ride-a-longs, jumping out of windows, and visiting the Academy. They are offered a chance to get a job right out of high school and the skills to do the job right. This program has shown that they can make an impact on their community. You as a student are taught a large variety of important skills. Dominique expresses, “It’s great to help out your community, it’s great to be conscious of the things going on in your community as well.” They took this program because they didn’t know where they wanted to go in the future and if this was something they wanted to do. “You don’t even need to know what you want to do, I mean this class is just a fun course to take too,” Abby says.

Another student, Marion, took this class after finishing Criminal Justice. Marion is still unsure of what career she wants to go into, but she does know she wants to help people and she took Fire Science with that goal in mind. She has become more confident in herself while being in this class. “I learned to not just give up.” she said as she explained to me that eventually a person will succeed. Marion really enjoys this class and would love for others to take it as well. This class gives students like herself a once-in-a-lifetime experience, far more unique than others. The MST Fire Science class gives students like herself a certificate for Fire 1, allowing you to go straight into the workforce in most cases. One of the main things she gets excited about when thinking of this class is the Bailing Out Procedure where the students are put into a life-or-death situation where they escape a burning building through a window. 

I am honored to have been able to learn about this program in my school and hope that more people will consider taking this class. Mr. Roy and the students I interviewed provided great advice and an idea of what their class is like.

 Every year, high school students from across New Hampshire audition for prestigious state-wide music festivals, and this year was no exception. Continuing a tradition of musical excellence, 13 students from Manchester’s high schools have been selected to participate in these renowned festivals. Representing Central, Memorial, and West High Schools, these talented young musicians will showcase their skills at the NHMEA Jazz All-State Festival from February 6-8 in Derry and the NHMEA All-State Festival from April 2-4 in Concord.

 Read the Manchester School District’s announcement on this here: https://www.mansd.org/article/1981176

Among those selected is Fatoumata Bah, a West High School freshman who earned a spot in the All-State Treble Choir. We had the opportunity to sit down with Fatoumata and learn about her journey in music.

Fatoumata’s love for singing began early. She officially joined a choir in 4th grade and continued through middle school, though she recalls that her family always noticed her singing as a young child. It was her Parkside Middle School choir teacher, Ms. Daley, who encouraged her to audition for All-State.

The audition process was no easy feat. Fatoumata received her audition pieces in October and auditioned in November. Recalling the experience, she shared, “It was very scary. You walk into a room with a backing track and sing in front of people.”

Now, as she prepares for the festival in April, Fatoumata has been diligently practicing for the past month, focusing on rhythm and lyrics. She is also a member of the West High School Choir, where she is taught by Ms. Berger.

Fatoumata credits her music educators for much of her growth, “A lot of teachers that I have had have been super talented and help me grow,” she says.

This experience has challenged her and allowed her to develop her skills, and she hopes to continue exploring music in college by taking some music classes.

Her advice to students considering auditioning for All-State? “Try it! Nothing bad can happen. Even if you aren’t selected, you will learn from it.”

Congratulations to Fatoumata and all of the talented Manchester students who are representing their schools and community at these prestigious music festivals!

Every year, high school students from across New Hampshire audition for prestigious state-wide music festivals, and this year was no exception. Continuing a tradition of musical excellence, 13 students from Manchester’s high schools have been selected to participate in these renowned festivals. Representing Central, Memorial, and West High Schools, these talented young musicians will showcase their skills at the NHMEA Jazz All-State Festival from February 6-8 in Derry and the NHMEA All-State Festival from April 2-4 in Concord. Read the Manchester School District’s announcement on this here: https://www.mansd.org/article/1981176 

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Central High School student musicians who are part of the All-State choir to learn about their experiences. The Central High School student musicians we spoke to include: 

• Lily Szulc – All-State Jazz Choir; All-State Mixed Choir – Alto 2 (Senior)
• Katherine Thorner – All-State Jazz Choir; All-State Mixed Choir – Soprano 1 (Senior)
• Marley Walker – All-State Jazz Choir; All-State Mixed Choir – Alto 2 (Junior)
• Sophia Boisvert – All-State Mixed Choir (4-year award); Chamber Festival – Alto 2 (Senior)
• Michaela Aufiero – All-State Mixed Choir – Alto 2 (Sophomore)

For student musicians, the journey to All-State begins early. Central High School’s selected choir students explained that they receive their music in May and spend months rehearsing independently before their auditions in November, which take place at Memorial High School in Manchester. Once selected, they continue practicing on their own until the festivals in February and/or April, where they immerse themselves in three days of intensive rehearsals and performances.

With performances featuring mixed choirs consisting of tenors, basses, altos, and sopranos, students must be prepared for intricate vocal arrangements. Some compositions require up to eight different voice parts, adding an extra layer of complexity to their preparations.

Students describe All-State as both challenging and deeply rewarding. The festival offers not just an opportunity to perform, but also a chance to build lifelong friendships. “What’s great about these festivals is that it’s the same people every year. We make friends with people from all over the state,” shared Katherine. Sophia agreed, saying, “We all care so much. You’re surrounded by a community that cares just as much as you do.”

One of the highlights of the festival is the exposure to different directors and professional musicians. Each year, students work under the guidance of new directors, gaining insight into various musical styles and techniques. The festival also includes a special performance by a professional musician on Friday night, an experience that Marley described enthusiastically: “We got to speak to them after their performance, which was amazing.” Student musicians all raved about the Gospel singer from this past year. 

Preparing for All-State is largely an independent effort, requiring months of dedication. “There is more pressure to prepare for your audition because there are no rehearsals together beforehand,” explained Marley. “We spend our summer preparing for the audition and then the fall and winter preparing for the festival.”

Lily added that auditions can be highly competitive. “Everyone who auditions is talented, and the scoring can be so close. Sometimes you don’t get in even if you did the year before. It can come down to small details like rhythm sections.” Students who audition for solos face additional challenges, as solo auditions occur only at the festival itself, they must prep their individual part as well as the solo. 

To prepare, many students use creative strategies. Katherine, for example, listens to her pieces on Spotify repeatedly to internalize them before performing. The festival itself is an intense experience, with days running from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and culminating in a final performance on Saturday.

Participation in All-State extends beyond just musical growth. Katherine noted, “I’m much more outgoing now. I’m not afraid to talk and be myself.” Lily emphasized the lasting connections she has made: “I’m still friends with some people from All-State during my sophomore year. I work at the mall, so I often run into people from All-State.”

Ed Doyle, Manchester School District’s Director of Fine Arts, also reflected on the significance of All-State. “It’s cool to see how much district representation we have, not only in students but in music educators. I went to All-State as a student at Memorial High School, and that experience influenced my decision to become a music educator.”

Looking ahead, two seniors, Sophia and Katherine, plan to study music in college, while Lily, though pursuing a different path, says, “Music will always be a big part of my life.”

When asked for advice for future All-State hopefuls, the students agreed: “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. It’s hard, but it’s worth it.”

With Manchester’s strong tradition of musical excellence, the city can be proud of these dedicated students and the educators who support them. Their achievements not only highlight individual talent but also reinforce the importance of music education in schools.

Last week, a team of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) staff delivered supplies to Manchester School District schools to support students during ACCESS Testing. The team provided snacks and reusable water bottles to ensure that students have what they need to stay focused and comfortable during the assessment period.

ACCESS for ELLs (ACCESS) is a suite of summative English language proficiency assessments. It is administered annually to English learners from kindergarten through grade 12, measuring their progress in acquiring academic English. These assessments play a crucial role in supporting multilingual students as they develop language skills necessary for success in the classroom.

Their generosity and commitment to the students of Manchester exemplify the strong partnership between SNHU and the local school community. A heartfelt thank you to Southern New Hampshire University for your ongoing support and for being a dedicated partner in student success!

On February 5, 2025, Manchester School District brought together young musicians from across the city for a vibrant and collaborative music festival at Memorial High School. Students from Northwest, McDonough, Weston, Green Acres, Jewett, Gossler Park, Smyth Rd., Highland, and Goffs Falls elementary schools participated in this special event, celebrating the power of music and creativity.

A highlight of the day was the presence of Jim Papoulis, an internationally renowned composer and conductor. Papoulis worked closely with the students, leading them in performances of two of his pieces, I Met a Bird and When I Close My Eyes. He also conducted a composition workshop, engaging students in the creative process and encouraging them to think deeply about the music they sing. His key message to students: be fully engaged with the music and reflect on its meaning.

The festival featured an array of talented educators and performers. Cassie Pepler, the music teacher from Smyth Rd., accompanied students on piano, while Joe Arloo from Weston Elementary added rhythmic energy with the djembe. A lively movement break was led by Donna Park from Northwest Elementary, who got students dancing with a fun line dance. Adding to the excitement, the Memorial High School choir, under the direction of Michelle Jacques, performed for the elementary students, providing inspiration and showcasing the musical opportunities ahead.

This event was made possible through the dedicated planning efforts of Susan Wilkes, music educator at Weston Elementary, and Ed Doyle, Director of Fine Arts for the Manchester School District. Their work, alongside the Manchester School District music department, created an enriching experience that fostered collaboration, musical growth, and a shared love of the arts.

The festival was a testament to the power of music education, bringing students together in harmony and creativity. Through events like these, the Manchester School District continues to inspire young musicians and build a strong foundation for the arts in the community.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 

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.

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.

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.