Author: Lauren Boisvert

Manchester Memorial High School has made history this year as senior Olivia Horne achieved national recognition in the prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Horne earned a National Silver Key for her striking photograph, A Bug’s Perspective, marking a significant milestone for both the school and the Manchester School District.

Horne’s journey to the national stage began with success at the NH Regional Scholastic Art Awards competition, where she garnered multiple accolades. Her award-winning photograph was also selected by the Currier Museum of Art for inclusion in their esteemed student art exhibition, further cementing her place among New Hampshire’s top young artists.

This achievement is particularly noteworthy as Horne is the first Memorial student to receive a national Scholastic Art Award since 2018. Over the past two decades, fewer than ten students from the district have reached this level of recognition, making her accomplishment even more extraordinary.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have been recognizing creative excellence among young artists and writers since 1923, with past recipients including icons such as Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, and Stephen King. Winning at the national level places Horne among an elite group of emerging artists whose talent and dedication have distinguished them on a highly competitive platform.

Memorial High School and the Manchester community celebrate Olivia Horne’s success, recognizing her as an inspiration for future young artists. Her achievement not only highlights her exceptional skill and vision but also underscores the importance of arts education and creative expression in schools.

Congratulations to Olivia Horne on this well-deserved honor!

At Beech Street Elementary and Community Center, we are incredibly fortunate to have the support of amazing volunteers like Halimo, Jackie, and Mandy. Their dedication and hard work have made a tremendous impact on our school community, especially with their efforts during our popcorn sales. These volunteers are more than just a helping hand—they are vital contributors to creating a thriving, connected environment for our students and families.

Volunteers like Halimo, Jackie, and Mandy not only help with tasks but also strengthen the sense of community within our school. Their commitment to giving time and energy ensures that our programs and events run smoothly, providing students with the resources and experiences they need to succeed. Having volunteers support the school is invaluable—whether it’s through organizing events, assisting with classroom activities, or simply being there to lend a hand when needed, these individuals help foster an environment where everyone feels included and supported.

At Beech Street, we understand that the strength of our school lies in the partnership between staff, families, and the broader community. Volunteers play a key role in this partnership, and it’s their support that helps make our school more than just a place to learn—it becomes a true community, where everyone’s contribution counts. We are so grateful to have dedicated volunteers like Halimo, Jackie, and Mandy, who go above and beyond to support our school and help our students thrive.

This year, I participated and competed in New Hampshire’s FBLA Competition for the second time! It is held in downtown Manchester, NH, on Elm St at the DoubleTree Hotel. Over four hundred students participated this year and came from all around New Hampshire. 

This year, I decided to compete for Broadcast Journalism. In this competition, I had to write up a speech for an emergency that “happened” in my community. It was, of course, not a real emergency; it was completely made up. It had to include certain things, like an interview from someone impacted, and had to be completely live. Lots of research and ideas went into it. I was given three minutes of prep time, 7 minutes to present, and 3 minutes of questions from the judges. 

It was only me and a group of two competing in this competition. I was the last to compete out of the whole conference. As I waited to compete, we had speakers to listen to with great and interactive speeches. I had four hours to prepare before it was my time to compete, so I took that time to practice even more and brainstorm potential questions the judges would ask me. 

When I went to compete, I was a little nervous, but I was determined to at least score the minimum to get second place. In order to get second place, I needed to score 60/100 points, and to get first, I needed to get at least a 90/100. 

I walked into the room, and I had three judges before me. I shook their hands and laid my stuff down with my notecards still in hand. Once the judges gave me the okay to start, I told the story as if I were a news anchor. After I finished, they asked me some simple questions like why I chose what I did, where I want to go after high school, etc. The judges were all wonderful. They really enjoyed my story idea and how I presented it. One of the judges even went to one of the Universities I have applied to in Japan, Ritsumeikan University. And another judge recommended a movie to watch, Black Waters. 

The next day, we were given the results. They called up second place first. It wasn’t me. Then they called up first place, and my hands were trembling with nerves. It was me. I won first place for broadcast journalism. I received a gold medal. 

This is such a big accomplishment for me because I have never received a medal before or even first place. I was so happy, and I am still shocked. Two of my classmates also won medals: Muhannad and Alex. 

My experience at FBLA was amazing. Despite the nerves and long hours of waiting, it was both enjoyable and exciting. I got to meet new people through the networking activities and learned new things from the speakers.

Congratulations to the Manchester School District 16 student athletes from the Class of 2025 who are preparing to compete at the collegiate level next year! 

• Gianna Arzilli – Central – Soccer – Saint Michael’s College
• Eeman Barton – Central – Softball – RPI College
• Collin Beaulieu – Memorial – Football – Springfield College
• Tevin Edmuns – West – Basketball – Colby Sawyer College
• Keshawn Foster – West – Football – Husson University
• Wyatt Fougere – Central – Football – Worcester Polytechnic Institute
• Gavin Harris – Central – Football – Bridgewater State University
• Eshaya Lauder – West – Track & Field – UMass Dartmouth
• Marissa Levesque – Memorial – Clay Target Shooting – Jacksonville University
• Grey McDonald – Memorial – Field Hockey – Colby Sawyer College
• Pierre Mendez – Central – Baseball – Great Bay Community College
• Mohammed Olanrewaju – Memorial – Football – New England College
• Nono Omol – West – Football – Plymouth State University
• Logan Paradis – West – Football – Husson University
• Jaeden Rodriguez – West – Baseball – Great Bay Community College
• Sean Venator – Central – Track & Field – Bridgewater State University
  

A little more about each student athlete: 

Congratulations to Central Student Athlete Gianna Arzilli on her commitment to play Soccer at Saint Michael’s College. 

During her time at Central, Gianna was a Captain and a 4 year varsity starter and MVP.

---

Congratulations to Central Student Athlete Eeman Barton on her commitment to play Softball at RPI College. 

During her time at Central, Eeman was the Varsity Softball Team Captain and D1 Softball All-State Honorable Mention.

---

Congratulations to Memorial Student Athlete Collin Beaulieu on his commitment to play Football at Springfield College. 

During his time at Memorial, Collin was a 3 sport athlete competing in Football, Basketball, and Lacrosse. Collin was a two-time captain for the Football and LAcrosse teams. He earned All-Conference First Team (SR-Football) and All-State Honorable Mention (JR-Lacrosse) honors during his career. 

---

Congratulations to West Student Athlete Tevin Edmuns on his commitment to play Basketball at Colby Sawyer College. 

During his time at West, Tevin was a Captain, First Team All-State and named 3 times to the All-Defensive Team. 

---

Congratulations to West Student Athlete Keshawn Foster on his commitment to play Football at Husson University. 

During his time at West, Keshawn was a 2 time Captain, and a 1st Team All-Conference Player his Senior year, and a 2nd Team All-Conference his junior year. 

---

Congratulations to Central Student Athlete Wyatt Fougere on his commitment to play Football at Worcester Polytech. 

During his time at Central, Wyatt won the Little Green Award and qualified for the meet of champions, New Englands and the New Balance Nations as a member of the 4×200 Relay Team. 

---

Congratulations to Central Student Athlete Gavin Harris on his commitment to play Football at Bridgewater State University.

---

Congratulations to West Student Athlete Eshaya Lauder on her commitment to compete in Track & Field at UMass Dartmouth. 

During her time at West, She was a 4 year member of the Girls’ Soccer and Track & Field teams. She was a 3x Captain of the Girls Track Team, 2x Indoor Long Jump Champion, NH Division 2 Indoor Long Jump Record Holder, West High School Indoor Long Jump Record Holder, 2x Outdoor Long Jump Champion, 4x All-State Track Selection, and a 2x New England High School Indoor Track & Field Championship participant. She also represented West on the National Stage at the New Balance National Indoor and Adidas Indoor Track Nationals.

---

Congratulations to Memorial Student Athlete Marissa Levesque on her commitment to compete in Clay Target Shooting at Jacksonville University. 

During her time at Memorial, Marissa was a Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior year NH All-State Champion and Co-Captain for her club team.

---

Congratulations to Memorial Student Athlete Grey McDonald on her commitment to play Field Hockey at Colby Sawyer College. 

Grey was a multisport athlete competing in Field Hockey, Swimming, and Lacrosse. During her time at Memorial, Grace was 2 time Captain, 2 time All-State Honorable Mention, and All-State Second Team in her Senior year. 

---

Congratulations to Central Student Athlete Pierre Mendez on his commitment to play Baseball at Great Bay Community College. 

During his time at Central, Pierre was a Captain of the Baseball team. 

---

Congratulations to Memorial Student Athlete Mohammed Olanrewaju on his commitment to play Football at New England College.

During his time at Memorial, Mohammed was a 2 sport athlete competing in Football and Track & Field. Mohammed was a Football team Captain his Senior Year. He earned All-Conference Honorable Mention honors his Senior year.

---

Congratulations to West Student Athlete Nono Omol on his commitment to play Football at Plymouth State University. 

During his time at West, Nono was a Captain and received 1st Team All-State Honors. 

---

Congratulations to West Student Athlete Logan Paradis on his commitment to play Football at Husson University.

During his time at West, Logan was a 2-time Captain and a 1st Team All-Conference Player his Senior Year.

---

Congratulations to West Student Athlete Jaeden Rodriguez on his commitment to play Baseball at Great Bay Community College.

During his time at West, Jaeden was a Captain of the Baseball team.

---

Congratulations to Central student-athlete Sean Venator on his commitment to compete in Track & Field at Bridgewater State.

During his time at Central, Sean was a member of the 2024 4×200 Indoor Relay Team that placed 4th at the NHIAA Division 1 Championships and the 2024 Outdoor team that placed 1st in Division 1. He was also a member of the 2025 4×200 Indoor Relay Team, which placed 1st at the NHIAA Division 1 Championships and competed at the New Balance Nationals, placing 38th and setting the New Hampshire All-Time Record. Sean was named All-State for the 2025 Indoor Season. He set the school record in the Triple Jump, placed 6th in the 2025 Indoor Season, and 8th for the 2024 Outdoor season in the Triple Jump. He also placed 6th in the Long Jump and 300M Dash at the NHIAA Division 1 Indoor Championships in 2025.

Over the past several years, Manchester Proud has made significant strides in strengthening our schools, fostering community connections, and creating opportunities for students and families. As we closed out 2024, we celebrated the impact of our efforts—from career-connected learning initiatives and community resource guides to the expansion of the Compass platform and securing alongside Manchester School District a $2.5 million Federal Community Schools Grant. These accomplishments have been made possible through collaboration, dedication, and a shared vision of a stronger, more inclusive Manchester.

However, with all of this progress, we recognize the importance of pausing to reflect and ask: What’s next?

In 2025, Manchester Proud’s Champion’s Council will embark on a strategic planning process to define our focus for the years ahead. This intentional pause will allow us to assess our progress, listen to our community, and align our efforts with the evolving needs of Manchester’s schools and families.

While this strategic planning process unfolds, Manchester Proud remains committed to its core mission: ensuring that every student has access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. Our work in strengthening business partnerships, enhancing communication channels, and expanding career pathways will continue, even as we determine our next steps.

Stay connected with us as we embark on this journey. The best is yet to come! ONWARD!

On March 26th, Manchester West High School hosted its Annual Career Day, bringing together professionals from a wide range of industries to inspire and inform students about potential career paths. Among the diverse lineup of speakers was Manchester Proud’s Communication and Events Director, who shared insights into the dynamic fields of social media and creative work.

Career Day at West High School is a highly anticipated event that connects students with professionals who offer real-world perspectives on different industries. This year’s event featured an impressive list of speakers, including professionals from fields such as law, finance, healthcare, education, technology, and the arts. The goal was to expose students to the wide array of career opportunities available and provide them with practical advice on how to navigate their future paths.

Manchester Proud’s Communication and Events Director spoke to students about the evolving landscape of social media, highlighting how strategic communication plays a crucial role in today’s digital world. She discussed her role in managing digital content, engaging with the community, and supporting Manchester Proud’s mission to enhance education and civic engagement. Her session also emphasized the importance of creativity in problem-solving, branding, and storytelling.

Students had the opportunity to ask questions about careers in communications, the skills required for success in social media management, and how creative work can translate into meaningful professional opportunities. By sharing her experiences and insights, she encouraged students to consider careers that blend creativity with strategic thinking.

Career Day attendees also benefited from a hospitality room where they could network with other professionals, observe additional classroom presentations, and enjoy refreshments. The event’s schedule allowed speakers to interact with students in small groups, fostering meaningful conversations and personal connections.

With professionals from Fidelity Investments, iHeartMedia, the U.S. Army, and numerous other industries, West High School’s Career Day provided students with valuable exposure to various career options. Manchester Proud’s participation underscored its commitment to supporting education and community engagement, ensuring that students have access to resources and inspiration as they explore their future career paths.

Manchester Proud continues to be an advocate for student success, and events like Career Day serve as a reminder of the importance of mentorship and career exploration in shaping the next generation of professionals.

View Manchester Proud’s 2025 Summer Opportunity Portfolio Resource Guide below to explore summer programs, activities, and resources:

Over February break, I was able to spend some of my free time volunteering through a new volunteer app called Project Happy. This app is very efficient and easy to use. The sign-up process is very simple, with just a few clicks of a button, you can sign up for a volunteer session too! Project Happy offers a wide variety of opportunities to choose from. I chose two volunteer opportunities; SEE Science Center and MPAL’s PizzaFest.

On Wednesday I headed over to the SEE Science Center for two hours to help out with running activity stations for the visitors. My station featured making DIY Harmonicas out of popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and straws. Many of the kids visiting that day got to enjoy making these little projects at these stations. I got a chance to help these kids in building this instrument and seeing how happy they were to play music. 

The next day I went over to MPAL where students can connect with police and participate in various activities like cooking and sports. During the time of my Volunteering, MPAL was hosting their Pizza Fest Event. During this event they allow the kids and police officers to fill up a pizza platter with either cheese or a specialty pizza. Once they have tried all the different pizzas given by the handful of pizza places participating in this event, they vote on who’s pizza they liked best. It was my duty, along with my friend Tessa’s, to be stationed at the Domino’s table and hand out slices of pizza. Everyone, from the students and police to the volunteers, was enjoying their time. And after everyone ate their pizza and voted, we were all joined together to be on the news and take a group photo. 

My experience over February break using Project Happy and volunteering for both SEE Science Center and MPAL was amazing. It was both memorable and exciting. I hope to find more fun opportunities in the future as it is a fun and easy way to get volunteer hours!

Learn more about Project Happy from the Manchester School District here

Gabby McNulty, a Behavioral Health Counselor at Beech Street Elementary School through is making waves in both the mental health and dance communities. Growing up as a dancer, Gabby recognized the toll that the art form can take on mental well-being. This realization led her to create Exhale, a dance conference focused on mental wellness. Now in its fourth year, Exhale has expanded beyond dance to support broader mental health initiatives, helping both dancers and families in need.

Gabby is deeply concerned about the state of pediatric mental health, particularly the staggering three- to eight-month-long waitlists for children to see a therapist. Recognizing the alarming lack of resources, she is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and providing support to struggling dancers and families. Her fundraising efforts have been impressive. She has raised over $25,000 to date to support pediatric mental health services.

In her work at Beech Street Elementary, Gabby noticed that many children lacked the experience of playing board games with their families, possibly due to financial barriers. Inspired by this, she launched an initiative to collect board games for a family engagement night. Through community support and an Amazon wishlist, Gabby and her team collected 90 board games, ensuring that every family who attended the event in February left with one. The initiative, which began in November, was a resounding success. Beech Street’s Guidance Counselor, Kerry Crow, shared that students were thrilled to open their games immediately, reinforcing the power of simple activities in strengthening family bonds.

Gabby is currently planning 10 events along the East Coast under the Exhale umbrella, ranging from self-love classes to yoga sessions and dance conferences. She is passionate about expanding these initiatives to provide more resources, not only for dancers but also for families and children in need. Exhale’s mission remains clear: “We promote kids first, dancer second.”

Beyond large-scale events, Gabby’s daily work at Beech Street focuses on equipping students with the tools they need to manage their emotions. She teaches them techniques like deep breathing and effective communication, ensuring they understand that emotional responses are normal. “We aren’t robots—it’s okay to react,” Gabby says. “At Beech, we teach them to use their toolbox.”

Gabby also emphasizes the importance of guiding parents in navigating their children’s mental health challenges. “What do parents do when their child has a mental health issue?” she asks. “We want to help them know their options.” Her commitment to providing families with resources and support is evident in all aspects of her work.With her ongoing efforts, Gabby McNulty continues to make a lasting impact, one that bridges the gap between mental health advocacy, dance, and family engagement. Whether through Exhale, her work at Beech Street, or her larger community projects, Gabby is dedicated to ensuring that children and families have the resources they need to thrive.

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!