Author: Lauren Boisvert

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. 

Today, Service Credit Union demonstrated the true spirit of community by donating 800 coats to the Manchester School District, ensuring that students in need will stay warm this winter. This generous act of kindness highlights the power of partnership and collaboration in supporting the well-being of our community’s children.

The effort was spearheaded by Joyce Lewis, the Director of Comprehensive School Counseling for the district. Lewis gathered the specific coat needs from each school, ensuring the donations would make the greatest impact. The coats arrived today, ready to be sorted and distributed—and that’s where the village stepped in.

Our Director of Community Partnerships and Engagement quickly mobilized a group of dedicated partners to sort the coats for easy distribution. Volunteers from the NH Statewide Family Engagement Center, Manchester Community Schools Facilitators, New England College Facilities Staff, The Granite YMCA, and Manchester School District’s Family Welcome Center administrators worked together to organize the donation by school, streamlining the process for schools to collect their share.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Service Credit Union for their remarkable generosity and to all the community partners who stepped up to make this distribution seamless. This effort reminds us all that when a community comes together, incredible things happen.

With winter around the corner, these coats will do more than provide warmth—they’ll be a testament to the strength and compassion of Manchester’s village. Thank you to everyone who played a role in making this possible!

As the year comes to a close, we reflect on the remarkable progress we’ve made in 2024. Guided by the goals set forth by our Champion’s Council during strategic planning, we’ve tackled challenges head-on and achieved meaningful milestones for our community.

This year’s accomplishments wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our partners, supporters, and community members. Your commitment to our shared vision has helped us make Manchester stronger, more inclusive, and full of opportunity for our community.

To see the specific ways we’ve made an impact, check out our December Impact Newsletter, now available online. It highlights the achievements and initiatives that defined our year, offering a closer look at how we’re driving change.

Together, we are laying the groundwork for an even brighter future. As we look toward 2025, we are excited to carry forward this momentum and continue working side by side with all of you to create lasting impact.

Thank you for being an essential part of this journey. Here’s to another year of progress, collaboration, and growth for Manchester!

ONWARD!

Central High School Graduate, Katherine Dubois is making waves in the national baking scene as a quarterfinalist in The Greatest Baker, a competition presented by celebrity chef Buddy Valastro. Out of 47,000 bakers who entered, Katherine has risen to the top 1%, a testament to her talent and passion for pastry. The competition’s semifinals hinge on public votes, and Katherine is counting on support from her community to secure her spot. Voting is open until December 19 at 10 PM EST, with one free vote per person daily at greatestbaker.com/2024/katherine-dubois.

Currently, Katherine is refining her skills at the renowned Le Cordon Bleu in Bangkok, Thailand, where she is set to graduate this month. Her pastry journey began last year at Le Cordon Bleu Paris. “Baking brings me joy, and I love sharing it with friends, family, and at special events,” she says. Over the summer, Katherine brought her expertise back home, leading a cooking workshop for multilingual students at Manchester’s Newcomer Academy, demonstrating her dedication to both her craft and her community.

A proud Manchester native, Katherine is a graduate of Webster Elementary, Hillside Middle, and Central High. Her family is deeply rooted in the city as well: her mother teaches at Parkside Middle School, and her sister coordinates the 21st Century program at Weston Elementary.

For a glimpse of Katherine’s artistry, visit her Instagram, @minou_bisou_, where she showcases her pastry creations, from intricate tarts to elegant éclairs.

Join Katherine in her journey and help put Manchester on the map by casting your vote. Let’s rally behind one of our own as she takes her talents to the national stage!

This holiday season, Member’s First Credit Union has once again demonstrated its commitment to the community by hosting a food drive and a hats-and-mittens drive to benefit the Manchester School District. Recognizing the challenges faced by many local families, the Credit Union called upon its members and staff to come together and collect items to support students and their families during the winter months.

Through this initiative, the Credit Union gathered an impressive array of non-perishable food items, as well as cozy hats and mittens, ensuring that Manchester students can stay warm and nourished throughout the season. The collected donations will directly aid families in need within the district, providing essential support during a time when many face increased hardships.

By rallying the support of its members and employees, Member’s First Credit Union has not only made a significant impact but also set an inspiring example of how local businesses can play an active role in building stronger, more resilient communities.

Thank you, Member’s First Credit Union, for your dedication to making Manchester a better place for all!

If you or your business is interested in getting involved in this initiative, please reach out to aimeek@manchesterproud.org

Throughout the month of November, Fidelity Investments rallied their associates at the Merrimack, NH location for a heartwarming initiative: a food drive aimed at supporting local families in need. The response was overwhelmingly positive, showcasing the spirit of generosity and community that defines the organization.

Last week, the collected donations were delivered to Beech Street Elementary School, where Loren Robidas, the school’s Community School Facilitator, graciously received them. The contributions will go a long way in supporting students and their families during the holiday season, a time when community care matters most.

This act of kindness reflects the ongoing commitment of Fidelity Investments to give back to the communities where they live and work. On behalf of Beech Street Elementary and the families who will benefit from this thoughtful initiative, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Fidelity Investments and their associates for their generosity. Together, acts like these build stronger, more connected communities. Thank you, Fidelity!

If you or your business is interested in getting involved in this initiative, please reach out to aimeek@manchesterproud.org

The holiday season is a time of giving, and Sam’s Club has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the Manchester community. (Read the previous Proud Moment on Sam’s Club here) This week, the retail giant donated 70 turkeys to the Manchester School District, continuing its ongoing generosity.

The donation was received at Gossler Park Elementary School by Angela Leach, the school’s Community Schools Facilitator, who expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the district. These turkeys will make a meaningful impact for many families, ensuring a warm and nourishing holiday meal during this season of celebration.

Sam’s Club’s dedication to the Manchester community is an inspiring reminder of the power of partnerships. This donation follows another recent contribution, further solidifying their role as a valued community partner.

A huge thank you to Sam’s Club for stepping up to make the holidays brighter for Manchester families! Your continued support brings hope and joy to our community.

If you or your business is interested in getting involved in this initiative, please reach out to aimeek@manchesterproud.org

This week, the Access Academy Fall Showcase highlighted the remarkable achievements of Manchester high school students enrolled in this innovative after-school program. Since its inception in 2010, Access Academy has empowered students to grow as lifelong learners, explore future pathways, and thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

Access Academy serves high school students from underrepresented groups, including English language learners, first-generation college hopefuls, and those facing economic or housing instability. By offering college-level courses taught by college students with support from professors, Meelia Center staff, and community partners, the program fosters mentorship and skills development. Students also earn Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) credits, advancing them toward high school graduation.

This supportive framework creates opportunities for students like Mia-Rose Taylor, a Central High School senior and this year’s student speaker. Introduced to the program by her English teacher, Mr. Howe, Mia-Rose expressed her gratitude for Access Academy’s meaningful experiences.

“I’m really glad I chose to sign up this semester. I can tell the students and staff alike care about this program,” Mia-Rose said. She plans to pursue a career in policy or law, inspired by the program’s encouragement of intellectual curiosity and self-discovery. She left the audience with a call to action: “No matter your age, be curious and have an open mind.”

A student panel featuring Jon, Gigi, Ella, Oj, and Jeremiah offered insights into how Access Academy has shaped their futures. For Oj, a sophomore at Memorial High School, the program marked a turning point. “I’ve never been the type to think about my future seriously, but because of Access Academy, I have,” Oj shared.

Students spoke passionately about their favorite experiences, from dissecting a squid in marine biology to forming new friendships. Jeremiah, a freshman at Memorial High School, highlighted the practical applications of the program, saying, “My class helped with my business class at Memorial.” He also couldn’t resist praising the pizza.

The panelists emphasized the program’s supportive environment, with Gigi, a sophomore at Manchester School of Technology, noting, “There is a lot of support from instructors,” eliminating the need for extra hours outside of Access Academy.

Under the guidance of Director Liz Kirwan, a former ELL teacher at West High School and past chair of the Manchester Proud board, Access Academy continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact. Kirwan underscored the program’s role in providing “supplemental experiences” that align with Manchester School District’s goals and enhance student learning.

As the evening concluded, the Showcase served as a testament to Access Academy’s mission: to equip students with the tools and confidence to succeed in their academic and career pursuits. From fostering college readiness to nurturing lifelong friendships, the program is changing lives.

Access Academy exemplifies what’s possible when students are given the resources, mentorship, and encouragement to dream big and take ownership of their futures.