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Back in August, Smyth Road Elementary School received a bright and uplifting transformation thanks to the efforts of 50 dedicated volunteers from Fidelity, working in partnership with Boston Cares. Over the course of two days, the team rolled up their sleeves to refresh the school, bringing new energy and vibrancy to the space for students and staff.

Boston Cares provided the materials and expertise to guide the project, while Fidelity volunteers contributed enthusiasm, teamwork, and hard work. School leadership also played a vital role in welcoming and supporting the collaboration, making this a true community effort.

At Manchester Proud, we believe in the power of partnerships and connections — it’s our superpower. Projects like this remind us of what’s possible when organizations, volunteers, and schools come together with a shared goal: creating welcoming, inspiring environments where students can thrive.

The refreshed Smyth Road Elementary stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when our community works side by side for the success of Manchester’s children.

After distributing 550 backpacks at CelebratED and delivering over 1,000 more to district schools, the Gear Up for School team saw there was still a need at the Manchester School District Welcome Center.

This morning, they proudly delivered 250 additional backpacks, ensuring more students can start the year feeling confident and ready. Thanks to a new connection with Cradles to Crayons, even more school supplies will be available to families.

As Gear Up for School Lead Seneca Eldredge shared: “We are thrilled to partner with Manchester Proud and the Manchester School District and leverage our connections to meet local community needs.”

Together, we’re making sure every student has what they need to thrive. 

CelebratED 2025: A Party with a Purpose

Change is good—and this year, the Manchester community showed just how ready it was to embrace it. CelebratED 2025 transformed Victory Park into a joyful, bustling hub of connection, support, and celebration.

Music filled the air as more than 80 community partners came together to cheer on our students and families. Nearly 20 hairstylists volunteered their time and talent, giving 118 students fresh haircuts so they could head back to school with confidence. In just 90 minutes, 550 backpacks were distributed—so many that we ran out as families eagerly lined up. Students had the chance to tour a school bus, explore STEM learning, and choose from 659 books distributed by the Bookmobile. They also climbed aboard fire trucks, visited the Dental Van for resources, and connected with even more hands-on experiences throughout the park.

CelebratED has always been more than fun—it’s been about celebrating our students and community. This year, we did that and more. Families left not only with supplies, haircuts, and books, but also with the sense of being supported by a community that believes in them.

All of this—and so much more—took place in just three short hours on a warm Thursday evening. Victory Park was filled with families, laughter, and a powerful sense of pride.

CelebratED 2025 was truly a party with a purpose—helping students feel ready, excited, and equipped to start the new school year. The pictures tell the story best, but for those who were there, the feeling was unmistakable: there was magic in the air.

Bringing the Joy, Together

Last month, I shared that Manchester Proud had begun our strategic planning process—an opportunity to reflect, listen deeply, and imagine the future of our work together. That work continues, and already we’re hearing one message loud and clear: our community is ready to show up for our students.

You can feel it in the energy building around CelebratED. With over 60 community partners, hairstylists offering free back-to-school cuts, clothing and backpack distribution, and generous sponsorships—it’s clear Manchester is not just ready, but eager to welcome our students back with pride, care, and celebration. In a time when education is too often under threat, our city is choosing to lift up joy, connection, and collective action.

We’re seeing that same spirit come to life through the Manchester Community Schools initiative. This summer marks the first full season of programming at Beech Street and Gossler Park, and the momentum is real. From food pantries and clothing closets to hands-on STEM learning and family engagement nights, these schools are becoming hubs of support and opportunity—and it’s all made possible by listening to families and building strong partnerships.

I had the privilege last week of sharing this work at a regional conference, highlighting how we’ve built something uniquely Manchester: grounded in local voices, shaped by collaboration, and driven by a deep belief in what’s possible. That’s what Manchester Proud does—we communicate, collaborate, and convene to make our community stronger.

As we look to the year ahead, I can feel the excitement rising—not just for a new school year, but for a renewed sense of purpose. Manchester Proud is here, and we are listening. We want to hear your hopes for the future, your ideas for where we go next, and your vision for what our young people deserve.

We are proud of our work, proud of our community, and above all, proud of our youth.

Here’s to a joyful and hopeful August.

Aimee Kereage
Executive Director, Manchester Proud

Today marked an important milestone for Manchester Proud—we took the first step in our strategic planning process, charting a course for the future of our work and our community. It was energizing to reflect on how far we’ve come since a group of committed volunteers first came together in 2017 with a bold vision for Manchester’s public schools. Together, we’ve built something meaningful, and now we ask ourselves: What’s next? Where does the community see us going from here?

We’re having these conversations at a time of real uncertainty. Across the country, public education is under threat—from reduced school funding to the potential elimination of critical supports like the Federal Community Schools Grant. These challenges demand that we stay focused on what matters most: our commitment to young people and to creating opportunities for every student to learn, grow, and thrive.

As I write this on what may be the hottest day of the year, I’m filled with hope. School just ended last week, and already we’re planning for the fall and looking ahead to our Welcome Back Manchester Celebration—an event that reminds every student and family that they are seen, valued, and part of something bigger. Over the past few weeks, we’ve watched students excel—winning awards, graduating with joy, and celebrating with their communities. That joy is powerful. It’s the foundation of a thriving community, because when our kids thrive, our city thrives.

Let’s choose to bring the joy. Let’s tune out the noise and lean into what we know matters most: our kids, our future. They deserve a community that’s united, focused, and ready to help them soar.

With gratitude,
Aimee Kereage
Executive Director, Manchester Proud

This week, Manchester is proud to celebrate the graduation of three remarkable leaders who have completed the Leadership Greater Manchester (LGM) program, an initiative of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. The Class of 2025 included professionals from across sectors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership potential and a deep commitment to the future of our community.

Among this year’s graduates were three dedicated leaders connected to Manchester’s public education and community engagement efforts:

⭐ Aimee Kereage, Executive Director

⭐ Charlene Kurtz, Assistant Principal at Smyth Road Elementary School

⭐ Kelly Espinola, Assistant Superintendent of Schools at Manchester School District

Leadership Greater Manchester is designed to recognize and develop existing leadership talents while fostering collaboration and civic engagement across a broad range of industries and institutions. The year-long program provides participants with in-depth insight into the issues and opportunities facing Greater Manchester, encouraging innovative thinking and community-driven solutions. 💡

The graduation of Aimee, Charlene, and Kelly marks a significant achievement, and we are thrilled to celebrate their commitment to growth, equity, and community impact. Their participation in this prestigious program reflects the values of partnership, service, and leadership that guide our work every day.

Congratulations to the entire Class of 2025! Manchester is a stronger, more connected city because of leaders like you.

Manchester Proud, an organization working to champion student success within the Manchester School District through community engagement and community partnerships, presented its 2025 Student Volunteer Awards at the Manchester School District Welcome center in partnership with Mayor Jay Ruais and Project Happy. The 4th annual awards were presented to seven high school students. The award, which includes a $500 or $125 prize, was created to recognize Manchester School District students who show exceptional commitment to volunteerism.

The award winners for 2025, are:

• Lauren Halle, Junior, Central High School
• Thomas Martineau, Senior, Central High School
• Norto Noor, Senior, Central High School
• Jenny Van, Senior, Memorial High School
• Jonathan Reyes Santos, Senior, MST
• Yousif Al Kahani, Senior, West High School
• Andy Pham, Senior, West High School
• Jonathan Reyes Santos, Senior, MST

The recipients were selected from all those who applied for the award and received endorsement from a community member. On behalf of the Manchester Proud Council, We are proud of all the applicants, especially the award winners, who stood out in ways we didn’t realize was possible!

All students who attend Manchester public high schools are eligible to apply.  Every submission requires an application filled out by the student in which they outline their volunteer experiences and respond to several questions, along with a recommendation from an adult who can vouch for their service.  Grades were not a consideration in the judging. We look forward to seeing next year’s applications.

Our winners impacted the community in many ways and here is a representation of organizations they have collaborated with:

Team  131 Chaos, Katie’s Closet, Boy Scouts of America, Threads of Hope, Student Advocacy Group, Brookside Church, CMC, Alzheimer’s Research, Key Club, CelebratED, M-Power Advisory Board, Youth Council, Peer Tutoring, LGBTQIA+, National Art Society, Hillside band, and the Manchester Community Library.

We will leave you with this quote and hope you’re inspired to volunteer in a community that has meaning to you.

“Volunteering didn’t just teach me to lead-it taught me to see people: to meet silence with presence, pain with patience, and judgment with understanding. These moments changed me, and they continue to shape who I want to become.”  -Student Volunteer Award Winner

In middle school, I began to dream about living in Japan, and just three years later, I took the first step by flying to Tokyo to explore this dream. To make this trip come true, I spent a whole year working long hours at McDonald’s in Manchester, saving all my money, and spending every free moment researching and planning for this trip. In July 2023, I finally indulged my dream and traveled to the Land of the Rising Sun. It was amazing, everything that I had dreamed of! This trip has shaped me in many ways by exposing me to the culture and setting me in the right direction towards my future as a global citizen. Now, two years later, I am on the verge of stepping on that soil again, but this time I plan to do so for the next four years as I continue my education there at Temple University of Japan in Kyoto. 

It has finally come to the point in time where I walk down the stage with my gown and cap, standing with my friends and family, whom I cherish so much. The weeks leading up to that moment are making me realize just how close we are to getting our diplomas and going our separate ways. My high school years are something I would not exchange for anything. There were some tough times, but there were far more memories that I got to laugh and enjoy my youth. I have grown so much and experienced so many trials and tribulations, but also success and progress. So many moments that I don’t even know where to begin to reflect.  

When I was just a freshman, it was difficult coming back into a brick building to sit with your classmates again after being cooped up in the house for almost two years because of the pandemic. However, that changed relatively soon because I made friends with the most wonderful and intelligent person I have ever met, my best friend, Marion-maria Haff. Our friendship started from a simple project in our Algebra class, and it took only hours, maybe even seconds, for us to click. Now, almost four years later, we are probably the closest friends in our school. We are practically the same person and inseparable at any moment. I will always be grateful to her and hope that we never grow apart. 

I have become friends with my other amazing friends: Rose Cote, Tessa Mims, Jonathan Reyes Santos, and Aiden Ahern. Marion and I grew to know them about a year later, after we became friends, and it didn’t take long for all six of us to become one giant group of friends. Every single one of my friends is one of the greatest people I have ever met, and I am very grateful for every single one of them. On top of my incredible friends, I have had the most supportive and astonishing peers, and I thank every single one of them, because even if they may not realize it, they have helped me grow to the person I am today. Thank you, Mrs. Stephen, for seeing my potential and always looking out for opportunities I could do and grow from. Thank yo,u Mrs Tetu, for giving me great advice, advising me through the college process. Thank you, Mrs. McGowan, Mr. Bowe, and Ms. Passamonte for being incredible teachers, making me and my friends laugh. Thank you, Dr. Egan, for giving me the opportunity to complete both my Algebra 1 and geometry credits in one year. Thank you, Mrs. McCall, for the long class convos. Thank you, Mrs. McGee, for believing in me and pushing me to my full potential. Thank you, Mr. Garcia, for always looking to read Marion and I’s book, which we are still working on. Thank you, Mr. Colburn, for seeing the creativity in me and always looking for a new project I could do.Thank you, Mr. Puglisi, for making the Martial Arts Club and being very silly all the time. Thank you, Lauren, Aimee, and the entirety of Manchester Proud for giving me the chance to become a part of your organization, representing our Community as your intern. And thank you, Manchester School of Technology, it was the best decision I made to choose this high school over the others. 

I am proud to be a part of the class of 2025, and I hope that everyone graduating this year and the years to come gets to make their dreams come true, whether it be to attend the college of their choice or take a year off. The great part of our generation is that we are strong, and I hope that our future can make a difference in our world. ONWARD!

After two years of Mrs. McGee’s Business CTE at Manchester School of Technology, I was invited to attend their yearly Recognition Night alongside my friends who studied different CTEs. I was awarded two cords and a scholarship. I received the gold chord for having straight A’s throughout both years and the National Technical Honors Society chord as I participated in that and have been the last two years. Many students gathered there that day were also recognized for things like LNA completers, Fire Science, and the Excelsiors.

It was a great day for us students to celebrate our success. Numerous other scholarships were awarded that day, including the Brown Family CTE Scholarship, the MST Cosmetology Tool Award, the Rotary International Manchester Club, the Nick Bickford Scholarship, and Wire Belt. My amazing teacher, Mrs. McGee, nominated me as one of the two winners for the Bryan Halley Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is in honor of the former Business teacher of Manchester School of Technology, Bryan Halley.

Overall, it was a great day of celebration. Congratulations to my peers and the MST Class of 2025!

In a heartwarming celebration of service, Project Happy and Manchester Proud came together to honor the incredible impact of youth volunteerism across the Queen City. The event marked a milestone moment for the community, recognizing the efforts of students, schools, and organizations working hand-in-hand to make Manchester a stronger, more connected city.

At the center of the celebration was the launch of Project Happy’s Youth Volunteer Movement, which in just a few short months has rallied students to contribute over 1,300 hours of volunteer service. This remarkable achievement included representation from all Manchester high schools, reflecting a city-wide spirit of giving back.

Among the highlights of the event were the stories of three grand prize-winning students who, through their dedication to service, earned the opportunity to meet NBA star and Manchester native Duncan Robinson. Their excitement and pride were shared by families, peers, and community leaders alike.

In addition to these standout moments, twenty students were recognized as Student Leadership Ambassadors, having demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership through their volunteer efforts.

Manchester Proud was also proud to honor student volunteers through its Student Volunteer Award, offering $500 awards to three students in the Manchester School District — two from West High School and one from Manchester School of Technology (MST). These awards recognize students not only for the hours they put in but for the heart and leadership they bring to every effort.

Project Happy presented, End-of-the-Year Awards honors to four standout student volunteers across the school district for their unwavering dedication to community service.

Together, these recognitions show what’s possible when schools and community organizations collaborate to empower youth. The event served as a reminder of the potential and passion within Manchester’s student body and the importance of investing in opportunities for them to lead, serve, and shine.

This gathering was more than a celebration — it was a demonstration of the power of partnership. By connecting students with local organizations and community initiatives, Project Happy and Manchester Proud are building a stronger, more engaged future for all of Manchester.

A new Catie’s Closet has officially opened its doors at Beech Street Elementary School, thanks to the incredible generosity of Elliot Hospital Systems. Mayor Jay Ruais, Executive Councilor John Stephens, Superintendent, Jennifer Chmiel, and members of the Manchester Board of School Committee joined students, staff, and community partners to celebrate the launch of this important resource.

About Catie’s Closet:
Catie’s Closet is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting low-income children through two essential programs:

• The In-School Closet Program establishes free “stores” within schools, ensuring that students can easily access clothing, toiletries, and other necessities on demand. This breaks down barriers to attendance and academic success.
  
• The SOS Urgent Response Program provides immediate support for children experiencing crises, such as homelessness, foster care transitions, fires, or other emergencies, ensuring that every child has what they need to continue learning and thriving.

With the opening of the closet at Beech Street Elementary, students now have access to critical resources that can make all the difference in their day-to-day lives which .

We’re grateful for the commitment of Elliot Hospital Systems, our community leaders, and all who are working together to help our children thrive.

You can read an earlier Proud Moment from Manchester Proud, highlighting Catie’s Closet at Central High School here: Proud Moment: Catie’s Closet at Central High School.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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