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This month, all four Manchester high schools came together in a powerful show of unity and compassion through Challenge Day workshops. The event invited both teens and adults to take a deep dive into the ways we separate ourselves from one another and to begin the real work of fostering connection and building community.

Challenge Day is more than just a school event; it’s an emotional and transformative experience that encourages authenticity, vulnerability, and growth. Over the course of each session, students explored the impacts of judgment, isolation, and bias, and learned tools to connect across those divides. Many youth emerged from the day voicing a strong commitment to “be the change they wish to see in the world,” pledging to bring that mindset into their daily lives and encouraging their peers to do the same.

Among the participants was Manchester School of Technology and Manchester Proud intern, Kaydence Jones, who had the opportunity to document the event at Memorial High School. Reflecting on the experience, she shared:

“Last week, I had the opportunity to take some photos of the Challenge Day event that took place at Memorial High School for Manchester School of Technology students. A large group of students participated in Challenge Day, consisting of sophomores and juniors. There were also a handful of teachers and support services there for the students and joining. Challenge Day is a great program for students to increase their self-esteem and build a kinder environment for themselves and those around them. The two peers that hosted the event were very engaging with the students and had a handful of activities for the students and teachers participating to do. From a spectator’s perspective, I believe that the students learned a lot and became more connected after that day. They became more open and understanding of others.”

Kaydence’s words reflect what so many witnessed across Manchester’s high schools this week: a collective effort to strengthen the social and emotional well-being of our students and create school environments where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.

As Challenge Day concludes, its lessons remain. Through courageous conversations, shared experiences, and honest reflection, Manchester’s youth are building the kind of community they want to live in, one based on empathy, respect, and connection.

Last month, Gossler Park Elementary School put out a call for help and our incredible community answered with heart, enthusiasm, and overwhelming generosity.

Gossler Park teachers reached out, rallying their friends, neighbors, and families to support a special need at the school. What happened next was nothing short of inspiring. The response exceeded all expectations. From donations to time, energy, and encouragement, the outpouring of support reflected the best of what it means to come together as a community.

Thanks to this effort, Gossler Gator families are feeling the love and support in a big way. The impact of this collective kindness will be felt in our classrooms and hallways for months to come.

Gossler Elementary School is deeply grateful to everyone who stepped up, whether you donated, spread the word, or offered your time. Your support helps us continue to create a nurturing, empowering environment for our students.

At Central High School, students are finding more than just academic support, they’re discovering confidence, dignity, and a sense of belonging through Catie’s Closet. This essential resource provides students with access to clothing and hygiene products, helping remove barriers that might otherwise hinder their ability to focus on school.

The school’s Catie’s Closet, managed by Central High School social worker Amy Pellegrini, is a lifeline for many students. Pellegrini receives donations that are then passed to Catie’s Closet to ensure they are properly sorted and distributed to students who need them most. “Students access resources with dignity,” Pellegrini says, highlighting the importance of providing not just necessities but also choices that respect students’ personal style and preferences.

Each day, the closet serves between two to ten students, with higher demand on Fridays when it remains open after school from 3-3:30PM. Many students are repeat visitors, relying on Catie’s Closet for everything from daily wear to emergency wardrobe changes during the school day. Winter months typically see an increase in usage as students seek warm clothing to get through the season.

The impact of access to clothing goes beyond just having something to wear. It influences students’ confidence, classroom engagement, and even school attendance. “We want students to be proud of their clothes and to feel confident,” says Amanda Harvey from Catie’s Closet. Students who are comfortable in their clothing can focus better in class, participate in extracurricular activities, and even attend job interviews with self-assurance.

The most in-demand items include natural hair care products, deodorants, sweatshirts, leggings, and sweatpants. “After COVID, childhood obesity has increased, so we need a large variety of sizes,” Harvey adds, underscoring the importance of meeting diverse needs.

Before Catie’s Closet, students in need had to sift through bins of donated clothing not sorted by size or style from a very small closet or Pellegrini’s office. “Now, when students walk into Catie’s Closet, their faces light up,” she says. The transformation has made the experience more dignified and empowering.

Keisy, a sophomore at Central and a Key Club volunteer, describes the space as feeling like a store. “We organize and sort the items out so it looks presentable. It is like a shop! It boosts the confidence of students who are able to shop.” The Key Club plays an active role in maintaining the closet, ensuring it remains a welcoming and functional space.

For some students, Catie’s Closet is the reason they can attend school at all. “There are students who wouldn’t be here if they didn’t have access to clean clothing,” Pellegrini explains. From student-athletes needing proper attire for tryouts to students returning from medical leave in need of new sizes, the closet helps ensure that clothing challenges do not become obstacles to education.

Having access to these basic needs can even impact students’ work schedules. “Some students work long hours, and their grades slip. Having access to hygiene products and clothes allows them to cut back their hours a little,” Pellegrini says. She emphasizes that the closet is more than just a resource, it’s a connection point between students and their school community.

The benefits of Catie’s Closet extend beyond Central High School’s walls. “When you impact the younger generation in a positive direction, they are able to be contributing citizens to the community,” Pellegrini says. Addressing basic needs can prevent generational cycles of poverty and struggle, providing students with a better foundation for success.

With demand constantly high, donations are crucial to keeping the closet stocked. “Things are out of the distribution center as fast as they come in,” Harvey notes. Catie’s Closet operates three Distribution Centers that serve 100,000 children in 140 schools across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Those looking to support Catie’s Closet can contribute financially or donate items through their Amazon wishlist.

“Community support and our partnerships with generous individuals, companies, and foundations are vital to our ability to say ‘yes’ to more children who rely on us for support,” says Mickey Cockrell, CEO and co-founder of Catie’s Closet. “We are honored to be a part of the Manchester community, serving over 5,000 children in five schools.”

Catie’s Closet at Central High School was made possible through the generous support of Elliot Health System, whose funding helped establish this vital resource for students. Thanks to their continued commitment to student well-being, Elliot Health System is now helping expand access even further with a new Catie’s Closet coming to Beech Street Elementary School, slated to open in late spring.

“The staff at The Elliot are honored to support the important impact Catie’s Closet has on student’s well-being, school experience and enhanced confidence as they learn and grow,” says Kelli Rafferty of Elliot Health System. “We are proud to partner with the Manchester School District, Manchester Proud, and Catie’s Closet to serve the needs of students in our community.”

This new location will provide younger students with access to essential clothing and hygiene items, helping remove barriers to learning and ensuring all children can come to school feeling confident and cared for. As with Central, the goal is to create a welcoming space where students can access what they need with dignity and pride, empowering them to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Students at Manchester Central can access Catie’s Closet by reaching out to Pellegrini directly or through referrals from teachers, counselors, multilingual liaisons, or other school professionals. Parents can also reach out for assistance.

To support this vital program, consider making a financial contribution or donating items through Catie’s Closet’s Amazon wishlist. Your generosity ensures that students not only have what they need but also the dignity and confidence to thrive in school and beyond.

Donate here: https://www.catiescloset.org/donate/ 

Amazon link for Catie’s Closet: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1UAHRU79C5FEY?ref_=wl_share

Beech Street Elementary was buzzing with school spirit as students and faculty faced off in a thrilling basketball game. In a showdown filled with excitement, laughter, and friendly competition, the faculty ultimately claimed victory—but not without a fierce fight from the students!

From the opening tip-off to the final buzzer, the students gave it their all, showcasing their skills, teamwork, and determination. The crowd, made up of enthusiastic classmates and teachers, cheered them on every step of the way.

Adding to the fun, Bob the Bobcat, Beech Street’s beloved mascot, made a special appearance, bringing extra energy to the event. The Beech Cheerleaders also took center stage, delivering a spirited performance!

Though the faculty took home the win this time, the true victory was in the camaraderie and joy shared by all. Beech Street Elementary continues to foster a strong sense of community, proving once again that school spirit is alive and well!

Press Release

On April 3, 2025, Gossler Park Elementary School of the Manchester School District (MSD) hosted a Virtual Field Trip Family Night with edtech partner Discovery Education. 

Created as part of the Community Schools program and in partnership with Manchester Proud, Manchester School District’s 21^st Century Afterschool program, the NH Statewide Family Engagement Center, and Discovery Education, the Virtual Field Trip Family Night was a free event for K-12 students and their families. Over 22 families attended the Field Trips after enjoying a meal donated by Shorty’s in Hooksett, Red Robin’s in Manchester, and Don Quijote in Manchester.  

Attendees enjoyed food donated by local businesses while watching engaging virtual field trips (VFTs) from Discovery Education. Students voted on what VFTs to watch, and selected resources created with Polar Bears International and the LEGO Group’s program, Build the Change. Accompanying hands-on activities available in multiple languages encouraged play and problem-solving. 

If you’d like to learn more or secure an interview with a leader from MSD, Manchester Proud, or Discovery Education, please contact Grace Maliska. 

CONTACT: Grace Maliska | Discovery Education | gmaliska@discoveryed.com  

Lauren Boisvert | Manchester Proud| lauren@manchesterproud.org 

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About Manchester School District 
It is the mission of the Manchester School District, in partnership with the community, to inspire and empower all learners with the knowledge, skills, and experiences essential for them to reach their greatest potential. 

About Manchester Proud 

At Manchester Proud, our core mission is to cultivate a deep and lasting bond between the Manchester School District and its community, with a steadfast focus on elevating student achievement and transforming public education into an exceptional experience. We are unwavering in our commitment to nurturing excellent public schools that cater to the needs of all Manchester students, both now and in the future. Our goal is to open doors to success, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling, healthy, and productive life. 

 
About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, K-12, digital solutions support learning wherever it takes place. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and strategic alliances, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences that engage all students and support higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com. 

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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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 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!