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Guided watercolor and polymer clay workshop with renowned local artists. Sign up today to reserve your spot. Ticket price includes materials per child.

If your child does not have a dentist OR private dental insurance (we accept Medicaid) and you would like them to be seen for dental care on the dental van at your school, please ask for a permission form from the main office. You can also visit our website for permission forms and a full schedule of school visits.

**We will be providing treatment at ALL public schools in Manchester throughout the school year. We ask that you plan on your child receiving care at their school. In the case of a dental emergency please call 603-624-6466 to make other arrangements.

https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Health/Services/Dental-Health

If your child does not have a dentist OR private dental insurance (we accept Medicaid) and you would like them to be seen for dental care on the dental van at your school, please ask for a permission form from the main office. You can also visit our website for permission forms and a full schedule of school visits.

**We will be providing treatment at ALL public schools in Manchester throughout the school year. We ask that you plan on your child receiving care at their school. In the case of a dental emergency please call 603-624-6466 to make other arrangements.

https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Health/Services/Dental-Health

If your child does not have a dentist OR private dental insurance (we accept Medicaid) and you would like them to be seen for dental care on the dental van at your school, please ask for a permission form from the main office. You can also visit our website for permission forms and a full schedule of school visits.

**We will be providing treatment at ALL public schools in Manchester throughout the school year. We ask that you plan on your child receiving care at their school. In the case of a dental emergency please call 603-624-6466 to make other arrangements.

https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Health/Services/Dental-Health

If your child does not have a dentist OR private dental insurance (we accept Medicaid) and you would like them to be seen for dental care on the dental van at your school, please ask for a permission form from the main office. You can also visit our website for permission forms and a full schedule of school visits.

**We will be providing treatment at ALL public schools in Manchester throughout the school year. We ask that you plan on your child receiving care at their school. In the case of a dental emergency please call 603-624-6466 to make other arrangements.

https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Health/Services/Dental-Health

If your child does not have a dentist OR private dental insurance (we accept Medicaid) and you would like them to be seen for dental care on the dental van at your school, please ask for a permission form from the main office. You can also visit our website for permission forms and a full schedule of school visits.

**We will be providing treatment at ALL public schools in Manchester throughout the school year. We ask that you plan on your child receiving care at their school. In the case of a dental emergency please call 603-624-6466 to make other arrangements.

https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Health/Services/Dental-Health

If your child does not have a dentist OR private dental insurance (we accept Medicaid) and you would like them to be seen for dental care on the dental van at your school, please ask for a permission form from the main office. You can also visit our website for permission forms and a full schedule of school visits.

**We will be providing treatment at ALL public schools in Manchester throughout the school year. We ask that you plan on your child receiving care at their school. In the case of a dental emergency please call 603-624-6466 to make other arrangements.

https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Health/Services/Dental-Health

If your child does not have a dentist OR private dental insurance (we accept Medicaid) and you would like them to be seen for dental care on the dental van at your school, please ask for a permission form from the main office. You can also visit our website for permission forms and a full schedule of school visits.

**We will be providing treatment at ALL public schools in Manchester throughout the school year. We ask that you plan on your child receiving care at their school. In the case of a dental emergency please call 603-624-6466 to make other arrangements.

https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Health/Services/Dental-Health

If your child does not have a dentist OR private dental insurance (we accept Medicaid) and you would like them to be seen for dental care on the dental van at your school, please ask for a permission form from the main office. You can also visit our website for permission forms and a full schedule of school visits.

**We will be providing treatment at ALL public schools in Manchester throughout the school year. We ask that you plan on your child receiving care at their school. In the case of a dental emergency please call 603-624-6466 to make other arrangements.

https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Health/Services/Dental-Health

If your child does not have a dentist OR private dental insurance (we accept Medicaid) and you would like them to be seen for dental care on the dental van at your school, please ask for a permission form from the main office. You can also visit our website for permission forms and a full schedule of school visits.

**We will be providing treatment at ALL public schools in Manchester throughout the school year. We ask that you plan on your child receiving care at their school. In the case of a dental emergency please call 603-624-6466 to make other arrangements.

https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Health/Services/Dental-Health

Manchester Proud recently elected a new Executive Council for their Champion’s Council this summer. We are excited to introduce and welcome the new council members:

• Steve Thiel, Southern New Hampshire University, Chair of the Champion’s Council
• Antonio Feliciano, Boys & Girls Club of Manchester, President of the Champion’s Council
• Paulson Edum, Financial Professional and Advocate for Financial Literacy, Treasurer of the Champion’s Council
• Donna Papanikolau, Manchester School District, will continue her role as Secretary of the Champion’s Council, which she was elected to last year.

We are thrilled to welcome Steve, Antonio, Paulson, and Donna to the Executive Council as they assist Manchester Proud ONWARD! 

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Katie LaBranche, Sandra Almonte, and Donna Crook for their dedicated service on the Executive Council.

In a significant step towards enhancing educational outcomes and community engagement, the Manchester School District has been awarded a Federal Community Schools Implementation Grant.  Manchester Proud will be the lead Community-Based Organization (CBO) for this grant. This collaboration, set to unfold over the next five years, aims to strengthen the ties between schools and the community, fostering a holistic approach to education and well-being.

As the co-lead for this grant alongside the district, MP will play a crucial administrative role in the upcoming year. The primary focus will be on onboarding new staff members, a critical step to ensure that the schools are well-equipped to deliver on the promises of this initiative. In addition to staff integration, MP will be instrumental in coordinating with various community partners to implement a suite of pipeline services. These services are designed to provide comprehensive support to students and families, addressing a wide range of needs beyond the classroom.

The Community Schools model represents the epitome of school to community partnerships, emphasizing the importance of local involvement in the educational process. This approach not only enriches the academic experience but also strengthens the social fabric by addressing diverse community needs through integrated services.

MP’s commitment to supporting the Manchester School District in the implementation of this model underscores the organization’s dedication to fostering environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The collaborative effort also aims to set the stage for the model’s growth and evolution, potentially serving as a blueprint for other districts seeking to harness the power of community engagement in education.

As the partnership progresses, MP and the district are poised to create a sustainable and impactful educational ecosystem, reflecting the true spirit of community schools. This initiative promises to not only enhance student success but also strengthen the bonds between schools and the communities they serve.

Tinotenda (Tino) Duche, a 2020 graduate of Central High School and recent graduate from the University of New Hampshire (UNH), has a story that inspires both on and off the dance floor. Tinotenda moved to the United States in 2017 and has since made a significant impact in her community through her passion for dance. We were able to see this impact during a visit to the Manchester School District’s summer Newcomer program. Tinotenda performed for students and then taught them several dances through an engaging and fun workshop. 

Tinotenda’s journey at Central High School began with a desire to connect and bring together students through dance. In 2019, she founded a dance club, initially starting with just four members. The club quickly gained popularity becoming a vibrant part of school life. They performed at pep rallies and other school events, showcasing a fusion of dances that reflected the diverse cultural backgrounds of the students, including Latin, Congolese, and African influences.

Reflecting on her experience, Tinotenda shared, “I am so grateful for that experience; it brought unity within the school and brought people of color together.” Her efforts not only provided a creative outlet for students but also fostered a sense of community and belonging. Despite having no formal teaching experience, Tinotenda taught herself dance through YouTube videos, choreographing routines that celebrated cultural diversity and inclusivity.

At UNH, Tinotenda continued to be a beacon of cultural awareness and leadership. She served as the President of the Black Student Union, where she organized and participated in various cultural events. One notable event was a fashion show where she choreographed the models’ movements, integrating dance elements into the runway presentation. This role further highlighted her ability to blend cultural expression with leadership, providing a platform for students to celebrate their heritage.

Tinotenda’s journey as an immigrant has deeply influenced her approach to teaching and connecting with students. She often shares her story of learning English through watching “SpongeBob SquarePants,” emphasizing the relatable struggles and triumphs of adapting to a new culture. “Students can relate to me and my own immigrant story,” Tinotenda notes, highlighting the importance of shared experiences in building rapport and understanding.

As Tinotenda embarks on her next journey toward a career in medicine, she remains committed to her love of dance. She will be working part-time with the Bring It program, where she will continue to teach dance to newcomer students, helping them find their own voices and confidence through movement. Her unique background and experiences position her as a role model, demonstrating the power of perseverance, cultural pride, and the transformative impact of the arts.

Tinotenda Duche’s story is a testament to the power of community, creativity, and resilience. As she moves forward, her legacy at Central High School and UNH will continue to inspire future generations, proving that with passion and dedication, one can bridge cultural gaps and make a lasting impact on the world.

On July 19, 2024, Manchester Proud visited the bustling 21st Century Summer Program at Memorial High School. This vibrant program, designed to enhance the learning experience of middle school students, has registered 140 participants, with around 70 attending daily. The visit provided a glimpse into the diverse and dynamic activities that keep these young minds engaged and growing.

During the tour, students were busy across various classrooms, each separated by grade. The creativity and innovation of the students were on full display. One group was engrossed in designing water parks, constructing their imaginative designs using Model Magic. Another set of students participated in Shark Tank-style presentations, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit. One notable presentation was for “Mr. Cleaner,” a biodegradable cleaning robot with the catchy slogan, “Clean for the world, clean for your home.”

In another classroom, students engaged in discussions about personal values, an exercise that required them to choose five values important to them and eliminate one each round. This activity emphasized the importance of time management and focusing on what truly matters in their lives.

A unique and interactive approach was taken with a group of English Learners (EL) students who played a game involving popular songs. They had to listen carefully and fill in the blanks, practicing their writing and listening skills in English. This engaging method not only made learning fun but also significantly enhanced their language proficiency.

The highlight of the day was a presentation by Northeast Passage UNH, which captivated the entire program. The presentation covered adaptive sports and recreation, the differences between the Olympics and Paralympics, various techniques for adaptive programming, and more. The students were not just passive listeners; they were actively involved in a game of adaptive soccer afterward. This hands-on experience allowed them to understand the challenges and joys of adaptive sports. One student remarked, “This is harder than regular soccer but fun!”

The visit by Manchester Proud to 21st Century summer program hosted at Memorial High School highlighted the innovative and inclusive educational approaches being employed. From fostering creativity and entrepreneurship to emphasizing personal values and adaptive sports, the program is a testament to the comprehensive development of Manchester’s youth. The enthusiasm and engagement of the students are clear indicators of the program’s success in nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared for the future.

Co-Directors announced as Barry Brensinger retires as Coordinator but remains on the Champion’s Council

Manchester Proud (MP) is excited to announce the new leadership team of Debby Miller and Aimee Kereage as Co-Directors. Debby and Aimee will report to the Champion’s Council (Manchester Proud’s Board) continuing the momentum that Manchester Proud has built up over the past 6 years under Barry Brensinger’s leadership. Barry has made the decision to step down from his leadership role to enjoy retirement, he will remain a member of the Council and involved in MP’s work. 

Debby Miller brings over 30 years in executive leadership and community development in banking and non-profits. Debby will be working as the day-to-day keeper of the MP mission, conceptualizing new opportunities, developing strategies needed to optimize the work, providing leadership and advocacy for MP, and acting as liaison to the Champion’s Council.

Aimee Kereage has been with Manchester Proud for 2.5 years now, serving as the Community Partnerships Director. Aimee will now serve as Co-Director and will be leading community engagement and partnership efforts within the organization. Aimee has been actively involved with youth-serving organizations, the Manchester School District, and local businesses for nearly a decade. She is using this experience to create critical partnerships supporting the needs of students and families.

Manchester Proud Champion’s Council Chair, Katie LaBranche details the evolution and continuation of our work, “Our council is excited to see where Aimee Kereage and Debby Miller take Manchester Proud as we evolve. We certainly could not have gotten to this place without Barry’s dedication to our community. I first met Barry 7 years ago when he was canvassing our neighborhood. The questions about our schools and community intrigued me as we had just relocated from Raleigh, NC. I applied for MP’s Community Planning Group shortly after and the rest is history. I have worked with him to guide our council to learn from the community’s feedback, to present the Strategic Plan, create CelebrateED, and plan the state of MSD.  These are no small feats and were made possible by our partnership with the Manchester School District and the many volunteers committed to our public schools. Barry is a mentor and friend; he will be missed in the day-to-day workings of Manchester Proud. Debby and Aimee are a dynamic team and will continue to grow our connections to our community and the Manchester School District. ”

Debby Miller shares her excitement about joining the Manchester Proud team, “I am thrilled to join the leadership team at Manchester Proud. It’s an honor to continue the incredible work Barry Brensinger has championed over the past six years. I look forward to working closely with Aimee Kereage and the Champion’s Council to advance our mission, develop innovative strategies, and create new opportunities to benefit our community. Together, we will ensure that Manchester Proud remains a powerful advocate for positive change and community development.”

Aimee Kereage expresses enthusiasm in stepping into this new role, “I am honored to step into the role of Co-Director at Manchester Proud. Over the past 2.5 years, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact we can make through strong community partnerships and engagement. I am excited to work alongside Debby Miller and the Champion’s Council to build on our momentum and continue creating meaningful connections that support our students and families. Together, we will strive to make Manchester an even better place for everyone.”

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of our summer interns, Lacey, Jasmerlin, and Santiago! 🥳 These bright and talented juniors from the Manchester School District are joining our team, and we couldn’t be more excited to have them on board.

Our interns will be working closely with our Community Communications Director, Lauren Boisvert. Lauren’s expertise and leadership will guide them as they navigate various communications projects, ensuring they gain valuable hands-on experience and insights into the field.

Join us in giving a warm welcome to Lacey, Jasmerlin, and Santiago! We are confident that their contributions will make a significant impact, and we can’t wait to see all that they will achieve during their time with us.

Welcome to the team, Lacey, Jasmerlin, and Santiago! 🎉

Meet Our Interns

Lacey

“Hello! My name is Lacey and I am a Junior at Manchester School of Technology. I like to draw, watch anime, listen to music, and play video games! I’m very excited to be a part of Manchester Proud!”

Jasmerlin

Jasmerlin brings a fresh perspective and a keen eye for detail. Her enthusiasm for community engagement and her ability to connect with people will be invaluable assets to our team. We look forward to the energy and ideas she will bring to our projects.

Santiago

“Hello! My name is Santiago Hernandez. I’m a junior currently studying at Manchester School of Technology enrolled in a Video & Digital Media Production program. I was born in Venezuela and immigrated to the U.S. Some of my favorite hobbies are playing instruments, such as the piano, and producing music digitally. I’m very excited to work as an intern with Manchester Proud!”