001that are changing lives. So for our first presenter tonight, I'd like to welcome to the stage Christine Solder from the Exat Area Charitable Foundation who will be presenting the scholarship. [Applause] Oh boy. Going first. The warm-up act. All right. So, the Exit Area Charitable Foundation is uh it's all better known as the Community Children's Fund is made up of volunteers who work on fundraising year round in order to give out scholarships and warm clothing and bedding to children in the community. If you've seen the Duck Race, that was us. If you've been to the Festival of Trees and the Gingerbread House competition, that is us. And I just want to say if you want to feed your soul and improve your mental health, volunteer in any cause that matters to you. It will bring you
002up. And I also want to thank the students that invested the time and really invested time and energy in their scholarship applications. You are here because of your passion for excellence and your willingness to be authentic. It sets you apart. it will continue to open doors for you in the future. So, and now for our two recipients of the Extra Area Charitable Foundation Scholarship Award. And we did two this year because we had $5,000 to give out and originally we're thinking one student, but we had two students and we just couldn't pick one over the other because they were just so equally deserving and fabulous. So, our first student embodies the same traits that I mentioned a moment ago. And I want to share an excerpt from their application letter. Nothing brings me more joy
003than toddler hugs, excitement when I walk into a room and joking around with preschoolers. Furthermore, nothing makes me feel more fulfilled than helping a child regulate their emotions, create a sense of who they are, and develop excitement for the world around them. When I go home at the end of the day, I have made a difference. Even if it was small, I made a child's day just a little bit better. And our awardee will be taking her passion and her amazing work ethic to Suffukk University, and they are lucky to have her. The Exitter Area Charitable Foundation is honored to award $2500 to Maya Burns. [Applause] I just truly am so impressed with the young folks that are coming up here tonight. It's amazing. Our second recipient, equally deserving, deserves much kudos for their ability
004to carve out time for her academics while working at least 30 hours a week. This student had the courage to share with us the personal struggles that added to their already full plate. When life confronts you with serious challenges, you have choices. Find a solution or make an excuse. She found a solution. She stayed focused on her schoolwork and made the needed sacrifices to work as many hours as necessary to meet her goals. This determined, hard-working student will be attending San Diego State University in the fall. And we are honored to award $2500 to Zoe Henshaw. [Applause] Thank [Applause] you. Thank you very much, Christine. Uh, next I'd like to call up Vicky Burns and Janelle Harbison from the Exit Area Garden Club. [Applause] I'm usually loud enough to not use this, but I'll give
005it a try. Um, the Exteriorary Garden Club scholarship committee was very impressed with all the different student applications and scholarship that we uh scholarship writeups that we uh reviewed. Um, we were looking for a student interested in plants or fields that supported our green earth. We hope that maintaining and improving the earth's diverse ecosystems are part of everyone's future. We wish all students success in their future studies. And we are happy to announce that our 2025 scholarship recipient is Anna Gunn. Come over this way. She's gonna come up here. Thank you. We hope that you come and see some of our Thank you so much. Turn around for one picture. Okay. Thank you all. [Applause] Next to the stage, I'd like to call Leslie Hasslam and Gwen English, who will be presenting the William Robinson
006Scholarship. Thank you, Adam. First of all, congratulations to all of the members of the SST graduating class of 2025. I think you're an awesome bunch. As an elected trustee of the William Robinson Trust Fund, I'm honored to present this scholarship. But first, I want to give you a little bit of background because it's quite unusual. William Robinson was born in exit in 1793 and he paved the way for secondary education of girls at a time when public high school education was only available to boys in this community. In 1853, Robinson left money to the town of Exiter and stated in his will that his gift of trust to Exit was quote for the education of young women so that they may compete in the world with their brothers end quote. In 1869, the Robinson Female
007Seminary opened its doors to girls in the exit area. After an addition was built to the allmale Tuck High School, the first co-ed class graduated from Exit High School in 1956. That may seem like a really long time ago to some of you, but to me, not so much. And I'm thinking, really? Yeah. Sadly, a fire destroyed the empty seminary building in 1961. That was the seminary was located on the what's now the playground at Lincoln Street School. Now, generations later, we're able to share William Robinson's legacy with young women and young men pursuing higher education. Robinson's extraordinary vision for his hometown has made a difference in the lives of many. And from reading your applications, which were of very high quality, it's evident that many of you are also interested in making a positive
008difference in the lives of other people in this community and in the world. The trustees of the Robinson Trust Fund are proud of your achievements and wish all of you the best in the future. This year's Robinson Trust SST scholarship recipient is Isabelle [Applause] Gauvin and Isabelle as I'm giving this to you I'm going to shake your hand and then I want everybody to hear this part. So this scholarship is like no other scholarship because if recipients maintain good academic standing each semester of college, the scholarship will follow you for four years. Every year you get a renewal on this. So please make sure you read everything in there and we'll see you soon. Okay. You're welcome. Congratulations. That's yours. Thank you. Um, I'd like to call up Donna Buckton and Lois Kilfory who will
009be presenting the Exod Rotary Club Scholarship. [Applause] Oops. What an exciting night. I'm part of the exit Rotary Club and every year we give scholarships not only to the SST but the high school and we give a money to the adult ed. Every year when we look at scholarships, we are just blown away by the quality of the student of the SST. This year the exit Rotary is giving two scholarships. I'll present one and Lois will present the other. The student has been on honor roll every semester from freshman year to the end of junior year and honor roll a semester in the senior year. reading the recommendation from Norman Messa which is an incredible teacher. Quote, "In my 29 years at both high school and university level, this is one of the best students
010I have ever had in the field of computer science. Being a learner is an important attri attribute and this student demonstrates that every day. learning fundamentals such as Python, C++, Net, Java, C++, and problem solving techniques. Enrolled in computer science in June 2024 already has qualified as a certified coder member of the National Honor Society. Exit Rotary is honored to award the scholarship to Maxwell Pitcher. Woo. Yay, Maxwell. [Applause] Thank you very much. Keep up the great work. [Applause] Exit Rotary every year honors students for scholarships at SST. We are proud to present a scholarship. This student is part of exit high school and SST. She is no stranger to hard work volunteering and has a clear path to achieve her goals in the medical field. She is involved with the HOSA club, Interact Club,
011and Key Club. She plays varsity hockey and helps with Special Olympics, earning her LNA licensed nursing assistant and a certificate seizure recognition, first aid certification, and is also certified in dementia patient care. Too many awards to mention. Volunteering in Interact Key Club Special Olympics. Rotary is honored to award Sophie Young this [Applause] scholarship. [Applause] Congratulations. Up next, we have Deanna Perry from the Exit Area General Federation of Women's Club. [Applause] Okay, thank you. Uh, congratulations to an amazing class at SST. I represent the Exod Area General Federation of Women's Club, EAGFWC, and we've been a nonprofit woman's organization for over 70 years in exit. We serve the community um SE coast as well. We do the U tide fair every year and our purpose is to impact our community and help the lives of others.
012So um this year we are giving two awards, two scholarships to two amazing students. Uh the first scholarship I'd like to present to Hannah Marshall. [Applause] Hannah, you have been active in extracurricular activities including volleyball, national honor society, while participating in the friends forever, all while working a part-time job to cover your expenses. Hannah is going to attend UNH. She's going to study psychology with the objective of getting into social work and as a family therapist. We wish Hannah all the best in pursuing her dreams and I am sure you will make a huge difference and have significant impact on the lives of others. Thank you. We need people like [Applause] you. Okay, the next recipient is Alex Goodwin. [Applause] So, Alex is a culinary arts student and will be attending CIA. Alex, you've demonstrated
013a love of cooking and your planned journey in culinary arts will serve you well and serve all of us well. Uh your hard work on a farmtotable meals and successful harvesting from your garden and your love of animals is so impressive and all demonstrate a kind and adventurous soul that you are. You have worked diligently with the pros start team. You're creating and mastering meals. Uh I am confident that you will grow into a master chef one day that we will all be very very proud of. We wish you all the best of luck at the culinary on your culinary journey at [Applause] CIA. Thank you, Felicia. Molly McNeel from Annie's Angels will present our next [Applause] scholarship. Well, I can say it's lovely to be back. Established in 2007, Annie's Angels is named in
014memory of Van Dao. She passed Christmas night in 2002 after a long battle with breast cancer. Through these 18 years of service, Annie's Angels has raised over $6 million and has helped families struggling through disease, illness, and disability. We've paid for wheelchairs, home renovations, therapies, and much more. shining a light in the darkest of times. Through a network of caring neighbors, friends, and businesses, we have fulfilled nearly 10,000 requests for assistance. Because of the amazing partnership between Annie's Angels and SST, we are honored to award an SST student with a $1,000 scholarship for their college education. I once received the Annie's Angel Scholarship and I'm honored to be here today to pass it on to the next deserving student. This student who will be receiving the scholarship is a current graduating senior of Samborn Regional
015High School. They are a hardworking student keeping their grades up, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, and all the while working every day after school. This student will be attending San Diego State University working towards a bachelor's in business administration with a concentration in marketing. Congratulations Zoe Henshaw. You are this year's recipient. [Applause] Kristen Anderson from UNATIL will present the UNICL trade scholarship. [Applause] Good afternoon. I'm here on behalf of UNATIL, your local energy provider, to present this year's UNATIL skilled trade scholarships. At UNATIL, we proudly serve communities across New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine by delivering safe, reliable electricity and natural gas to homes, schools, and businesses. But more than that, we're deeply committed to helping our communities grow stronger, especially by investing in the next generation of skilled trade professionals. Why? Because the trades are the
016backbone of our workforce. Electricians, welders, HVAC technicians, construction professionals. These are the people who build, maintain, empower our world. And we know how essential it is to support the students like you who are entering these fields. That's why this year we're offering two $1,000 scholarships to students from the SECO School of Technician Technology who are pursuing a two-year degree or certification in a trade related field. And today I have the absolute honor of presenting these scholarships to two exceptional students. Our first recipient has already shown what it means to be dedicated, driven, and passionate about her chosen path. She's a student in building construction technologies, and she's known for her focus, her strong work ethic, and her desire to take on real world projects that make a difference. In the classroom and on the job
017site, she stands out, not just for her technical skill, but for her thoughtful study approach and eagerness to grow. She'll be continuing her education at the New England Institute of Technology where we know she will thrive and go on to do amazing things in the field of construction. Please join me in congratulating our first 2025 UNIL Skill Trade Scholarship recipient, Laya Richett. [Applause] Our second recipient is someone who totally truly embodies the spirit of craftsmanship. As a student in welding technologies, he has demonstrated an incredible level of precision, creativity, and pride in his work. Teachers and mentors have praised him for being dependable, mature beyond his years, and someone who approaches each challenge with confidence and care. He's headed to Manchester Community College where he'll continue honing his skills and preparing for a future in
018welding, a trade that takes a rare mix of discipline and artistry. We're proud to recognize his accomplishments and help support his next steps. Please help me congratulate Aiden [Applause] Patnode. Thank you. I'm stealing other people's stuff. Thank you. Next, I'd like to call uh Bob Co Cox from the Exod Area Kandas Club. [Applause] I had to uh get a head started. It took me almost a minute to get up here. The uh I received a letter that we were to we had a minute, I believe, to do our scholarship award. So, I I took about 45 seconds to get up here. So, this is this is going to be fast. uh okay representing the U exter Kuanas is a it's an honor to award these three students $2,000 scholarships. We look each year at students
019that are giving a lot to community service. Uh, we I'd like to present these scholarships to Lisa Rashette. She'd come up here, please. Jerry Walton and Allison Reheart. Reheart. [Applause] Come on. And you are Thank you. Congratulations. I'm sorry. Jerry, you are Jerry. Yes, Jerry. Thank [Applause] you. Uh, next I'd like to welcome Carol Turner, Mike Fitzgerald, and Chuck Shaw from the International Cars will present the next scholarship. [Applause] Good evening. My name is Chuck Shaw. I'm with the International Cars Automotive. Uh we're an employeeowned family of dealerships. I am the assistant service manager at Audi Stratam. Also representing our employee owners are my corporate service director to my right, Mike Fitzgerald, and our office manager for both uh the Audi and the Porsche store in Stratam, Carol Turner. The family of ICL dealerships. Uh
020we are Honda North, Kia North, and one North used vehicles, which are all located in Danis, Massachusetts. We own Dova Honda, Dova Chevy, which is in Dova, New Hampshire. And we have Porsche Stratam, Audi Stratam, Honda Stratum, which is all located in Stratam, New Hampshire, just up the street. And we also own Portsouth Volkswagen in Greenland, New Hampshire. Congratulations to all the graduating seniors and their families. It's been a while since the three of us all obtained our diplomas and headed out into the world. All on different path paths, but unfortunately all landed together at ICL. I set out to pursue my certification aeronautical maintenance. Chuck set out to Northeastern University for criminal justice and Carol to Salem State College for a degree in business administration. Our tenure with ICL ranges from 5 to 11
021years and we're considered the relative newcomers in our company. International Cars just celebrated its 50th year in business with a lot of long-term employee owners. Our mission at ICL is to provide outstanding value to our customers and employees. Cons consistently benefit our communities and the environment to be better tomorrow than we are today and to have fun while doing it. And the fun part is very important. As part of that mission, our employee owners have instituted the ICL scholarship fund to provide an opportunity for a selected individual to further their education within our communities. This year's recip recipient is Tyler Morang. We would like to present you with this thousand scholarship award on behalf of all the employee owners of ICL to assist you with your education at Lakes Region Community College. [Applause] Congratulations very
022much. Thank you very much. Thank [Applause] you. Next, I'd like to welcome Lang Plumber from the Exit Lions Club. [Applause] Good afternoon. Let's see. About 45 years ago, I think we had our first and we may had a maybe handful of scholarships. I don't remember. But uh uh the school has grown greatly over the years and very very well moved into the career technology field and I'm one proud guy who started the whole darn thing anyway. [Applause] So Extra Lions Club uh is also a service third service organization in exit. Uh and we are a very large international organization and to do a variety of things mainly working with folks who need assistance with sight and vision problems and also with hearing problems and go beyond that in many many different ways. So uh we
023have two scholarships to present tonight. I don't have the detail that others have because I want to try to be quick and so all of us will get out here before it gets dark and even winter out there. So, uh me present the first scholarship uh to Anna Gun, [Applause] please. Anna is in the agricultural class. Yes, of course. FFA. Yes. Okay. Congratulations. Thank you so much. All [Applause] right. And Theo Cinderella. Theo Theo is going to continue his field in the sciences and we want to encourage him and make an investment in his education. So Theo, congratulations. [Applause] Next, I'd like to call up Adam Memo from the NHDA Foundation who will present the next [Applause] scholarship. Thanks. Um, as as he mentioned, my name is Adam from New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association. Um,
024you know, I represent our our education foundation and, you know, our mission is to, you know, ensure that we have a highly skilled and educated workforce in New Hampshire. And so I travel all over the state. Uh, I go as high as as Colbrook, New Hampshire, visiting schools, uh, automotive related, and then general, uh, general schools as well. But for whatever reason, my GPS keep bringing me back to SST to give away awards and prizes. Um, I think there's something in the water down here. You guys are super super talented. Um, you know, great administration. Honestly, parents and guardians, you should be really proud of what you do in this community, uh, and how you raise your children and, uh, if you keep putting kids into the workforce like this, you're going to, you know,
025work me out of a job. Uh, you know, but Scott and Jeff Maine, uh, of the the automotive instructors here do a fantastic job preparing their students for industry. I think we had four kids out of the school that uh plays for Skills USA. Uh which is awesome, you know, and I think this is my at least my second or third visit coming down here to to give away some stuff. So, uh my path, you know, I went to high school automotive and then went to get my associates degree in automotive. Uh I was a master technician, moved my way up to management. And so I'm I'm a product of programs like this. Okay. I had a great living doing it and I guess I'm on my third career now uh with only going to
026school once for it. So that that should say something. Uh so I'm happy to to support these students getting into industry. And uh like I said, I've been here before. Uh but tonight we've got two scholarships, two more scholarships to present to these students. Uh two students that are going to Lakes Community College for the Toyota T10 program. Each scholarship is $1,750. And uh the first one is Alexander Williams. And uh second one, Tyler Morraine, come on down. Nice job. I knew I'd be seeing you again. I need to see you, too. Great job. Good luck, Tyler. You got enough money, bud? Thank you very much. Really both talented guys. They're going to do a great job. Thank you. Christian Wright will be presenting the Carla Moran Ranks and Right Memorial [Applause] Scholarships. Hello. Good
027evening. Congratulations to all the seniors this year and all the families and teachers that are here to support you along the way. Couldn't have done it without you guys and uh you have very bright futures ahead. I always love coming back to these and seeing all the accomplishments and uh seeing everything kind of come to fruition and pay off. So, we have a few scholarships for the Right Start Memorial Fund to give out tonight, which is a fund that has given back to uh early childhood development in the past and now moving forward careers and education. And it was a scholarship that was started when my mother passed away and it's been going on for 27 years now. Um, which is wild. I've graduated extra high school 19 years ago, so it's kind of coming
028full circle. But uh tonight we have seven separate scholarships. Six for the Right Start um memorial fund and one for the Carla Marin ranks fund. We have the uh Carla, can you just stand up a little bit? Come on. Come on. Come on. She'll kill me for that. Uh so Carla dedicated over 30 years to the school and the students and um in her honor I think this is the third or fourth year now that we've been giving it out and uh the recipient this year goes out to folks uh someone special that embodies what um Carla has put forth and that is just an unrelenting desire to help the next generation. And tonight we're proud to present this scholarship to McKenzie [Applause] Opera. Congratulations. Best of luck with our day. [Applause] And then we
029have six more scholarships. I'll just read them off and we can give applause as people are to keep things moving. Um, these six individuals excelled and uh wanted to be rewarded for this as they move forward in their continuing education. Uh, this will kind of help lighten the burden moving forward. So, the first recipient of the scholarship tonight is Brooke Fowler. We also have Maya [Applause] Burns, Olivia Fornier. Congratulations. Congratulations. Thank you, Mave Lin. Congratulations. Thank you so much. [Applause] Hannah Marshall and Lily Hammond. Congratulations. Thank you so much. Thank [Applause] you. Karen Whitmore from the Hampton Garden Club will be presenting the next scholarship. [Applause] always have to adjust the microphone. Hi, my name's Karen Whitmore and I taught for many years in SAU16. When I retired, I took up gardening and have been
030a member of the Hampton Garden Club for the last few years. Our members maintain several gardens in town, pro promote conservation and recycling, and support local causes. The individual we have chosen to receive the Hampton Garden Club scholarship this year is someone who clearly believes in what we promote as she is planning to pursue a career dedicated to conservation and wildlife preservation. She is an excellent student in the animal and plant science program at the SSD where she has demonstrated strong leadership skills and a deep commitment to both community service and sustainable environmental practices. This fall she plans to attend the University of Vermont where she will continue her studies in environmental science and biology. It is my pleasure to present the Hampton Garden Club scholarship to Genevieve Bourke. [Applause] Your essay was amazing. [Applause]
031Next we have Mark Hodson from Palman [Applause] Sakard. Good evening and uh congratulations to all the scholarship recipients this year. It's uh a great class once again and we're thrilled to be here. I'm Mark Hodston. I'm the president of Palmer and Sicard here in Exit. We're uh we just turned 70 last year. Not me, the company. Um I I'm a few years behind that. But um we are a mechanical contractor. We've been we do construction and uh HVAC plumbing, all of that sort of stuff. This is what um at least the construction part of SST is all about and we're thrilled to be a part of this program. So the uh person that we uh have selected uh has been in the building construction program for the last two years, member of the welding program
032for the last year, dedicated to learning and applying hands-on skills in multiple trades, attained OSHA 10 certification, desires to become a master electrician and eventually own their own electrical contracting business and own investment properties. very lofty goals and you'll need all these skills for when you do that. Hopes to hire and mentor other trades people. And this is where it's big. By the way, this recipient is a young lady and our first, we're thrilled to have it. Our first female recipient of this award. Um, we hope to do many more females as the years come along because it's great to see them come into the industry. Uh, let's see. Ann, she wants to hire and mentor other trades people, particularly young women who are interested in nontraditional career paths. She'll be attending the New England
033Institute of Technology in Rhode Island in the fall to pursue a degree in electrical sciences. I'll close the presentation with the words from her application letter. This scholarship would not only help me take the next step toward my career goals, but it would also be an investment in the future of women in the trades because I am determined to succeed and one day help others do the same. The 2025 Pomerron Sakard Scholarship recipient of for $1,500 goes to Lia Risho from Exod High School. [Applause] would Lisa Perrell and Phil Coons. Uh, please come to the stage to present the Richard D. uh, St. Heler Memorial Trade Scholarship. [Applause] Good afternoon. Thank you all for coming out today. I want to commend the parents in the room. As a mom whose children are now adults, I
034commend you all for encouraging your kids to apply for scholarships. It sets a precedent for them from today moving forward to take responsibility and to really gain access to what's available to them as students. I represent the Kingston Highway Department and the Kingston Public Works Association. Our association was formed when we lost our boss a few years ago to a grave battle with cancer. And Rich St. Heler was a big man, not in size, but his personality and his heart. He was the go-to for anybody. He was the road agent for 35 years and he was on the fire department for 44 years. To say he was not dedicated to his community would be very unfair. The scholarship recipients, we started out our first year doing a $1,500 scholarship. We're up to doing three $1,500
035scholarships. McDonald Well, and Pump out of Kingston approached us and they they have sponsored the third scholarship and they are a fantastic company. can't say enough about them and their their energy and their involvement in the community in Kingston. We presented a scholarship the other night to a student at Kingston that does not attend the SST. The remaining two scholarships will be presented the this evening. The first being presented to Aiden [Applause] Patnod. So Aiden's application essay stood out to us. I'm going to put you on the spot, Aiden, and I'm sorry. His opening line, now mind you, I'm sitting at a table with 10 men reviewing scholarships applications. And his first line says, "She believed she could, so she did." And I thought, hm, interesting. And it states, it continues, I am not female,
036nor did this quote directly inspire me, but is the quote that inspires my mom and she is my greatest motivator. Mom, wherever you are, you are amazing. Aiden, [Applause] congratulations. And the second recipient goes to Kaden Burke. [Applause] Kaden's essay contained a sentence regarding the roar of a V8. And I can tell you there were several around the table that understood your passion. And we wish you the best of luck. There you go. Good luck, class of 2025. [Applause] Next, I'd like to call up Alli Flaggler and Lisa Rodriguez from Liberty Mutual, who will present the next [Applause] scholarship. Hello everyone. My name is Lisa Rodriguez and I'm an engineering director at Liberty Mutual. And with me today is Ally Flaggler. And we're really excited to be here to present two scholarships on behalf of
037our company. As a large local employer, Liberty Mutual has been supporting technology careers for those with a passion for continuous learning and innovation. Within our technology department, we employ over 5,000 people across the globe. We also believe in fostering and developing early talent. And for 2025, we've hired 100 interns and 150 entrylevel college hires into technology roles. And as an organization, we believe in recognizing, appreciating, and applying the unique insights, perspectives, and backgrounds of each person that cultivates an atmosphere of trust as well as respect. And we're excited about where Liberty Mutual is headed with our focus on creating a culture of employees and leaders who are innovative, creative, and want to write code and develop innovative products for our customers. Our first scholarship is awarded by Liberty Mutual's legit organization and this stands for
038Liberty Encouraging Girls in Technology. This program's mission is to close the gender gap in technology by working with girls to spark their interests, encourage exploration, and motivate them to pursue a future in technology through local partnerships as well as community engagement. We are proud to present the legit scholarship on behalf of our team to another future woman in STEM. Quinn Edwards has been a student in the computer science program at the SECO School of Technology for the past year. And upon graduation, Quinn will attend New Hampshire Technical Institute of to study mechanical engineering. We're so excited for you, Quinn. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Hello everyone. My name is Ally Flaggler. I am a principal engineer at Liberty Mutual and will now present the Liberty Mutual Technology Scholarship. Our second
039scholarship is given to someone who has been a student in the computer science program at the SECO School of Technology for the past two years. Upon graduation, she will be attending the University of New Haven to study cyber security. Salua Androa has been an outstanding student here at the SE Coast School of Technology and has received the SE coast online student of the week award. I personally have had the privilege of working with an SST scholarship recipient in the workplace at Liberty Mutual in the past and I feel so fortunate to be able to participate in another iteration empowering female students here today. Embassy, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. [Applause] Uh, next I'd like to call to the stage um I I believe we may have skipped over some I'm
040going to call until I figure it out. I'm going to call up Norm Mesa um from the computer science technology teacher to present the Friends of Computer Science Scholarship. Is that the right order here? Yes. I'm Nor Mesa. I teach the computer science program here at SST. And um I'll be giving out the Friends of Computer Science Scholarship tonight. We started the scholarship probably about 15 years ago. Uh just I wanted to have something that kind of recognized computer science students because most um we're not really out there where people see what we do. Uh you don't see any sparks flying in our classroom. Uh it's basically everyone's like at a keyboard punching in code and u that's kind of what we do but it's actually a lot more than that. Um mainly what we
041do is solve problems. So, we take a need for something to happen, like for example, the uh local food bank needed a piece of software to keep track of where all the food was coming in and going to. So, we actually made an application for them. I think that was at least 20 years ago. I think they're still using it, but maybe we should update it. But, uh it seems to work uh quite well. Anyway, we decided to uh create the scholarship and I basically wanted to have something that spotlighted one or two students uh who actually go above and beyond and that means doing a lot of you know volunteer work, helping out with uh different projects we're working on and um so the first um one I want to give tonight or first
042I should say that pretty much all of my students students are really really good problem solvers. So that's kind of what they do. In fact, if someone asked you what computer science was, you could just say it's problem solving because that's what we do. Uh the first one tonight is a really good problem solver. I think somebody already said some really nice things about him. Um he always volunteers for extra projects that we're working on. He actually graduated from my program a year ago and he's been doing some stuff in digital media now. And that goes he will be going to Wentworth Institute to study computer science and that this first scholarship for $1,500 goes to Maxwell [Applause] Pitcher. Congratulations, Max. Thank you. [Applause] Okay, the next scholarship is um goes to a real can
043do type of a person. Uh the other day he was finished with his project and I said, "I got a a whole bunch of computer parts and we need them put together to make a working computer." And so he did that after, you know, at the end of class and did a really good job. Uh this uh scholarship goes to David [Applause] Casey. [Applause] Congratulations, David. Okay, thank you. [Applause] My sincere apologies for going out of order on the list. Um, but I would like to uh ask Sarah Ko and Nancy Phillips to come up on behalf of the Exod Area Scholarship Fund. Give me another minute. Good afternoon everyone. It's an honor to stand before you today on behalf of the Exitor Area Scholarship Fund. At EASF, our mission is simple yet powerful to
044empower students with dreams and determination by opening the doors to education. We know that many bright, motivated individuals have incredible goals and well-th thoughtout plans for their futures, but not always the f financial means to bring them to life. That's where we come in. We understand that success does not also follow one path. That's why we proudly support students pursuing all kinds of educational opportunities. Whether that's at community college, a technical program, a 4-year university, or another learning journey that fits their vision. At EASF, we believe education should never be a privilege for the few, but should be for all. Financial barriers should not stand in the way of someone who's ready to work hard and rise to the challenge. And we recognize that not every student fits into a traditional mold. We welcome individuals
045whose paths may have been unconventional, who have faced adversity, or who are carving out their own way forward. Our support doesn't stop with a scholarship check. We stay connected with our recipients through mentorship and additional funding opportunities to help guide and sustain them throughout their educational journey. We also understand that thinking about the future can be sometimes overwhelming, especially for those who've encountered setbacks or obstacles along the way. But at EASF, we're here to remind you your dreams are valid, your goals are achievable, and no ambition is out of reach. Today, we're proud to recognize three students who embody the spirit of determination, resilience, and vision. These individuals stood out not only for their thoughtful plans for the future, but also for their commitment to pushing forward despite challenges. First off, we're excited to award
046a scholarship of $5,000 to a student in the careers and education program at SST. Over the past two years, she has shown exceptional exceptional commitment not only to her studies, but to her community. She has volunteered at elementary schools, supported food and clothing drives, and represents her peers as an SST ambassador. Her passion for working with children shines through in everything she does. She has known from a young age that her future lies in helping kids to learn and grow, and she plans to pursue a degree in elementary education at Plymouth State University. Beyond her academic and volunteer achievements, her story speaks to resilience and determination. She has faced signific significant challenges in her life. Yet she continues to work hard, stay positive, and push forward in pursuit of her dreams. Extor Area Scholarship Fund
047is proud to invest in her future and support her as she takes the next steps to becoming the kind of teacher every child deserves. Please join me congratulating this year's first scholarship recipient, Lily Hammond. [Applause] Thank you. Congratulations. Thank you so much. [Applause] Next, we'd like to recognize a culinary arts student at the SST whose passion, dedication, and growth have been nothing short of inspiring. When he first entered the culinary program, he had experience working as a dishwasher and a love of cooking. But he had no idea how transformative the journey ahead would be. for that from that very first day stepping into a professional kitchen and putting on his chef's coat, it lit a fire in him. And since then, he hasn't looked back. He has not only excelled in class, but has gone
048above and beyond joining the ProStart competition team, training after school, and helping lead them to a second place finish last year. His passion for the culinary arts have has taken him far outside the classroom as well. Over the summer, he worked as a full-time line cook to save money for culinary school. And he is now cooking at Cornichello, a fine dining restaurant. And he also serves as a teachers assistant for first year culinary students, giving back by mentoring others the way his own chef mentored him. After touring schools with his grandfather and having a one-on-one meeting with a chef from the Culinary Institute Institute of America, he knew this is where he belonged. And we agree. His talent, drive, and love for the culinary arts make him an ideal candidate for this scholarship. We are
049proud to support this dedicated young man as he continues his journey towards becoming a professional chef with a $5,000 scholarship to the Culinary Institute of America. Please join me in congratulating this year's recipient, Alex Goodwin. All right. Lastly, it's a privilege to present a scholarship to another student who has demonstrated outstanding dedication, resilience, and leadership. She's a senior at SST where she has spent the past two years studying marketing, finance, and business. From the moment she joined the business, finance and marketing academy, she dove into every opportunity available from internships and hands-on projects to speaking engagements and volunteer work. It was through these experiences that she discovered her true passion, finance. She now serves as her school's DECA chapter as the president of her school's DECA chapter and continues and wants to continue her involvement
050at the collegiate level where when she attends the University of New Hampshire. She's planning on majoring in finance at the Peter T. Paul School of Business. With a clear career path in mind, she's already gaining real world experience, interning twice a week at the at a property management company while balancing two part-time jobs and maintaining her academic excellence. Her journey hasn't been easy. Over the past few years, her family has faced significant hardship. Yet through it all, she has shown incredible strength and determination, working hard to support her family and pursue her goals, never losing sight of the future that she's building. She embodies what this scholarship is all about. Dedication, perseverance, leadership, and a drive to succeed. We are proud to support Isabelle Gavin with $5,000 scholarship to the University of New Hampshire. Thank
051you. Please join me in the Extor Area Scholarship Fund in honoring our three [Applause] recipients. Um, I'll be presenting the uh next scholarship um on behalf of the Exit Area New Car Deals Association. Um and they just would like me to read this before I actually present the scholarships to the two students. Uh the offices and board of directors of the exit area new car dealers association are pleased to be supporting the SECO School of Technologies automotive program by awarding $2,000 scholarships to both Tyler Morang and Alexander Williams. Hopefully, this will take a little financial strain away as they enter their first year at Lakes Region Community College. We all know there is a great need for technical people in our workforce and we wish Tyler and Alexander the best as they enter this new
052challenge. Respectfully, Larry Foss, [Applause] President [Applause] Congratulations. Next, I'd like to ask Robert Lang, who will be presenting the Walter Lang Family Scholarship, up to the mic. Good afternoon. My brother Rick asked me to be here today because of one reason. My father's dream to start this program with Langden Plameumber and Doug Scamman out of Stratam. I have the distinct honor of being the first graduate of this program in 1974 and built the first house for Exit High School and I'm honored to be here today to hand out these awards. This program has given me so much over my life and next year is my 50th year in business as a general contractor because of this program and I'm honored to be here to hand these out. I'd like three people to come up here
053for their awards. Mark Duval, Geodano Mariano, and Will Berkenbush, please. [Applause] Mark. Mark, my pleasure. Thank you, Judo. Thank you very much. You're welcome. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Appreciate. Thank [Applause] you. Next, I'd like to call up Sarah Lungquist who present the Kid Travel World Exploration Scholarship. [Applause] Hello. Um, I am Sarah. I am currently am an administrative assistant to um, Don Kidd at Kid Travel. She couldn't make it here tonight, so she just asked if I would step in and on her behalf go ahead and hand out the scholarship. Just to kind of explain who she is a little bit and what she um, stands for. Kid Travel Dreams Vacation as a small family-owned travel agency based in Fremont, New Hampshire. One of the two co-owners, Don Kidd, spent 29
054years as a middle school teacher, encouraging many of her students to seize the amazing opportunities offered by the Sec Coast School of Technology. She's also deeply grateful for the doors SST opened for her own son. Don believes strongly in the power of education and knows that not all lessons come from textbooks or classrooms. Some of the most meaningful learning happens far from desks and whiteboards. She is convinced that traveling to other countries and experiencing their cultures, foods, fashions, and values is essential. Only by seeing the world through different lenses can we truly appreciate what we have here in the US. Only through these comparisons can we understand the depth of history and recognize how our neighbors near and far shape our lives and our world. The winner of the $500 kid travel world exploration scholarship
055is a motivated young woman planning to pursue studies in human resources and international business. She's demonstrated outstanding leaderships as the DECA president and school ambassador and she understands the critical importance of diverse workplace cultures. Her goal to study abroad at H Highleberg University shows her dedication to gaining the global perspective that will help her excel as a manager. Whether working here or overseas, the world is vast yet connected and the recipients eagerness to explore it all captures the spirits we want to celebrate and support. We are proud to award this scholarship to Victoria Curley and excited to see the positive impact she will make in the international business community. Thank you. [Applause] Up next, I'd like to ask Don Russell uh to the stage, who will be presenting the Educators Rising New Hampshire scholarship. Good
056evening. I My name is Don Russell. I am the careers and education teacher here at um SECO school of technology but today I'm here as an executive board member of educators rising New Hampshire which is our state's career and technical student organization for the careers and education program and I am here to present one of our scholarships. Educators rising is transforming how America develops aspiring teachers starting in high school. We provide passionate young people with hands-on teaching experience, sustain their interest in the profession, and help them cultivate the skills that they need to be successful educators. The result is a pipeline of accomplished educators who are positioned to make a lasting difference not only in the lives of their students, but also in the field of teaching and related professions more broadly. Our mission is
057to cultivate highly skilled educators by guiding young people on a path to becoming accomplished teachers beginning in high school but extending um in to through college and into the profession. Recipients of the Educators Rising uh New Hampshire scholarship are chosen by an independent scholarship committee and decisions are based on the students desire to pursue a career in an education related field, their part participation in leadership within educators rising at the local, state andor national level, their ability to balance academics and extracurriculars and their overall GPA. These scholarships are open to any graduating members of Educators Rising in the state of New Hampshire. This year we are allowed or we were able to award two scholarships and I am thrilled to be announced that one of them is an SST careers and education student. This student
058has been an active member in our community service endeavors and has been a consistently dedicated independent study student teacher, arriving early and staying late to assist in our afternoon preschool session. This student plans to pursue a degree in social work at Simmons University in Boston in their accelerated master's program. Her goal is to complete her master's degree in four years, which she will, and become a school social worker in an elementary school where she'll be able to work directly with children who need emotional, social, or behavioral support. So, on behalf of Educators Rising New Hampshire, I am pleased to award this $500 scholarship to McKenzie Opra. [Applause] Next, I'd like to ask Sandy Katney, the business, finance, marketing academy teacher, who will be presenting the BFMA achievement scholarship. Good evening and welcome everyone. Um I'm
059so fortunate and pleased to be able to present uh scholarships for students in the business finance marketing academy otherwise known as BFMA. Um and the young ladies that I'm going to call up in a little bit helped name that. We did a little rebranding this year and they were instrumental in making that happen. Um each of the following students were program ambassadors were well above and beyond in the classroom and they always rose to um the occasion when a volunteer was needed or if I even simply asked if I needed help, they were there for me. Um I appreciate all of you and all that you contributed to our program. It's a pleasure to present each of them $500 for the business finance and marketing a achievement scholarship. Um they took advantage of all opportunities
060that were available to them at SST and that's how you succeed here. Um so if the following three would please come up. Victoria Curly, I'm sorry, Victoria Curly, Isabelle Gavin, and Faith Hamill. Thank you. Take questions. On behalf of the Bowie family, Stacy Jordan will be presenting the Tiffany Bowie Memorial Scholarship. [Applause] The Tiffany Bowery Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Tiffany Bowery who is a 2000 2019 graduate of Sanborn Regional High School and the careers and education program at SST. Tiffany passed away at the age of 21 due to complications from a cancer diagnosis. While on this earth, Tiffany left behind a lasting impact on anyone she came across with her heartwarming smile, contagious laugh, positive outlook, and her overwhelming acceptance of all. One of Tiffany's greatest loves was being a teacher. She
061was a a preschool teacher at Imprints Daycare. As a teacher, she always went above and beyond to make her children to make sure that they had everything they needed in the classroom from books to crayons to bubble machines and music for the many impromptu dance parties that they would have. When reviewing the applications for the careers and education scholarship, the family tries to identify an individual who embodies the same passion and similar outlook towards teaching that Tiffany had. someone who could be looked at as a role model, an an influential figure to students, someone who is always committed, who never gives up, and is willing to go to make sure their students have the best education and classroom experience. The students selected plans to attend Simmons College and move on to become a school-based social
062worker in the elementary school. This type of work is so important for the impressionable elementary age children so they will have the support and guidance to become successful in future years. I am proud to award the Tiffany Bowery Memorial Scholarship to the careers and education um student McKenzie Opra. Congratulations McKenzie. [Applause] Scott Greenwood, pre-engineering teacher, will present the HA Grant and IB Grant Charitable Trust. [Applause] Good evening. The trustees of the Grant Charitable Trust Scholarship have the privilege of honoring deserving students from the SECO School of Technology for the seventh year. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your program and supporting students from your institution with their future aspirations. Herbert and Iva Grant established their charitable trust dedicated to giving back to their employees, their employees families, as well as the community
063of New Fields and the surrounding towns. Herb Jr. or Herb Senior rather was co-founder in 1945 and eventually sole owner of the Kingston Waring Corporation until its sale in 1986 to Hutchinson Ceiling who continues operating in new fields today employing many from its surrounding towns. When Herb Jr. became president, it was his aspiration to hire young, innovative people to help put their employees first, develop strong community relations, and provide customers with quality products and excellent service based upon strong family values passed through generations. The trustees of this trust hope that the student displaying good sense of school and community spirit, that they have a plan to use their SST education in the future, and also have a need for financial assistance in pursuing their educational goals. This year's grant charitable trust scholarship is going to
064two deserving seniors who plan to continue their educational journey at post-secary vocational schools or a 4-year institution. The first scholarship goes to Aiden Patnode. Aiden is from Sanborn High School and plans to attend Manchester Community College for welding technology. [Applause] The second scholarship goes to Tucker [Applause] Sofa. Tucker is from Raymond High School and plans to attend Dartmouth College and major in mechanical engineering. [Applause] Congratulations to all tonight's recipients and we wish you the best with your future educational [Applause] endeavors. Next, I'd like to ask Anna DeMarco, our animal and plant science teacher, who will be presenting the SST FFA alumni scholarship. [Applause] Thank you. At the moment, I am presenting this on behalf of the SST FFA alumni for I am also the FFA adviser. The message is from them. This scholarship is given
065to an SST FFA member who has not only helped the chapter to grow, but who's also developed through the mission of the National FFA, growing in leadership, personal growth, and career success through a education. As an alumni of the SSTFA, we hope everyone in the chapter enters the world and uses the skills, knowledge, and drive to make the world a better place, acting as ambassadors for the incredible field of agriculture. In short, seniors applying for this scholarship shall have strong academics, be active in community service, be active member in our FFA chapter, hold a leadership position that's helped the chapter to grow, such as an officer, being on the leadership team, or being a member of a committee, shown personal growth, and has a plan for career success after graduating high school. This year's scholarship
066recipient fits the requirements to a te and for more for her sister is an FST FFA alumnus. This individual serves in many ways from being a chapter officer, committee work, constantly striving for academic excellence. She's a quiet but strong leader. She participates in numerous community service events and is always willing to help others. Her plans are to attend the 95th National FFA Convention in the fall as a member of the dairy cattle evaluation team while starting out her freshman year in college at URI as an animal science major. We wish her all the best of luck. Congratulations to Lexi Wheelen of Winnacana High School. As a member of the scholarship committee, you have me for a few more of these. The Emma M. Kimble Award. The purpose of this fund is to provide scholarship assistance
067to any sea coast area student interested in pursuing studies in the field of hospitality, home economics, hotel management, culinary arts, or early childhood education with a preference for students who attend Exit High School at the Coco School of Technology. This year's recipient is a culinary arts student who participated in Skills USA for baking as an SST student ambassador. She will be attending Lakes Region Community College in the fall for culinary arts and will complete her associates degree one year early as a result of her taking college credit she has earned through our end dual enrollment partnership. She plans to continue on to Plymouth State University, seeking out her bachelor's degree in tourism and hospitality and embrace the beauty of New Hampshire making industry connections in both Laconia and Plymouth to hopefully one day manage her
068own future hospitality business. Congratulations to Abigail [Applause] Yoko. The next award is the Exit Health Resource Health Career Scholarship. Our affiliated companies Exit Hospital, Beth Israel Lehey Hospital, Beth Israel Lehey at Home recognize the importance of giving back to our community. We are so proud to support local high school seniors who plan to pursue careers in health care. We are pleased to present a thousand scholarship to be used towards post-secary education in a healthcare related field. With an aging population in Rockingham County and throughout the state of New Hampshire in need of health care providers, but a limited number of skilled clinicians and technicians to provide those services, it is important that we encourage our local high school students to enter the field of healthcare. We are happy and honored. We are happy to honor
069a talented student who has chosen healthcare as a career path and hopes that wherever their studies take them, they will consider coming home and like us take good care of our neighbors. This year's recipient attends New Market High School and plans to pursue a nursing degree at the University of New Hampshire. Congratulations to Anna Gray. [Applause] The Rick Germaine Memorial. Rick Dermaine was an automotive student at the Coco School of Technology. He was a 2003 graduate and was employed at Foss Motors from 2001 to 2006 as an automotive technician mechanic. He was killed in a motorcycle accident in Florida in 2006. After his death, his family started bike bikes against road rage in which funds were given for a scholarship in Rick's name for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the automotive
070industry. This year's recipient has earned several industry recognized certifications that demonstrate a solid foundation of automotive safety and service excellence. His commitment to hands-on learning has led him to an internship at New England Truck Center where he made such a significant impact he was offered a permanent position, a testament to his skills and his work ethic. This student has represented SST in Skills USA diesel competition where he finished on the podium. an Eping High School student who plans to attend Wyoming Tech and become a diesel mechanic. Congratulations to the recipient of the Rick Germaine Memorial, Owen [Applause] Brown. The Brian J. Rabasha Memorial. Brian Rabasha was a culinary arts student SST. He was a graduate of the class of 2001. He passed away in September of 2001 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was
071very dedicated to the culinary arts program. After his passing, his family was so grateful to SST for all that he had given Brian. They wanted to help other students wanting to pursue a career in culinary arts. Brian had always wanted to be a pastry chef. This year's recipient started to show an interest in cooking from a young age. Whether it was measuring flour for his Grammy sourdough bread, working at a local farm, learning how to make cheese to his first job in a rest restaurant industry as a dishwasher, then to being trained on several other positions in the kitchen. He has learned a lot. attended the culinary program at SST. He was selected to be on the ProStart competition team both years, gaining valuable experience and knowledge with his eagerness to learn and to grow.
072Presently, the student works at a fine local Italian restaurant where he continues to build his culinary arts skills. He'll be attending the Culinary Institute of America this fall to continue his goal of becoming a chef. Can we please welcome to the stage once again, congratulations to Alex Goodwin. [Applause] for our Last scholarship of the evening. Will James Suinski, Jim Suzuinski, please join me on the [Applause] stage. Thank you, Anne. Good evening. Uh on behalf of the Swissinski family, congratulations to the class of 2025 and best wishes for success in your career pursuits, whatever road they may take. and it most likely won't be the one you talk about today. Was for me. Uh Ben Swisinski was a lifelong exit resident, World War II pilot, photographer, local business owner, and a passionate advocate for education in
073the community. Among his many activities, Dad served on the exit school board for 24 years and was elected chairman twice. He received the New Hampshire School Boards Association Distinguished Service Award in 1988. In 1994, he was Exit's first Friend of Education award recipient. And in 1996, he was named Exit's Citizen of the Year. From the time he attended Exit High School, class of 1934, Ben recognized the need for a course of study that could give students a head start on a career after graduation. The dream became a reality in 1980 when Mr. SST, as he came to be known, and a group of aerial leaders founded the Sec Coast School of Technology. Ben continued to serve on the board of governors until he passed away in 2007 and often remarked how the school had grown
074to be so much more than he had ever imagined. In 2005, the SST established a scholarship in Ben's name recognizing his contributions to be awarded to an individual that demonstrates outstanding leadership, academic achievement, and citizenship. The recipient of the Benjamin F. Swisinski Memorial Scholarship as selected by the faculty and administration has earned the distinction as the most outstanding student in the graduating class. Thank you, Jim. Presenting this scholarship means a lot to me for it's the first time an animal and plant science student has ever received it. In addition, it tugs at my heartstring for I knew your dad. Years ago, my class would go and rake rake his yard at your house on Winter Street. He in turn would give the students lemonade and lint lint chocolate balls as he would give them life
075lessons in the driveway as I was constantly saying, "Ben, I have to get them on the bus." During the year, school year, Ben would come and visit me in my classroom, again, touting a small bag of lint chocolates for me. And in later years, I would visit him when he was no longer mobile. And we would talk about your mom and his times, military flying, and all the pictures in the room and all the things he did in the town of Exiter, EHS, EHS athletics, Ben's Photoshop, and creating SST. The award I'm about to present is going to a young woman who Ben would have said, "She's going places." This individual is driven from academics to where she is on the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society, earning college credit for her
076class while in high school. She's a work ethic which is second to none. Employers would have loved to have her, love to have her because her she works efficiently, thoughtfully, never misses a step, and is always asking what more can I do. within the National FFA, the Animal Implant Student Organization. She is a leader from serving on the leadership team, serving as a SST ambassador, and this year as the chapter president. She serves as a role model for other students, from giving tours on numerous occasions, speaking in front of groups, in addition arranging classroom field trips more than one time so her classmates can learn about our amazing field. She in addition is a presenter at the University of New Hampshire in their animal science department. And this morning she worked with children at Lincoln
077Street School, teaching them about the possibilities of a becoming event in futures day. Within the National FFA, she's been involved in career development events ranging from dairy cattle showmanship when which she won at the state level to being in job interviewing, veterinary science, forges evaluation, and this coming fall she will also be on the dairy cattle jud judging team representing the state of New Hampshire. She's always working to gain experience in the field of animal care and by doing so working at the Amesberry Animal Hospital. During the school year, she had to document her work at the hospital in what is called a supervised agriculture experience with photos, skill attainment, goal setting, and personal reflection. As a result of her hard work and attention to detail, her documentation earned her a top place in the
078state for vet science. And she was the state winner for her work and documenting in the area of diverse livestock. Oh, if I haven't mentioned, she's an active 4er where she shows pigs and goats and she's the catcher for the exit high school softball team. I am glad it's raining tonight because she would have been out on the field. Lastly, the road ahead of her will not be easy for she is pursuing a degree at Penn State to become a large and small animal vet, which we have a shortage of. I applaud her for going into the field. This young woman who balances strong academics, a demanding job, playing varsity sports while being dedicated to two organizations that are service focused will do it. And with that, I know Ben is proud that Llaya Smith
079is receiving a scholarship in his name. Laya Smith, please come forward. [Applause] Thank you. Congratulations. At this point, I will turn the mic back over to Mr. Rosmeck, who will close our ceremony. I mean, wow. Cong congratulations everybody. Um, fantastic job. Um, I'd just like to thank everybody for being here today as we honor the achievements, dreams, and determination of all our scholarship recipients. These scholarships represent more than financial support. They're a vote of confidence in the future these students are building. As we close, let's continue to invest in the power of education and the promise it holds. Congratulations once again to our recipients and thank you to our donors and supporters who make this evening possible. Thank you so much and congratulations everybody.