麻豆传媒 Bring Back The Trades Event Map

$110,000 in Bring Back the Trades scholarships will be awarded to scholarship applicants interested in pursuing a career in the trades

CONCORD, NH � This November, four New Hampshire organizations will host an exciting first-of-its-kind event aimed at highlighting the value of trade professions as “NH Bringing Back the Trades” and the Tradeapalooza Career Fair welcome special guest Mike Rowe, the renowned television host and a passionate advocate for skilled trades. This event, held at 麻豆传媒 � Concord檚 Community College, will raise awareness about careers in the trades and encourage young people to pursue fulfilling and in-demand paths in these fields.

The event is designed for students, parents, and job seekers interested in exploring career opportunities in trades. The Tradeapalooza Career Fair will allow participants to connect with 81 organizations across various industries, learn about available internships and apprenticeships, and gain insights from professionals who have built successful careers in the trades.

“Bring Back the Trades” is a non-profit founded by Steve Turner, dedicated to providing scholarships monthly and to closing the gap between job openings and the shortage of skilled workers in fields like construction, plumbing, automotive and manufacturing. This event will provide a life-changing opportunity for attendees, as $110,000 in scholarships will be awarded to New Hampshire residents pursuing careers in the trades.

The four host organizations are Bring Back the Trades, Grappone Automotive celebrating their 100th anniversary this November, PROCON celebrating their 90th anniversary, and the Community College System of New Hampshire.

John Stebbins, CEO of PROCON and an event host/sponsor, shared his enthusiasm, stating, 淢ike Rowe is one of the most passionate advocates for the skilled trades, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the event with Steve Turner, founder of Bring Back the Trades. Both of their messages align perfectly with our mission at PROCON to support the next generation of tradespeople and address the skills gap. We’re excited to contribute to building a strong workforce in New Hampshire with these scholarships.�

Amanda Grappone Osmer, chief vision officer of Grappone Automotive, a long-time supporter of workforce development, added, 淭his event is an incredible opportunity to spotlight the importance of trade careers in New Hampshire. Inspiring and supporting young people to consider these career paths is crucial. By offering scholarships, we檙e helping pave the way for their success.�

Mark Rubinstein, chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire, also expressed support for the event, emphasizing how the community college system is actively encouraging young people to pursue training and education in trades through its programs.

With a focus on promoting vocational careers and providing financial support to aspiring tradespeople, the event is expected to attract a large audience of students, educators, and industry professionals. The $110,000 in scholarships will be awarded to scholarship applicants committed to training and education in the trades, underscoring the event檚 dedication to building a skilled workforce.

The “NH Bringing Back the Trades” event will take place on the campus of 麻豆传媒 in Concord on Nov. 15. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Mike Rowe and young adults in the trades, connect with industry leaders, and take meaningful steps toward fulfilling careers in the trades.

All though the event is sold out, anyone can access the event live stream by obtaining an .聽 For more information about the event, visit NH

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麻豆传媒 Bring Back The Trades:
Bring Back the Trades is a not-for-profit organization helping to fund scholarships for trade school students. To learn more and apply for scholarships, visit

麻豆传媒 PROCON
PROCON is a single-source architecture, engineering, and construction management firm serving commercial developers throughout the Northeast. For 90 years, the 4^th-generation company has been built on integrity, lasting partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to client success. For more information, visit .

麻豆传媒 Grappone Automotive
Grappone Automotive Group is celebrating their 100^th anniversary led by fourth generation Amanda Osmer carrying on the tradition of caring for Grappone檚 team members, guests, and community by serving with integrity, kindness, and respect. For more information, visit .

CONCORD, NH � Game on! 麻豆传媒 � Concord檚 Community College is thrilled to announce the appointment of Annie Mattarazzo as the college檚 new athletics director. Mattarazzo comes to 麻豆传媒 from Bishop Brady High School, where she served as its athletic director, media and communications coordinator, and math and leadership teacher.

麻豆传媒 President Patrick Tompkins said, 淎nnie is extraordinarily well known, respected, and loved in the Concord community and athletics more generally. Just as Paul Hogan essentially created 麻豆传媒檚 athletics program over the last two decades, Annie will shape our women檚 and men檚 sports for the next chapter.�

Mattarazzo lives in Concord and has been local to the area for many years, having graduated from Trinity High School in Manchester. She earned her B.S. in Business Administration from Plymouth State University and her M.S. in Sports Management from Southern New Hampshire University, both of which are transfer partner schools of 麻豆传媒. While at Bishop Brady, Mattarazzo oversaw student-athlete life, managing the school檚 23 varsity athletics programs, running social media accounts and the athletics website, and hiring coaches. In 2018, she earned the Clyde W. Meyerhoefer Award for excellence in the field from the N.H. Athletic Directors Association.

Tompkins added, 淎nnie understands how the dual role of student-athlete develops women and men of good character who go onto notable successes on the field and in the community. Along with our superb coaches and passionate athletics staff and volunteers, Annie will ensure 麻豆传媒 remains the preeminent athletics program among New Hampshire檚 community colleges and in New England.�

麻豆传媒 fields 13 women檚 and men檚 sports in volleyball, soccer, basketball, softball, baseball, cross country, golf, and e-sports. 麻豆传媒 teams are perennial conference, regional, and national champions. This tradition of athletic excellence, coupled with on-campus housing, a vibrant campus, and excellent academics, draws students from across the nation and over 60 countries to the college.

淚 would like to thank President Tompkins and the hiring committee for the opportunity and honor to lead the Athletic department at 麻豆传媒,� said Mattarazzo. 淚 am extremely excited and ready to get to work with the student-athletes and coaches to help the programs continue to be successful and grow. In loving what I do, it was the overall community feel and connection at 麻豆传媒 that drew me in and the team approach to the department that made me feel at home. 麻豆传媒檚 mission of innovation, empowering their diverse community, and overall focus on building and strengthening partnerships with community entities are all very appealing to me in my profession.�

淐oncord has always been a part of my life and a big part of my family檚 life, so to be able to work in this city is very special and something I will pride myself on and focus my energy on daily,� she added.

A love for athletics runs deep for Mattarazzo, who played 7 years of amateur basketball through the AAU summer program and was recruited, played, and coached at the collegiate level. Prior to that, she played 4 years of varsity basketball at Trinity. She is a former member of the Women檚 Basketball Coaches Association, a current member of the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletics Association, a National Conference participant, and a Final Four attendee. She檚 also served as a student-athlete recruiting panel member for the NHHEAF Network Organization.

Mattarazzo has been recognized many times for her achievements in athletics and scholarship. While at Plymouth State, she graduated summa cum laude, was on the President檚 List with High Honors, was a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society, received the Hazel Balch Moore scholarship, was on the Athletic Director Honor Roll, and served on the Little East All-Athletic team. While at Trinity, she was in the National Honor Society, played on the Class L Girl檚 Basketball State Championship team, was a McDonald檚 All American award nominee, and was a member of the NH Alhambra Team vs. Vt.

Mattarazzo will begin full-time on Nov. 1, 2024. For more information, contact Pres. Patrick Tompkins at ptompkins@ccsnh.edu.

麻豆传媒 � Concord檚 Community College

麻豆传媒 is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 80+ academic and workforce programs to over 3,400 students annually. 麻豆传媒 is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

The following article was published in . All credit for this article and the images it contains belongs to the NH Bar News newsletter.聽

By Tom Jarvis

On Thursday, August 22, New Hampshire Bar Association President Kathleen Mahan addressed the 2024 graduates of 麻豆传媒 � Concord’s Community College檚 Paralegal Studies Certificate Program during a special awards ceremony on the Concord campus.

The ceremony, an intimate occasion separate from the official graduation, was held to recognize the students� accomplishments and to thank their families and friends.

麻豆传媒檚 Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is known for its rigorous curriculum, designed for working professionals aiming to enhance their legal expertise. Students, most of whom work a full-time job during the day, attend two nights a week for a full year, without a spring or summer break.

After 麻豆传媒 Paralegal Studies Department Chair Stacey Peters opened the Kate Mahan Inspires Graduates at 麻豆传媒 Paralegal Studies Ceremony ceremony by congratulating the students
and thanking their families, she turned the podium over to 麻豆传媒 President Patrick Tompkins, who discussed the importance of and the need for paralegals in the Granite State.

Mahan then took to the podium to address the graduates. As a seasoned attorney with nearly 20 years of experience, her insights resonated deeply with the graduates, many of whom are poised to take on pivotal roles in the legal field.

淚t is my distinct honor to be here tonight to congratulate you all on your tremendous accomplishment,� Mahan said. 淚t will come as no surprise to anyone in this room, having gone through the rigorous program you have just completed, that paralegals play an important role in our justice system. Whether it is preparing for a trial, pulling documents for due diligence in a corporate transaction, working through a real estate closing, or providing support in a probate matter, your involvement, simply put, keeps the wheels turning. I have been in practice for nearly 20 years, and I can definitely say that the paralegals that I have had the privilege of working with have been vital members of the team and absolutely instrumental in the entire process.�

Mahan then shared some feedback from her colleagues about the crucial role of their paralegals before imparting her own personal stories about a former paralegal, Peyton, who was a graduate of the 麻豆传媒 program. Mahan also remarked that the graduates were entering the field at an exciting time when New Hampshire is expanding the role of paralegals with Rule 35 and the Paraprofessional Pilot Program, groundbreaking initiatives that allow paralegals to offer more direct support to clients.

淵ou have an amazing opportunity to take on the added challenge of providing advice and counsel, and soon, even acting as an advocate,� Mahan said. 淣ew Hampshire sees and understands that we can count on well-trained paralegals to help ensure there is access to justice for everyone, that people have counsel and someone to speak for them in what could be one of the most difficult times of their lives. It is an awesome opportunity and responsibility that I hope you will all consider.�

In closing, Mahan said, 淲hatever the area of practice you choose to go into, you are, without question, an integral part of the legal profession. You have set yourself apart with the unique skills and experience that you have obtained in this program. You have the power to make a tremendous difference in our justice system.�

As the ceremony concluded, the graduates � Patrice Benard, Charlotte Caron, Courtney Keller, Lisa Kelly-Fowler, Samantha Kirschner, Gretchen McKeen, Meghan Michaud, Morganne Moses, and Shawn Sutton � proudly received their certificates, marking the beginning of their promising careers in the legal field.

The paper, 淕enome Sequence of Arthrobacter globiformis phage MaGuCo,� introduces the reader to MaGuCo, a temperate phage isolated from a soil sample collected in Alton, N.H. The authors identified the phage檚 genome as containing more than 43,000 base pairs.

Two of the students, Amanda Diggins and Rachel Pitt, have spent their academic year focusing on research for the INBRE, or IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence. Amanda and Rachel have been previously cited in , the National Institute of Health檚 genetic sequence database and an annotated collection of all publicly available DNA sequences, as a result of the work they completed in 麻豆传媒檚 Genetics course in Fall 2022.

淭hese students� research contributes to the growing field of biomedical research,� says Dr. Patrick Tompkins, 麻豆传媒 president. 溌槎勾� inspires and prepares students for the coming age of scientific research.�

Beth Wilkes, professor in 麻豆传媒檚 Department of Natural Sciences, said, 淭hese students accomplished excellent work, and their achievements have been recognized. 淭here are already plans to continue their research and produce more publications.�

麻豆传媒 has earned its reputation for excellence in STEM programs. Opening in 1965 as New Hampshire Technical Institute with three engineering technology programs, 麻豆传媒 excels in preparing the next generation of academics, researchers, and workers for the rigors and rewards of work in their chosen STEM fields. The school, whose name changed in 2008 to reflect a larger academic focus, offers both 2-year degree and certificate programs with transferable credit opportunities to 4-year institutions.

To learn more about 麻豆传媒檚 biomedical research programs, including , , and , visit catalog.麻豆传媒.edu.

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麻豆传媒 � Concord檚 Community College

麻豆传媒 � Concord檚 Community College is a dynamic public 2-year college that provides rewarding academics and a full campus experience for students, businesses, and the community. 麻豆传媒 offers 80+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. Our programs include Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Engineering, Liberal and Visual Arts, Education, Criminal Justice, and Mathematics, all with our stellar reputation for academic excellence earned over our more than 50 years serving the Concord community. 麻豆传媒 is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education聽 and is part of the Community College System of New Hampshire.

CONCORD � Something beautiful must be in the water at 麻豆传媒 � Concord檚 Community College: After our bio of Jillian Mars, two additional Miss New Hampshire candidates came forward wanting to tell their stories. Rose McKeen is in the Business Administration program at 麻豆传媒, with plans to own and operate a dance studio, and Xanthi Russell is currently enrolled in 麻豆传媒檚 Paralegal Program with plans to graduate in 2025.

So what makes 麻豆传媒 such a destination for these smart, capable young women to begin their career? We檒l let them tell you in their own words.

Tell us about what in your life brought you to 麻豆传媒. Why did you choose us?

ROSE: I choose 麻豆传媒 because I wanted to attend college without having to worry about expensive college fees. I wanted to stay close to home and be able to pay for college myself. Luckily, I檝e been able to use my Miss New Hampshire scholarships and pay off all of my community college fees.

XANTHI: After initially pursuing a more traditional college experience and feeling stifled yet eager to enter the workforce, I made my way to 麻豆传媒. I feel rejuvenated and have grown to love this community of faculty. They are invested in each student receiving a high-quality education that appropriately prepares them for the real world.

What made you want to compete for Miss NH?

ROSE: In 2017, I was scrolling through channels with my best friend, and we stumbled across Miss America. The women were so passionate about their community service, and they were talking about how they haven檛 had to pay for college. The next day I went online and signed up.

XANTHI: I began competing 6 years ago. I was drawn to the program檚 emphasis on leadership and onstage performance. As a 4-H alumna, I grew up with community service, public speaking, and leadership ingrained into me. I also grew up dancing competitively, singing and performing in musical theater. The Miss New Hampshire pillars of scholarship, service, style, success, and sisterhood keep me coming back year after year.

What kinds of community service activities do you participate in on campus?

ROSE: One thing I love about 麻豆传媒 is that there檚 always some community service going on! One of my favorite things at 麻豆传媒 is the Lynx Closet, [麻豆传媒檚 free resources for students who need business-appropriate attire as they begin their careers]. Competing in the Miss America opportunity, I have so many clothes, so to be able to give back and donate them is super special to me.

XANTHI: I檝e participated in 麻豆传媒檚 Lynx to Leadership Summer program for the last two years and am looking forward to helping to plan it this year. I檝e enjoyed developing my leadership skills to better our school through service projects each year.

Why is public service so important to you?

ROSE: Service is so important to me because we wouldn檛 be here without it! My community service initiative is all about breaking the stigma around eating disorders. I donate care packages to those affected by eating disorders, and I have seen the impact it has on them. I am also visiting health classes and talking to students about body positivity and eating disorder prevention, and I have had students have said that my presentation has helped them tremendously!

XANTHI: The term 渟ervant leadership� has been in my vocabulary for quite some time. I consider myself a joy junkie who thrives on helping others, and I believe that leading through service is one of the best ways on Earth to set a good example. In the last year, I’ve completed over 800 hours of community service, and I look for every opportunity to connect with and help others. I檝e been formally participating in community service projects since age 8 including leading 3 international Humanitarian trips to Peru with Generations Humanitarian and speaking to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Board in Washington D.C. regarding teen relationship abuse.

If you could tell someone about your community college experience, what would you tell them?

ROSE: I would tell them to enroll! When I first enrolled at 麻豆传媒, I thought I would simply go to class and do my work, and that I would never make any friends. But this truly is a community. I檝e met my best friends here, and it seems scary at first but I promise you community college is worth it. 麻豆传媒 truly sets you up for success so you can go on and pursue your dreams.

XANTHI: Much like pageants, there remains a misconception around the community college experience; unfortunately, people don檛 always see the true value of a community college education compared to that of a traditional 4-year university. The truth is that I have felt more fulfilled, more engaged, and more connected by learning at 麻豆传媒. Having experienced both styles of learning environment, I can say with all honesty and enthusiasm that I wish I had started my educational pursuits here.

The Miss New Hampshire scholarship competition features 26 women representing their local communities throughout the state. The event will take place in April 2024 at the Stockbridge Theatre on the campus of Derry檚 Pinkerton Academy. For more information about the event and how to attend, visit .

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麻豆传媒 � Concord檚 Community College

麻豆传媒 � Concord檚 Community College is a dynamic public 2-year college that provides rewarding academics and a full campus experience for students, businesses, and the community.聽麻豆传媒 offers 80+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. Our programs include Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Engineering, Liberal and Visual Arts, Education, Criminal Justice, and Mathematics, all with our stellar reputation for academic excellence earned over our more than 50 years serving the Concord community. 麻豆传媒 is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the NE Association of Schools and Colleges and is part of the Community College System of New Hampshire.

When seven members of the same family attend the same college, a legacy of achievement is created that showcases not just tradition but a proven track record of success. For the Roberts family of Northfield, NH, 麻豆传媒 � Concord檚 Community College is truly a family success story.

淎lmost my entire family � almost my entire household � has attended 麻豆传媒,� says Marcia Roberts. As the matriarch of this blended family, Marcia has seen six of her children and her husband, William Mikels, attend 麻豆传媒.

The path began with William. At 51 years old, he檇 been working as a machinist for 30 years and was told by his employer that a degree would help him achieve his goal of advancing into a management position � a promotion with a raise included. This upskilling opportunity led him to 麻豆传媒, where for the past 4 years he檚 been taking one class at a time, working toward his associate degree in .

Watching William檚 success, the family檚 six children have followed suit. Marcia at first was concerned with cost, having spent her adult life paying back her accumulated college loans spent on her bachelor檚 degree.

淥ne of the things I didn’t want was for my kids to have that same struggle,� she says.

With William檚 decision to upskill at 麻豆传媒, Marcia got a great look at the affordability of the community college education. 麻豆传媒 offers a quality education, with expert professors who檝e worked in their fields, which helps produce successful alumni with a strong sense of community. 麻豆传媒 provides accessible education at the lowest cost-per-credit tuition in the state, which allows students to achieve their dreams without the burden of overwhelming student debt.

Each of the Roberts� children has had their own unique learning experience:

• Clark attended Plymouth State University and found that taking summer courses at 麻豆传媒 helped him finish his bachelor’s degree in 3 years instead of 4.
• Cameron graduated from 麻豆传媒 with an associate degree in in 2017 and is working with William at an engineering firm.
• Cody graduated from 麻豆传媒 with an associate degree in in 2018. He then spent three years at Southwick School as a computer teacher and currently has a video games available on Google Play.
• Susan also attended Plymouth State for two years before switching to 麻豆传媒檚
• Joy graduated early from high school and studied at 麻豆传媒. She graduated in 2020 and works as a universal banker with Meredith Village Savings Bank.
• Caelan, now just 17, also graduated a year early from high school at the top of his class. He just completed his first year at 麻豆传媒 in the

For Marcia, she believes 麻豆传媒 is now part of her family history. She understands the value and importance of education so much that she might also end up at the college someday, too.

淚 am working on my Ph.D., and I would love to teach there someday,� she says. 淚t’s such a nice school, and we’ve had such a good experience as a family.�

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麻豆传媒 � Concord檚 Community College

麻豆传媒 is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 90+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. 麻豆传媒 is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and since 1969 has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, a nongovernmental, nationally recognized accrediting agency. Visit for more information. To learn more about the 麻豆传媒 Athletics programs, contact Berkley Stevens at bstevens@ccsnh.edu.

Funding has been made available by the State of New Hampshire to support the career development, recruitment, and retention of emergency response personnel working in the Granite State.

Eligible first responders can take a course at any of New Hampshire檚 community colleges, including courses offered by CCSNH online. The program covers tuition and required fees for one course per semester, subject to eligibility and available funding.聽 Participating employees will be certified as eligible by their employers and will be reimbursed upon successful completion of the course (completing the course with a grade of C or better).聽Find programs and courses offered at each college聽on the聽, or on the college聽.

Note:聽 some courses may have prerequisites or be subject to space limitations. Law Enforcement Officers and current full-time career, part-time, on-call or volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians are eligible under this program.

Individuals employed as firefighters in New Hampshire are eligible for the above or for reimbursement of certain approved costs of the New Hampshire Fire Academy.

Law Enforcement and EMT

Download and print the聽聽(to be completed by the Employer and provided to the college)

Fire

This program provides funding for reimbursement of certain costs of the NH Fire Academy. .

By MICHAELA TOWFIGHI, Monitor Staff

As he accepted his Emmy in New York City, Samuel Habib was thankful and proud, but just like his award-winning film, he had a message.

淢y goal for this film is that people won檛 talk down to people with disabilities,� the 23-year-old Concord High School graduate told the crowd. 淚 want everyone to know that people with disabilities demand respect and rights.�

With a microphone held to the speaker of his computer-assisted communication device, he reiterated the themes of the coming-of-age film that he co-directed with his father, Dan Habib.

淚 want other young adults with disabilities to have the same opportunities that I have had for healthcare, inclusive education, college, assistive technology, making friends and independent living,� Samuel said.

The father-son duo were honored for a documentary film they made about Samuel檚 transition into adulthood, living with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, called.

When My Disability Roadmap was announced as the winner in the Outstanding Soft Feature Story, Long Form category, immediate screams came from the Habib entourage. Then, it was a beeline for the stage, through an accessible route in the hallway of the Palladium Times Square, where Samuel could drive his 350-pound motorized wheelchair to the podium.

In My Disability Roadmap, the Habibs take viewers on a journey across the country, as Samuel asks questions of disability activists on what it is like to transition into adulthood.

In one scene, Samuel ask聽Joe Biden how he planned聽to support inclusive education for students with disabilities if he were elected president.

淵ou should be integrated into all the classes,� Biden says. 淏ecause you檙e smart, you檙e smart, you檙e smart. The disability does not define who you are.�

Biden touched Samuel檚 cheek as he answered the question.

淚 can檛 believe he stroked my face,� Samuel says in the film. 淲eird.�

Still, Samuel voted for Biden, submitting his ballot into the machine at his Concord polling place.

Like most people his age, Samuel wants to start dating. Someday, he wants to get married and have kids, he says in the documentary, which was produced by the New York Times.

淚 don檛 want to rely on my mom and dad so much,� he said in the film. 淚 want to figure out how to follow my dreams. But nobody tells you how to be an adult, let alone an adult with a disability.�

They set out to talk to 渂ad-ass people with disabilities who figured it out.� Perhaps one could become a mentor, Samuel wondered in the film.

One of those people was Judy Heumann. Samuel dedicated the film to her after she passed away in March.

The documentary has now received one of the highest forms of recognition, which serves to elevate the voices of anyone living with a disability, Dan Habib said in an interview on the drive back to Concord from New York.

淪amuel obviously has lived his whole life with a disability, that is his whole life experience. He has always felt and deserved a sense of belonging in all aspects of society,� he said. 淏ut not everyone with a disability, in fact the majority of people with disabilities, don檛 necessarily experience that.�

Instead, many people with disabilities often feel segregated from education, employment, housing, relationships, healthcare � you name it.

In the film, the Habibs not only began to answer some of Samuel檚 questions � like how and when to start dating. But it also shows viewers the obstacles people with disabilities face as they try to access all parts of society.

This was not the Habibs� first film together, either. In 2018, Dan聽chronicled聽Concord High School Principal Gene Connolly檚聽battle with聽amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a disease that stole his ability to walk and speak,聽in a film simply titled,聽.

That film featured聽a video clip of Samuel and his principal communicating through fist bumps and hand gestures at a unified basketball game聽At the end of his tenure at Concord High School, Connolly was communicating through a device similar to Samuel檚.

Habib wanted to ask Connolly a question that is ever present in his experience as a parent of a son living with a disability � what does it feel like when people speak down to him, like when people speak to Samuel as if he was four years old?

Did people begin to question Connolly檚 intelligence after he lost his ability to speak and walk?

淧eople don檛 understand the disease. They think the disease has affected my cognitive abilities. While I look different, inside I am still the same person,� Connolly replied. 淚t can be frustrating and exhausting. I have a newfound respect for people with disabilities.�

Samuel, who is pursuing a career in multimedia storytelling,聽served as a consultant on that聽documentary.

After that aired, Habib was contemplating his next project with聽his son. They already built聽a long history of collaboration. In 2007, Habib released a film called聽, which addressed the family檚 efforts to include Samuel in every facet of their lives.聽Fifteen years later, father and son told the story together.

淎ll of our work has centered on elevating the perspectives of disabled people,� he said. 淲e just decided this would be a really fun and meaningful and exciting project to do together.�

CONCORD � Emma Parcells, a student at 麻豆传媒 � Concord檚 Community College, has embarked on an inspiring journey through the world of art while managing the challenges of major, life-changing health issues at a young age. For almost a decade, her passion for art has become a tool for healing her chronic pain.

At age 11, Emma was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or CRPS, a rare condition that inflicts chronic pain and can affect the ability to walk, and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). She was also diagnosed with a genetic connective tissue disorder called hEDS, or Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. This disorder causes generalized joint instability that results in frequent joint dislocations. An athlete as a younger kid, she has been confined to a wheelchair for nearly a decade.

From an early age, Emma displayed an extraordinary connection to art that surpassed that of her classmates. After being diagnosed with CRPS, she spent a lot of time in her room where it was quiet, as noises and vibrations exacerbated the chronic pain. Emma was given mandala coloring books to help her pass the time. She discovered the healing power of art and realized it was more than one of her life-long hobbies. For Emma, art became a powerful therapeutic outlet that made the pain 渓ess.�

“Art distracts me from the pain and lets me escape reality. By giving my brain a break, it makes my pain easier to manage,” Emma said.

After exploring various treatment options that were unsuccessful, Emma started a protocol of high-dose ketamine infusions at the Florida Spine Institute. In 2017, Emma began traveling there regularly for treatments that alleviated the chronic pain for 8-10 weeks at a time. Now, she spends a week getting infusions that bring the pain to a manageable level and returns to New Hampshire to recover and resume her studies and art until the pain increases again.

Emma’s passion for art continued to grow as she managed the disease and cyclical treatments. She graduated from Concord High School in 2022, with art playing an essential role to get her through these challenges. Drawing mandalas that were more and more complex became her passion and the focus of her art, and she often spends weeks perfecting them.

Transitioning to college life can be intimidating for any young adult, but for Emma, attending college with a disability created additional hurdles. She hadn’t attended an in-person class since before the pandemic. Emma felt immediately connected to the staff at 麻豆传媒 from day one. She is thankful for the amount of support 麻豆传媒 has provided to help her fully immerse herself in the college experience. 麻豆传媒檚 commitment to accessibility and assistance for students with disabilities continues to play a vital role in enabling Emma to be engaged in her studies, including studio time for her favorite class � ceramics.

淭he staff at 麻豆传媒 has been amazing at helping me transition to college despite my disabilities,� said Emma. 淭he professors have been very flexible with my treatment schedules by allowing me to make up the work I miss when I檓 gone.�

In 2019, Emma檚 doctor submitted a referral to Make-A-Wish. Once Emma’s eligibility was confirmed, the Foundation granted her wish in 2021, which was to have her own art studio. The Make-A-Wish Foundation fulfilled her dream by constructing a personal studio within her apartment.

Emma, expressing her gratitude, said, “My art studio is amazing, and it gives me the freedom to create anything I could imagine. Having the studio in my apartment lets me make art even if I am too sick to leave.�

In addition to her new art studio and a significant amount of art supplies, Emma connected with Ann Trainor Domingue � which were all components of her granted wish. Trainor Domingue, an experienced artist and educator from Goffstown, became a mentor to Emma as her artistic skills progressed.

While Emma’s artistic talent helped her cope with the challenges of her disability and its associated pain and regular treatments, her personal story of resilience and positivity also caught the attention of others. She was asked by the Make-a-Wish Foundation to tell this story in video form so it could be shared with others for inspiration and hope. She was also asked to make a print for the Make-A-Wish Breakfast for Wishes Fundraiser that was given to attendees. She attended the event, where the video was played to a large audience.

After sharing her story and the positive impact of her Make-A-Wish experience, the audience was deeply touched, leading to numerous post-video conversations where people inquired about her artwork. At the event were staff members from Chaos & Kindness, the philanthropically oriented stores founded by the members of Recycled Percussion. They asked her to design apparel for their line as part of the store檚 program to recognize local artists. Of course, she agreed.

Initially unsure of how her design would turn out, Emma was left speechless when she first saw her artwork displayed on a hoodie and tank top on the Chaos & Kindness website. As Emma’s art design gained recognition, it brought her immense joy to see people wearing her art, and this became a valuable source of comfort while facing the challenges of CRPS.

“When people create art, they pour out part of themselves into something. When people liked my design, it helped make me feel better about being in pain,” Emma shared.

Emma is determined to continue her art journey, with a strong focus on expanding her skills by exploring new techniques. Her dedication to art is evident as she completed her ceramics course and is excited to continue her studies at 麻豆传媒. She aspires to expand her artistic horizons, saying that she has no plans to stop pursuing art.

淎rt is a huge part of my life and will remain with me forever.�

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麻豆传媒 � Concord檚 Community College

麻豆传媒 is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 90+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. 麻豆传媒 is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and since 1969 has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, a nongovernmental, nationally recognized accrediting agency. Visit for more information. To learn more about the 麻豆传媒 Athletics programs, contact Berkley Stevens at bstevens@ccsnh.edu.

Press Contact 聽聽 Amber Gavriluk聽 |聽 603-230-4001聽 |聽 agavriluk@ccsnh.edu

Community College System of New Hampshire Announces New Promise Program to Provide Need-Based Gap Funding to Eligible NH Students
Combined with federal grants, new program promises to cover tuition and required comprehensive fees for the next year for eligible students

Manchester, N.H. (July 12, 2023) � The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) will be offering a significant, new need-based funding program for the 2023-24 academic year. CCSNH檚 Promise Program will help New Hampshire students who qualify based on financial need by bridging the gap between grants, scholarships, and the cost of tuition and required comprehensive fees, at all seven of New Hampshire檚 community colleges. The program was announced by system leadership on July 12 at Manchester Community College, with students, guests and college personnel in attendance.

Funding for the Promise Program was included in the biennial budget passed by the New Hampshire Legislature and signed into law by Governor Sununu. The Promise Program is need-based financial assistance for New Hampshire students enrolled in courses that are part of an academic degree or certificate program. Potential recipients of the Promise Program need to complete the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), be Pell-eligible, and enroll in at least six credits per semester. CCSNH will apply any scholarships and grants first and the gap that remains may be covered through the Promise Program.

淪ome people say that New Hampshire faces a challenging future, owing to slow growth and an aging population, but that also means that New Hampshire檚 future is filled with opportunities for people who are prepared to pursue them,� said Mark Rubinstein, CCSNH Chancellor. 淲ith the state檚 new investment in our work, and really more, with the state檚 investment in the promise and the potential of the residents of the Granite State, we can now help more students who want to learn and contribute to New Hampshire檚 future, by strengthening the workforce that supports a thriving economy, that supports innovation, and that meets the needs of the people of this state. That is the purpose behind the Promise Program.�

This new program comes just two weeks after CCSNH announced a tuition freeze for the 2023-2024 school year as part of its continued commitment to provide a high-quality education that is affordable for New Hampshire students and families. Ninety-three percent of students at CCSNH are in-state residents, and the vast majority remain in New Hampshire after graduating, joining the local workforce, or continuing their education through one of the transfer pathways between NH檚 community colleges and bachelor檚 degree-granting institutions.

CCSNH is dedicated to the educational, professional, and personal success of its students; a skilled workforce for the state檚 businesses; and a strong New Hampshire economy.

For more information on the Promise Program, visit ChooseCommunity.Com/Promise.

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麻豆传媒 CCSNH
New Hampshire檚 seven community colleges, located across the state to serve every NH community and region, enroll more than 20,000 students annually including 8,000 high school students who take courses for dual high school and college credit at a reduced cost. Thanks to state support, CCSNH is also able to broaden the number of courses that high schoolers can take at no cost, getting a head start on college requirements and saving from the eventual costs of a college degree. CCSNH also offers short-term, customized career training that prepares individuals for in-demand jobs and helps New Hampshire employees meet their hiring needs.聽 CCSNH works to align its programming with the needs of the state, helping thousands of students enter careers or begin their education before transferring to a four-year college or university. CCSNH has long been the largest transfer partner of the state檚 university system and has relationships with numerous other transfer destinations for students.

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CCSNH Promise Program FAQs

Who is eligible?

The Promise Program is need-based financial assistance for New Hampshire students enrolled in courses that are part of an academic degree or certificate program at one of seven community colleges. If you are eligible for a Pell grant of any amount, you may qualify.

You will know if you are Pell-eligible once you have submitted the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (), a form completed by current and prospective college students in the United States to determine their eligibility for student financial aid. [open link in new window]

Full and part-time students are eligible. To receive Promise Program funds, you must enroll for at least 6 credits per semester.

How do I apply for funding?

You must complete the FAFSA and all federal requirements, if any. If you need help with the FAFSA process, contact your college檚 Financial Aid Office. There is no separate application for Promise Program funds.

How much funding can I receive?

If you receive any amount of Pell funding, the Promise Program can cover the gap between your grants and the full amount of tuition and required comprehensive fees. If you receive other grants in addition to Pell such as Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Unique Scholarship, Governor檚 Scholarship, or private tuition scholarships, we will apply those first; and then any gap that remains may be covered through the Promise Program.

I was only planning to attend part-time.聽 Can I change my plans to add more courses and pay for them with Promise Program funding?

Yes. If you are eligible for Promise Program funds, you may add courses; the program will cover full-time enrollment for eligible students.

I already applied and registered for classes for the Fall 2023 semester. Am I still eligible for the Promise Program?聽

Yes. If you have completed the FAFSA and all federal requirements, you will be notified by the Financial Aid Office.

What about specialized program fees?

Some programs do have specific fees that cover specialized materials, tools, and equipment (for example, welding, auto, nursing, dental and some others). Those additional fees are not presently covered by the Promise Program, but you can review your financial aid offer for other potential sources of aid.

Can I connect with someone to learn more about the Promise Program?聽

Yes. Please select contact information for the college you are attending or wish to attend (eligibility is the same at all NH community colleges).

• Great Bay Community College聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 gbfinaid@ccsnh.edu
• Lakes Region Community College聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 lrccfinancialaid@ccsnh.edu
• Manchester Community College聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 mcc-fa@ccsnh.edu
• Nashua Community College聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 nashua_financial_aid@ccsnh.edu
• 麻豆传媒 � Concord檚 Community College聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 nhtifinaid@ccsnh.edu
• River Valley Community College聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 rvccfinaid@ccsnh.edu
• White Mountains Community College聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 wmccfinancialaid@ccsnh.edu

Where is the funding coming from?

The Promise Program was included in the biennial budget passed by the New Hampshire Legislature and signed into law by Governor Sununu. This is the first time a program like this has been funded at New Hampshire檚 community colleges. This is currently a one-time investment by the State, and the program will only be continued in future years if additional funds are appropriated.

How do I apply for admission?

Information on programs and how to apply can be found here

Is there anything else I should know?

At New Hampshire檚 community colleges, we want to help you set educational goals and achieve them.聽 Whether it檚 this Promise Program or other sources of aid we identify, talk to us and let us find a way to help. Every year, thousands of students achieve their goals at New Hampshire檚 community colleges. You can, too.

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