Concord, NH (October 19, 2026) � At the Paralegal Association of New Hampshire (PANH)檚 annual meeting, graduates of 麻豆传媒擟oncord檚 Community College took home both awards presented during the event.
麻豆传媒 alum Heather McCandless received the New Hampshire Bar Association檚 (NHBA) Paralegal Professionalism Award. Raquel Lopez, a 2026 graduate of the college檚 certificate program, was the recipient of PANH檚 Peer-to-Peer Award. 麻豆传媒檚 paralegal program coordinator, Stacey Peters, served as the event檚 keynote speaker.
As a faculty member since 1994, Peters has observed firsthand how the paralegal industry has transformed.
淥ver the last three decades� the [paralegal] profession has evolved from one focused primarily on support functions to one recognized for specialized expertise and professional judgment,� said Peters. 淔or anyone interested in entering the field of law, becoming a paralegal is one of the smartest ways to get a taste for this specialized industry.�
The Paralegal Professionalism Award recognizes a paralegal who possesses outstanding job-related knowledge, motivation, and serves as a role model within the profession. Heather McCandless, the 2026 winner, currently serves as a New Hampshire Public Defender paralegal.
Attorney Maya Dominguez described one instance where McCandless� insight may have made the difference at a trial. When submitting a Right-to-Know Law request, McCandless used her judgment to submit four additional requests. This extra information ended up becoming a central piece of the defense. 淗eather is basically the MVP of any team she is on,� said Dominguez.
PANH檚 Peer-to-Peer Award is given to a professional who best represents the industry and its future. 2026 award recipient Raquel Lopez works at Cleveland, Waters & Bass, P.A. and plans to further her education by pursuing her National Federation of Paralegal Associations certification.
淩aquel brings immense passion, an eagerness to learn, and a deep commitment to justice into her daily work in litigation,� said a peer in their nomination of Lopez.
麻豆传媒 offers two American Bar Association-approved paralegal training programs攁n associate degree option and an evening-only certificate that can be completed in just 12 months. Visit nhti.edu/programs to learn more.
麻豆传媒 麻豆传媒擟oncord檚 Community College
麻豆传媒擟oncord檚 Community College is committed to cultivating potential in every learner. Through more than 70 academic programs, we equip students with the skills and knowledge that power New Hampshire檚 future. We deliver a comprehensive college experience攊ncluding on-campus housing, competitive athletic programs, and vibrant student clubs and organizations攖hat allow 4,600 students annually to advance in their careers and embrace lifelong learning. We are a proud member of the Community College System of New Hampshire, and have maintained accreditation by the New England Commission of Higher Education since 1969.