MANCHESTER: On May 15, The Professional Association (TPA) awarded Boys & Girls Club of Manchester (BGCM) CEO Diane Fitzpatrick with its “Executive of the Year” honor at the National Conference in Atlanta. The award is presented to one executive annually who has made a significant impact on their Club and its mission. Since her arrival to BGCM in 2014, Fitzpatrick has led the Club through a three-year, $6.2 million capital campaign to create new sections of the Union Street Clubhouse to accommodate more kids; added new programs such as the Tween Center, STEAM Lab, fitness room and Zen Den; helped increase school attendance and educational progress of club members; created a weekly food pantry to combat food insecurity; and much more.
CONCORD: Colby-Sawyer College, Franklin Pierce University, Keene State College, New England College, and Plymouth State University have joined the New England Transfer Guarantee, a program of the New England Board of Higher Education which makes it easier to transfer associate-degree students in the Community College System of NH who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree program at a four-year institution in the state. Those students who meet the required grade point average are guaranteed admission to a four-year college of their choosing, and the application fee and essay requirement are waived.
FRANCONIA: The New England Ski Museum (NESM) received a grant from The Pequawket Foundation, that will cover a portion of the expenses needed to support the 2024 NESM Technology Project, designed to preserve humanities collections and strengthen the museum’s ability to serve the public. The funds will help with broadband enhancements, website redesign and digital exhibit upgrades for permanent exhibits.
MANCHESTER: Business litigator and IP partner at Hinckley Allen Kathleen M. Mahan has become the 125th president of the NH Bar Association, a nonprofit, court-mandated organization of nearly 9,000 lawyers and judges. In her role, Kathleen will continue to focus on programs providing practical and valuable support for all members, including initiatives aimed at broadening the scope of mental health and wellness benefits to members both professionally and personally. Since 2020, Chambers & Partners USA has ranked her as a leading lawyer for business in general commercial litigation.
CONCORD: The 2024 Kids Count Data Book, a 50-state report compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, has ranked New Hampshire No. 1 as the best state in the country for child wellbeing. However, the report also found that, in 2021-22, more than one in three Granite State children one or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), such as family economic hardship, incarcerated or deceased parents, witnessing domestic violence, or living with someone with a mental illness or substance use problem. Additionally, 33% of school-age children in New Hampshire were chronically absent from classes in 2021-22.
