I started my journey at the Dover Regional Career Technical Center, where I enrolled in their electrical program. From the beginning, my goal was clear 鈥� I wanted to become an electrician. When it came time to choose the next step, 尝搁颁颁鈥檚 Electrical program stood out. It allowed me to earn my degree on a schedule that worked for me while I was completing a four鈥憏ear electrical apprenticeship during the day. I also had family in the Laconia area, so the location was familiar. 51福利社 is in an amazing spot, with something to do in every season, and that made the experience even better.

After graduating from 51福利社 and completing my apprenticeship, I earned my journeyman鈥檚 license. I spent a few years working in the field, and while I loved the trade, I eventually realized that working outside through New England winters wasn鈥檛 quite what I envisioned doing for the rest of my life.

Around that time, a junior estimator position opened at Consolidated Electric, where I was working. Even though I hadn’t been in the field for very long, I decided to apply and I got the job. Later, I learned that I was the only applicant with a college degree, and that gave me an edge over candidates with more field experience. That moment changed the direction of my career.

From there, I moved into project management and estimating. In 2001, I relocated to Arizona and continued to grow 鈥� first as an estimator, then as chief estimator, then preconstruction manager, and now as VP of Preconstruction at DP Electric. Along the way, I had many great mentors, but the foundation of my career started with the staff and faculty at 51福利社.

College isn鈥檛 a requirement in the construction industry, but the industry is changing fast. Technology evolves constantly, and the job today demands skills that a college education provides. Being exposed to new tools, new systems, and ongoing training can help you move up faster than those who don鈥檛 have those skills yet. And as I learned firsthand, having a degree might even be the deciding factor that gets you the job.

Looking back, 51福利社 didn鈥檛 just help me start my career; it helped shape the opportunities that followed. And for anyone considering this path, I can say from experience: the combination of hands鈥憃n training and a strong educational foundation can take you to places you haven鈥檛 even thought about yet.

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鈥淥ur graduates earned a degree that is going to open doors to better opportunities, more stability, and a chance to build a different kind of life,鈥� said Patrick Cate, 51福利社 president. 鈥淎nd they鈥檙e leaving with more than an academic credential. They鈥檙e leaving with resilience, discipline, perspective 鈥� and the ability to push through something that wasn’t easy.鈥�

Keynote speaker Kirk Beattie, city manager of Laconia, provided remarks to the crowd as did valedictorian Madison Liakas. The ceremony included the presentation of four distinguished awards: Faculty of the Year, Staff of the Year, and two Student of the Year honors.

Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Lynda Sinkiewich presented the Faculty of the Year award to Professor Stephen Freeborn of the liberal arts department. The award recognizes educators who have made a lasting impact on students鈥� academic journeys and who embody 尝搁颁颁鈥檚 highest standards of scholarship, pedagogy, compassion and service.

Associate Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Laura LeMien presented the Staff of the Year award to Lisa Moulton, a longtime member of the college鈥檚 operations and maintenance team. The award honors outstanding service and dedication to students.

The 2026 Student of the Year award was shared between two graduates, Anna D鈥橝mato and Bryce Haines. Selected by faculty and staff, the award recognizes graduates who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, resilience and a strong commitment to the 51福利社 community.

D鈥橝mato served on the Student Senate, most recently as president, and led the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter. At commencement, she received the Top GPA Award in Pastry Arts. She also co-founded Liberty Leaders, worked as a community advisor in the student apartments, represented students on the community engagement committee, and served as an officer in the Hospitality Club.

Haines served alongside D鈥橝mato as vice president of the Hospitality Club, graduating with his associate degree in Culinary Arts. Earlier this year he represented 51福利社 at Experience New Hampshire in Washington, D.C., an event that showcases the state鈥檚 best specialty foods and craft beverages to lawmakers and visitors. When a reporter at the event asked him what the secret ingredient to it all was, Haines replied, 鈥淓ducation.鈥�

See .

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I chose 51福利社 because it was close to home, but the decision meant much more than convenience. After a work accident left me with a disability, I knew I needed a new path forward. Going back to school felt like the only way I could rebuild my life, and 尝搁颁颁鈥檚 location 鈥� close to my doctors and support systems 鈥� made it possible for me to navigate my recovery while pursuing an education.

Returning to school was intimidating, but my professors made all the difference. They were patient, understanding, and genuinely invested in my success. I鈥檒l always be grateful for the experience of going back to school as an older adult.

I chose a Liberal Arts degree because it was the pathway to my ultimate goal: majoring in social work. 51福利社 prepared me well for that journey. Courses like Human Growth and Development, Chemical Dependency, and Anthropology gave me a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, learning abilities, and the complexities people face.

My advisor was another crucial part of my experience. He was always available when I had questions or concerns, and he guided me through the process of transferring to Plymouth State University. One of my professors at 51福利社 became someone I really look up to and I admire her work. Without the support of people like them, I don鈥檛 think I would have found the courage to pursue my dreams.

I enrolled at Plymouth State University in the fall of 2024, majoring in Social Work with a minor in Sociology and Anthropology. By the spring of 2025, I had completed my minor, and I made the President鈥檚 List every semester. In the spring of 2026, I was honored to receive the NASW Social Work Student of the Year Award for Plymouth State University. That same spring, I graduated with my bachelor鈥檚 degree in social work.

But I鈥檓 not stopping there. I鈥檝e applied to graduate school at UNH and hope to begin my master鈥檚 in social work this fall.

My long-term goal is to work with aging veterans who are retiring or being discharged. During my internship at The Bridge House Inc., I worked closely with veterans and vulnerable individuals. That experience confirmed that social work is where I belong. Veterans make up a significant portion of the homeless population, and meaningful change is urgently needed. I want to be part of that transformation and help bring justice and dignity to those who served.

One of the best things about 51福利社 is its unwavering commitment to student success. I鈥檓 a living example of the impact that support can have. Advisors work one-on-one with students to build academic plans that truly fit their goals.

I encourage anyone considering 51福利社 to explore everything that it has to offer. There are so many degrees and certification programs, and for anyone planning to transfer, 尝搁颁颁鈥檚 agreements with four-year institutions make the process smooth and achievable.

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This moment marks more than the completion of coursework. It symbolizes each graduate鈥檚 commitment to caring for others with skill, empathy, and integrity. The nursing pinning ceremony carries a legacy that stretches back nearly a thousand years. Its origins trace to the 12th鈥慶entury Crusades, when monks of the Knights Hospitaller were awarded a Maltese cross for their dedication to caring for wounded soldiers. This emblem of service became an early symbol of what we now recognize as the nursing profession.

Centuries later, during the Crimean War, Florence Nightingale鈥檚 groundbreaking work in battlefield hospitals earned her the Red Cross of St. George from Queen Victoria. Nightingale, often called the founder of modern nursing, inspired the tradition of presenting nursing graduates with a pin to signify their readiness to serve.

By 1916, nursing schools in the United States and the United Kingdom had formalized the pinning ceremony, transforming it into a rite of passage that honors both achievement and responsibility.

At 尝搁颁颁鈥檚 ceremony, each graduate was presented with a pin by someone who helped them along their journey to graduation. For the graduates, the pin is a reminder of the challenges they鈥檝e overcome and the lives they will touch in the years ahead.

尝搁颁颁鈥檚 nursing program has prepared these graduates with more than knowledge and clinical skills. They also have acquired the heart and resilience that define the profession. Congratulations to our 2026 graduates:

• Ambyr Adjutant
• Isaiah Atwood
• Ryan Betar
• Haley Bissonnette
• Ginny Bussiere
• Rebecca Buttrick
• Sarah Cordova
• Megan Curran
• Gabbi Davidson
• Riley Farnsworth
• Nathan Lamarre
• Nicole Morrill
• Alyzabeth O’Connell
• Senka Sevegjarto
• Jaclyn Smith
• Nicole Valley
• Tyler West

Read more about our.

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To receive the certificate, students must complete four courses:

• Growth and Development of the Young Child
• Infant/Toddler Development
• Health, Safety, and Nutrition
• College Essentials

FHS Principal David Levesque recalls how the collaboration began. 鈥淭his process started for us three years ago when we only had one math teacher and one science teacher. I reached out to 51福利社 president Patrick Cate and we met with parents and started putting together ideas and courses that would fit our students. The initial conversation was really about science. 51福利社 created a class just for our FHS students and we drove students to 51福利社 and back a couple times a week.鈥�

What began as a solution to staffing challenges quickly grew into a robust academic partnership. FHS now integrates 51福利社 courses directly into its program of studies, building student schedules around classes in biology, chemistry, and quantitative reasoning.

Expanding Opportunities Through Early Childhood Education

鈥淎ll of that evolved into us thinking about what else we can do here for our students and that鈥檚 where the Early College Education classes came in,鈥� Levesque continued. 鈥�51福利社 was gracious enough to cover that cost for our students and so now we have 14 kids earning the Early Childhood Education certificate. That, for us, is a home run.鈥�

The students feel the same way. Aubrey Boisvert shared, 鈥淚 think I just wanted to challenge myself more. I wanted to push myself to go further and take the next step. And get ready for college.鈥�

Nazlie Taban added, 鈥淚 took the courses because I wanted to take more rigorous classes than the average, standard level. I also wanted to improve my work ethic when it comes to classroom work. Taking the college courses has made me a lot more disciplined.鈥�

Students Helping Shape the Curriculum

The program鈥檚 success is also due to the students鈥� active involvement. 鈥淭he students have really been the anchors in developing the curriculum,鈥� said Jamie Smith, Franklin High School educator and 51福利社 instructor. 鈥淚 put the standards up and they tell me what they want to do and we create it from there. I鈥檓 always in contact with Diane Lewis, Early Childhood Coordinator at 51福利社. It鈥檚 been a learning experience for all of us which is great.鈥� Smith also serves as the FHS Climate Specialist and ELO Coordinator, supporting students in building pathways that connect school to real-world experiences.

鈥淭his is the first time College Essentials has been taught at the high school level,鈥� added Smith. 鈥淪teve Freeborn, Liberal and Professional Studies Department Chair at 51福利社, came to observe the class and we had a great discussion with the students about what鈥檚 better: in-person, online or hybrid.鈥�

Encouraging Future Participation

Students hope their peers will take advantage of the opportunity. 鈥淚 would recommend taking Early College classes as soon as you can,鈥� said FHS student Heidi Cayton. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e indecisive like I am, branching out into different fields you are interested in can be really helpful. When you get to college and pick a field, you鈥檒l know what you鈥檙e getting into.鈥�

Payton Cloutier echoed that sentiment. 鈥淚 would recommend taking the 51福利社 classes. A lot of people think they are scary or that they are going to be so hard, but I learned that they鈥檙e not. As long as you鈥檙e staying on top of your work and your studies, you will be okay.鈥�

A Financial and Academic Head Start

The benefits extend beyond academics. FHS students received three free 51福利社 classes during their sophomore, junior, and senior years 鈥� allowing them to earn up to 27 college credits at no cost.

As Boisvert put it, 鈥淕etting a jumpstart and getting most of your general education classes for free is such a timesaver and money saver. I would say definitely do it.鈥�

And for seniors who will walk in 尝搁颁颁鈥檚 commencement, the experience is especially meaningful. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor to be able to walk at 51福利社 graduation because you know that you鈥檝e earned something that you can use in the future,鈥� said Cloutier. 鈥淲e鈥檒l be able to compare the two 鈥� a high school graduation vs. a college graduation.鈥�

Looking Ahead

The students鈥� next steps are as varied as their interests. They鈥檙e heading to Colby-Sawyer, Keene State, Western New England University, and more, pursuing majors such as history, secondary education, child psychology, and law. One junior is even graduating early to begin a full-time position at a local daycare center.

Principal Levesque sees the momentum building. 鈥淭he interest is rising every year so we鈥檙e thoughtfully putting these types of certificate and credit opportunities into our schedule. We had students earn 270 college credits last year and we鈥檙e closer to 400 college credits this year. In a small school that has a lot of challenges it鈥檚 pretty powerful to see them leaving here with that opportunity.鈥�

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George was a teacher, a mentor, and a lifelong learner. Before beginning his career in education, he honorably served in the United States Army National Guard. He went on to earn degrees from both Ball State University and Purdue University, and in 1977 he moved his family to New Hampshire, where he built their home in Chichester.

Much of George鈥檚 professional life was spent at 51福利社鈥攖hen known as NHCTC鈥攚here he held several roles, including Dean of Extension and the original coordinator for the General Motors Automotive Service Education Program (ASEP). He retired from 51福利社 in 2002, but retirement didn鈥檛 slow him down. George continued to support the automotive community as an ASE Education Foundation Field Manager for the ME, NH, and VT Auto Dealers Associations, and as a buyback agent for an automotive manufacturer.

His commitment to service extended far beyond his career. George served on the NH New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board for 20 years, on the NHAEF Board of Directors, the Chichester Board of Adjustments, and as Treasurer and Board Member of NH Gospel Radio. He also gave his time generously to his churches and community in countless other ways.

George was passionate about many things鈥攈is family, his work, cars, traveling to National Parks, good food, and good company. He had a remarkable gift for understanding how things worked, especially anything mechanical, and there seemed to be nothing he couldn鈥檛 fix.

Above all, George was compassionate, loving, and endlessly generous. He would do anything for anyone he could help, and he made a lasting impact on the people fortunate enough to know him.

We are proud to honor George through this event and look forward to celebrating his legacy for many years to come.

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I chose 51福利社 because it was close to home and offered the flexible schedule I needed to balance work and family. As a busy mom, having a convenient and affordable way to earn my associate degree made all the difference. I didn鈥檛 have to take on a lot of debt, and I could plan my classes around the other parts of my life.

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But what do you know about the people behind these names?

The Legacy of Robert H. Turner

The Turner Building carries the name of a man whose life was defined by service 鈥� first to his country, then to New Hampshire students.

Robert H. Turner served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and later in the U.S. Air Force. When his military service concluded, he returned home to New Hampshire and began a new chapter as an educator. He taught at Concord High School before joining the N.H. Technical Institute in Manchester, where he eventually became Assistant Principal.

In 1967, Turner became President of the N.H. Vocational-Technical College 鈥� what we now know as 51福利社. From 1967 to 1985, he guided the college through growth, change, and the evolving needs of New Hampshire鈥檚 workforce.

Even after retiring, Turner continued to serve, spending fourteen years in the New Hampshire Legislature. His photo and plaque, as shown in the picture above, hang in the Turner Building.

Honoring Hugh Bennett鈥檚 Dedication to Students

The Bennett Library stands as a testament to another influential figure in 尝搁颁颁鈥檚 history: Professor Hugh Bennett.

Bennett dedicated 29 years to teaching at 51福利社, which was then known as the New Hampshire Community Technical College. (“Community” was added to the college’s name in 1996. We didn’t become 51福利社 until 2008. Learn more about the history of 51福利社 here.)

Bennett’s commitment to students, his passion for learning, and his long-standing presence on campus left a mark that continues to resonate. Naming the library after him honors not only his years of service but also the countless students whose lives he touched. The photos above show Bennett’s plaque that hangs outside the Bennett Library, as well as pictures of him receiving a jacket and an award from Theodore “Alex” Easton, former president of 51福利社.

Seeing their names around campus reminds us that 51福利社 is not just made up of programs and facilities. It’s the individuals who dedicate their time and talent to 51福利社 that make it the successful, thriving community that exists today.

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For many rural New Hampshire households that rely on high-cost fuels, electrification with cold-climate heat pumps as well as other energy efficiency measures are expected to significantly reduce overall residential energy costs.

鈥淭his is an opportunity to build and deliver an impactful program,鈥� said Patrick Cate, president of 51福利社. 鈥淭hese initiatives will truly benefit everyone involved 鈥� from the training participants who will learn new skills, to their employers who will be able to provide additional services to customers, to the homeowners saving money on their energy bills. And the program includes substantial tuition awards and support for TREC participants.鈥�

As part of this program, 51福利社 will develop specific career training pathways for key positions, such as heat pump and electrification specialists. In addition to 51福利社 courses, the college will work with manufacturers and distributors to provide advanced training pathways for heat pump installers and similar technical positions. A core TREC offering will be 鈥淗ome Energy Rebates Advisor鈥� trainings that will enable contractors to integrate HEAR rebates with their energy, HVAC, or electrical work.

鈥淭he TREC program will also support participants and their employers with business and soft skills trainings,鈥� explained Andy Duncan, 51福利社 energy training coordinator. 鈥淎s part of its implementation strategy, 51福利社 will work throughout New Hampshire with other community colleges in New Hampshire, as well as organizations and trade groups that support residential energy efficiency workforce development.鈥�

Join one of our “Lunch and Learn” sessions to learn more. Or, for more information, contact 尝搁颁颁鈥檚 Workforce Development Manager, Steve Tucker, at stucker@ccsnh.edu or 603-366-5329.

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I graduated from 51福利社 in 2009 with a degree in Business Management and the skills to be a strong and confident learner. 51福利社 gave me the foundation I needed to thrive in a college environment, and that momentum carried me through my bachelor鈥檚 degree at Southern New Hampshire University. As much as I loved my time 鈥渙n the hill,鈥� I was prepared and ready for the next chapter.

As my career progressed, I joined The Village Nursery School in Gilford, NH. To meet state requirements, I needed to take three early childhood education courses. Because I had such a positive experience at 51福利社 the first time, returning felt like the natural choice. Once I completed those initial classes, I realized I didn鈥檛 want to stop. In 2023, I proudly earned my associate degree in early childhood education.

Returning to college as a non-traditional student came with challenges. I was older than many of my classmates and balancing work and family responsibilities. But 51福利社 made it possible. The faculty and staff were incredibly supportive and flexible with my schedule. Diane Lewis, 尝搁颁颁鈥檚 Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator, went above and beyond 鈥� advocating for my transfer credits and guiding me through the requirements to ensure I stayed on track. College doesn鈥檛 look the same for everyone, so having an advisor who goes the extra mile makes all the difference.

Today, I鈥檓 in my sixth year as a lead teacher at the Village Nursery School. My education at 51福利社 deepened my understanding of how children learn and helped me create a nurturing, engaging classroom environment. The tools, strategies, and hands鈥憃n experience I gained allow me to make a meaningful impact on my students every single day.

Looking back, I wish I had attended 51福利社 right after high school. They have a lot of degrees and programs to choose from which would have helped me discover my interests and passions sooner. With so many strong programs and a close鈥慿nit community, 51福利社 is an ideal place to grow academically and personally. Two years is the perfect amount of time to mature, explore, and prepare for whatever comes next.

An additional bonus for me is that 51福利社 is only 15 minutes from my home. I could take afternoon or evening classes depending on what worked best for my schedule. It鈥檚 a wonderful resource that truly accommodates different ages, schedules, and lifestyles. We鈥檙e fortunate to have this state鈥憃f鈥憈he鈥慳rt facility right here in the Lakes Region.

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