*PHOTOS* NHSAA Celebrates ‘Champions for Children’

Mascenic Regional High School Custodian Named Statewide Champion

Five Granite State youth advocates were honored at the annual Champions for Children event on May 10 hosted by the New Hampshire School Administrators Association, including statewide winner, Steve Lennon, head custodian at Mascenic Regional High School in New Ipswich.

The event is held each year to recognize and celebrate “Champions for Children’’ throughout the state of New Hampshire. This year’s ceremony was held at the Grappone Center in Concord.

“Public education is the fabric of our communities,” said Mark MacLean, NHSAA Executive Director. “Recognizing Champions that focus their efforts on children is a small way to say, ‘thank you’ and to encourage others to do the same.’’

Champions from various roles including boards, community leaders, staff members and volunteers, are brought forward at each New Hampshire School Administrators Association Region (Lakes, North Country, South Central, Southeast and Southwest). A Regional Champion is selected, from which a statewide winner is selected.

The 2024 NHSAA Regional winners are:

• Steve Lennon – Southwest
• Arthur Boutin – North Country
• Kent Hemingway – Lakes Region
• Vic Maloney – Southeast
• Jennifer Maslanek – South Central

“To witness the dedication, passion, pride, and humility that these Champions express is truly invigorating,” MacLean said. “It’s a great reminder that we’re here for the kids and our collective mission is to ensure we are indeed championing all students every day.’’

Of the five regional winners, Lennon, a Jaffrey resident, was selected as the statewide winner.

In a letter supporting his nomination, Elizabeth Pogorzelski, Principal at Mascenic Regional High School, said Lennon’s contributions to the school go well beyond keeping the building safe and clean. Lennon studies the school’s yearbook to learn the name of every student. He attends soccer games, chorus concerts, and fundraising events.

“He loves to cheer on our students when they are doing something they love and to see them in an environment that is not the traditional classroom,” Pogorzelski wrote.

As a result of Lennon’s impact on the school, the PTSO is putting on a “Be Like Steve” spirit day to honor him.

“His dedication to our school goes beyond the contractual hours and his impact is hard to measure,” the letter stated. “He is a staple at our community events; always willing to find an extra fold-up table, permanent marker, extension cord, or assist with setup/cleanup. Mr. Lennon is a member of our community that could not be replaced.’’

The other regional winners were:

Arthur Boutin of Lisbon

Boutin is a retired Grafton County Sheriff; current Grafton County Public Defender Investigator; Lisbon Regional School Board Member; Lisbon Town Select Board member; Lisbon Lions Club member; Lisbon varsity Softball Coach.

In a nomination letter, SAU 35 Superintendent Kate Harrington Segal said Boutin’s personal mission is to make a difference in his community.

“He is the epitome of the phrase, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ a mentor to all of us wishing to provide a safe, healthy and trusting community where children have the security, space and supports to learn what they need to reach their hopes, dreams and potential,’’ she wrote.

Kent Hemingway of Tamworth

Board Member, Area Manager, and Head Coach, overseeing the Mount Washington Valley Advantage Kids and Tamworth Outing Club, Hemingway played a crucial role in revitalizing the Tamworth Recreation Department.

“Kent’s profound understanding that children are the cornerstone of a community’s future further underscores his exceptional contributions,” SAU 13 Superintendent Mike Whaland wrote in his nomination letter. “His legacy is one of impactful service, leaving an enduring mark on both the educational landscape and the community he tirelessly supports.”

Vic Maloney of Seabrook

Maloney started Seacoast Youth Services in 2001 with the original intent to provide young people and their families a second opportunity to address negative social behaviors and to avoid involvement with the court system. As Executive Director, he has adapted SYS over the years to meet the ever-changing social needs of young people and their families.

“Vic approaches each student as an individual and if the program does not exist, Vic will find a way to create one,” said the nomination letter from David Hobbs, Assistant Superintendent of SAU 21. “Vic instills this belief that all of his students can overcome their negative behaviors in his staff and together, they have created a safe learning atmosphere for students that provides educational assistance as well as therapeutic treatment.”

Jennifer Maslanek of Pelham

Meslanek is secretary and chief volunteer of the Pelham High School Boosters; point person for the Dan Gionet Wrestling Tournament at Pelham High School; and president and primary snack provider for the Pelham Memorial Boosters.

Maslanek is a champion for all student-athletes in Pelham, no matter their record or sport.

“Jen’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of children not only aligns with the values of the Champion for Children award but also serves as an inspiration to all of us,’’ said her nomination letter from Pelham Superintendent Eric “Chip” McGee.