NHSAA Honors 2026 ‘Champions for Children’

Morin Family Recognized as Statewide Winner for Support of Dunbarton Elementary School

CONCORD — Supporting New Hampshire school children takes many forms.

And this year’s Champions for Children have made a profound impact in many ways — educational leadership, volunteerism, counseling those in need, and student enrichment.

The New Hampshire School Administrators Association (NHSAA) celebrated five regional Champions in Concord on Wednesday, May 20, announcing Daniel Morin, Michelle Morin, and Morin Contracting Services of Dunbarton as statewide Champion.

The 10th annual Dr. Mark V. Joyce Champion for Children Award is named for the former longtime NHSAA Executive Director and includes a $2,500 prize to support the winner’s cause.

Panels representing each of the NHSAA’s five regions — Lakes, North Country, South Central, Southeast and Southwest — select local awardees. A separate panel selects the overall winner from the five honorees.

“These awardees want zero fanfare,” said NHSAA Executive Director Dr. Mark MacLean. “They want to work behind the scenes. They want to help the students who are in their school buildings. Today is an opportunity to show you our appreciation.”

Here are profiles of the five awardees:

Southwest Region: Daniel Morin, Michelle Morin, and Morin Contracting Services

The Morins have been tireless supporters of Dunbarton Elementary School, donating their time, energy, and effort to supporting capital improvements.

Much of the Morins’ efforts have focused on the school grounds, where they have installed a new playground and replaced old equipment at no cost to SAU 67.

Their commitment to community service made an impact on their son, Holt, who will graduate from Bow High School later this month. As part of his senior project, Holt decided to fix a drainage issue at the school, with support from his parents’ company. Holt discovered additional issues, which increased the scope of work. The Morins insisted on donating all labor and materials.

“They give not for recognition, but because they believe deeply in supporting schools, students, and the broader community,” wrote Principal Tim Vasconcellos, who along with School Board Chair Clement Madden nominated the Morins. “Their generosity, humility, and positive spirit are evident in all that they do.”

Lakes Region, Dr. Danielle Bolduc

Dr. Bolduc, Principal of Gilford Elementary School, was selected for her unwavering commitment to growth by her students, and a “let’s do it” attitude that inspires all around her.

She led the effort to build an operational sugar shack on school grounds, seeking out community donations that created experiential learning opportunities. Each year the school hosts a pancake breakfast, where the community can learn more about sugaring from students and sample the maple syrup.

Dr. Bolduc also created a parent engagement series, “Nourish, Nurture, and Connect.” This series focuses on student well-being in the home, giving Gilford families vital support beyond the classroom.

“Danielle has never seen a boundary, only an opportunity,” wrote Superintendent Kirk Beitler, Dr. Bolduc’s nominator. “Danielle’s voluntary commitment to the Gilford community exemplifies NHSAA’s guiding principle asserting that public education is a public good.”

North Country Region: Danielle Bouchard

“Danielle is the kind of person every school hopes for and every community depends on,” SAU 20 Superintendent David Backler wrote in his nomination letter.

Bouchard works tirelessly within the CARE group at Edward Fenn Elementary School in Gorham, through which she supports student activities and organizes student events. She’s often the first person to arrive at an event, and the last to leave.

She also leads by supporting the student-centered culture at Fenn, ensuring that all students feel welcome and supported.

“Danielle consistently asks, ‘What will make this better for kids?,’” Superintendent Backler wrote. “Because of Danielle, students feel special. They feel cared for. They know the adults in their school community are showing up for them.”

Bouchard also was nominated by Principal April Marsh and Director of Special Services Tina Binette.

Southeast Region, Susan Antico

Antico has devoted more than 40 years to ensuring that New Hamshire students were safe, healthy, and in a position to succeed.

Antico worked for 27 years as a school counselor at Marston Elementary School in Hampton. She continues to work part-time as a consultant with SAU 90, leading to numerous initiatives that support student success and staff development.

Her commitment to children has extended beyond the district, as she assists with many educational initiatives through the Hampton Area Rotary Club, and leads a leadership training program for 14 Winnacunnet High School sophomores.

She also gives her time to children suffering from loss, through the Friends of Aine Center for Grieving Children and Families in Manchester.

“Her career is a master class in compassionate learning and systemic advocacy for children,” wrote Superintendent Lois Costa. “Susan does not just fulfill a job description, she builds a safety net and supportive structures that allow children to thrive.”

Antico’s nomination was supported by Marston School Principal Nathan Saddler, School Counselor Angela Bowen, and Hampton Area Rotary Club President John Nyhan.

South Central Region: Alvirne School Trustees

The Trustees manage the Hills Family Trust, established by the benefactors who founded Alvirne High School on the Alvirne Farm site in Hudson in 1951.

Trustees have supported numerous programs and initiatives, with their current annual contribution exceeding $250,000. These efforts include renovations of science labs, the Mini Theater, Family and Consumer Science Lab, the school elevator, and multiple equipment needs.

Trustees also enhance student enrichment, supporting school assemblies, student field trips, senior capstone projects, sports and athletics, and the annual Quinceañera dance.

The Trustees were nominated by Superintendent Daniel Moulis, High School Principal Steven Beals, and SAU81 Board Chair Maureen Dionne.

“A key vision and mission of Alvirne High School is the agriculture and working farm,” Superintendent Moulis wrote. “The Alvirne Trustees ensure that it remains a vibrant part of the school and community through funding of barn and farm equipment and of improvements to the farmhouse.”