New Hampshire School Administrators Association Honors 2025 ‘Champions for Children’

The strongest advocates for children in New Hampshire are often found doing the quietest work.

They organize school events, take pictures, and share them freely. They advocate for innovative programs and fundraise to make them a reality. They offer comfort, support, and opportunities to students facing significant obstacles.

The New Hampshire School Administrators Association honored five “Champions for Children” in Concord on Wednesday, May 21, celebrating individuals who make a difference across their communities.

The statewide Dr. Mark V. Joyce Champion for Children Award was presented posthumously to the late Tracey MacLean of Bristol, who was selected for her unwavering support of students and student activities in the Newfound and Plymouth school districts.

The statewide award, named for the former longtime NHSAA Executive Director, includes a $2,500 prize to support the winner’s causes.

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.

“One of the best things we do as an association is to highlight and celebrate those behind the scenes who make a positive impact on their learning communities,” NHSAA Executive Director Mark MacLean said. “Leadership isn’t always about standing at a podium. Leadership is looking for what a community needs, filling that need, and doing it in a selfless way.”

Here are profiles of the five regional winners:

Tracey MacLean of Bristol photographed countless school events and activities for more than 20 years. She passed away unexpectedly in July 2024. A Newfound Regional High School graduate and Plymouth School District secretary, MacLean donated countless hours to capturing games and significant events, sharing her work freely with parents and the district.

MacLean was nominated by Newfound Area Superintendent Paul Hoiriis and district administrators, SAU 48 Superintendent Kyla Welch, and community leaders.

“Beyond her role as a photographer, Tracey was a pillar of kindness and encouragement. She knew every student’s name, their story, offering a listening ear and unwavering support,” Superintendent Welch wrote. “Her presence in the front office was a source of comfort for students and staff alike.”

“When there was a need, Tracey provided a way, never seeking recognition, compensation, or even gratitude,” Superintendent Hoiriis said.

Troy Bessette of Pelham serves his community in multiple ways. He served as a member of the Pelham School Board, advocating on behalf of policies that support student well-being and academic achievement.

He was a passionate advocate for the construction of a new Pelham Middle School, and supports youth-focused programs offered by the Town and community.

Bessette was nominated by District administrators and officials, as well as community leaders.

“He is a bridge-builder who has always brought an open ear, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to finding common ground to support the community,” Pelham High School Principal Dawn Mead said. “His passion for education, dedication to service, and genuine kindness make him an exemplary citizen and a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”

Bessette strongly advocated for a new middle school through Pelham ACES (Awareness for Community and Education Support) and is a steadfast supporter of school and community programs that provide greater opportunities for Pelham youth. He is also the district’s unofficial sports photographer.

Cindy Burnell of Laconia has shared her energy and passion with students, parents, staff and coaches in the Lafayette and Profile School Districts for more than 20 years. She has dedicated time to the Lafayette PTO, athletics and music programs, organized numerous school events, and advocates on behalf of child-focused programs.

Burnell was nominated by SAU Superintendent Kate Harrington Segal and current and former district staff.

“She has been the person that both schools count on for anything and everything; an unwavering pillar of support for students, families, teachers and coaches, dedicating countless hours to the educational experience and extracurricular activities of all students,” Superintendent Segal wrote.

Profile School Board member Gordie Johnk, a retired Lafayette School Principal, wrote: “Cindy’s boundless energy and enthusiasm are hard to quantify but she is what every school needs: That person who gets things done, not matter the effort required.”

Elizabeth Sides of Hopkinton chairs the non-profit Hopkinton Public School Foundation, which supports innovative programs and teacher-led learning initiatives in the District.

Through its fundraising activities, HPSF has awarded more than two dozen grants totalling more than $175,000 since 2018. Grants have supported equine therapy, career exploration, a districtwide composting and cafeteria waste program, the purchase of new microscopes, and learning commons renovations.

Sides was nominated by Hopkinton Superintendent Michael Flynn and school staff.

One signature program is a Friends Mentoring Program, in which high school students are paired with elementary school students for activities each week.

“For my daughters, Wednesdays at the Friends program with their mentors aren’t just another activity – they’re a beacon of consistency, joy, and growth,” parent Paul Hebert wrote in his nomination. “Out of all the camps, sports, and programs they participate in, this is their favorite. They feel valued, heard, and cared for, and they look forward to seeing their mentors each week.”

Sue Wilson of Rochester is co-owner of Potter’s House Bakery and Café and is a vital supporter of Rochester schools and its students.

“Sue provides job opportunities to our students, with a special emphasis on supporting students who may struggle with mental health, learning disabilities, and other challenges,” Interim Superintendent Alison Bryant wrote in her nomination.

Wilson is known for assisting with Rochester enrichment programs, fundraising with a donation jar on the counter.

Wilson was also nominated by current and former district staff, and community members.

Cody Dionne, a Rochester graduate, wrote in his nomination: “She will find your strengths and help you bring yourself to your full potential. She cares deeply about everyone around her. I feel very lucky to have had such a caring person in my life in those confusing teenage years.”