Five Granite State youth activists were honored at the May 10 annual Champions for Children event hosted by the New Hampshire School Administrators Association, including statewide winner Steve Lennon, principal administrator 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 who focus their efforts on children is a small way to say thank you and encourage others to do the same.”

Champions from a variety of roles, including boards, community leaders, staff and volunteers, will be proposed in each New Hampshire School Administrators Association region (Lakes, North Country, South Central, Southeast and Southwest). A regional champion will be selected from which a statewide winner will be determined.

The 2024 NHSAA regional winners are Steve Lennon (Southwest), Arthur Boutin (Northland), Kent Hemingway (Lakes Region), Vic Maloney (Southeast) and Jennifer Maslanek (Southcentral).

“It is truly invigorating to witness the dedication, passion, pride and humility that these champions express,” MacLean said. “It’s a great reminder that we are here for the kids and our shared mission is to make sure we care for all students every day.”

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

In a letter supporting his nomination, Elizabeth Pogorzelski, principal of Mascenic Regional High School, said Lennon's contributions to the school go far beyond the safety and cleanliness of the building. Lennon studies the school yearbook to learn each student's name. He attends football games, choir concerts and fundraisers.

“He loves cheering on our students when they are doing something they enjoy and seeing them in an environment that is not the traditional classroom,” Pogorzelski wrote.

Because of Lennon's impact on the school, the PTSO holds a “Be Like Steve” spirit day in his honor.

“His commitment to our school extends beyond contractual hours and his impact is difficult to measure,” the letter said. “It is an integral part of our community events; Always willing to find an extra folding table, permanent marker, extension cord, or help set up/clean up. Mr. Lennon is a member of our community who could not be replaced.”