Christopher McDermott Selected for Public Affairs Position

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of Christopher McDermott to its professional staff as Public Affairs Manager.

In this position, Mr. McDermott will be tasked with growing the advocacy and public policy efforts of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber and increasing the visibility of the region’s businesses and economy on Beacon Hill.

“We are excited to have Chris join our team and help contribute to the Chamber’s work of improving the business climate and advancing the economy of North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO. “Chris will be a great resource to our members in navigating government and staying informed of issues that impact the business community and region.”

McDermott joins the Chamber after serving in administrative roles with the Town of Framingham’s Community and Economic Development Division for two years. In his role with the town he staffed the Town’s Economic Development Industrial Corporation (EDIC), and was responsible for the town’s online branding efforts as well as the upkeep of six budgets. His experience in local government has positioned him on the frontlines of major policy initiatives, local issues as well as grant funding and distribution.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Assumption College and a Master’s degree in Economic & Social Development of Regions from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Existing members or businesses interested in learning more about the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s public positions can reach Christopher at 978.353.7600 ext. 224 or via email at cmcdermott@northcentralmass.com.

JULY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: US Army Recruiting Center – Leominster, MA (1A4F)

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In each newsletter we highlight a Chamber member doing interesting work in our community.  This month we welcome the US Army Recruiting Center of Leominster, MA (1A4F).

It is very fitting we highlight the US Army in this month’s membership spotlight as we honor the men and women serving our country all month long.

We are extremely proud to have the US Army as a part of our chamber and we are very thankful they were honored guests at our Annual Business Meeting with Governor Charlie Baker this past month.

The US Army will also be a part of our upcoming Appleseed Country Fair held Labor Day Weekend this year!

The US Army Recruiting Center of Leominster, MA is available to those individuals ready to make a positive change in their life. They are on hand to answer questions like how to pay for college, how to receive free skill training, what travel opportunities and benefits are available to qualified applicants, and more.

Their goal is to provide the strength to the United States Army, the finest fighting force ever fielded in human history. They seek intelligent young men and women who feel they have what it takes to defend our country, and make our world a better place.

More than anything else, the US Army is here to offer advice and options on the best way to achieve your goals. You can learn more by visiting www.goarmy.com.

The US Army Recruiting Center of Leominster, MA is located at 110 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA 01453.

Small Business Micro-Loan Helps Local Educational Coaching and Consulting Business

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) recently granted an Express Loan of $5,000 to Jennifer Morazes of Genesis Coaching and Consulting in Acton, MA.  This loan will assist with expenses associated with starting her business.

Jennifer has been coaching students for 20 years in college and high schools.  She has recently opened her own coaching and consulting business for those interested in achieving educational, career, and wellness goals with a focus on first generational students.  Jennifer was referred to NCMDC by Commerce Bank.  For more information on Genesis, visit their website at www.genesistimetobegin.com.

NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS CHAMBER SELECTED AS FINALIST FOR NATIONAL HONOR

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 The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce announced today that it has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2017 Chamber of the Year award, presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).  The announcement was made to a sold out audience of over 400 business leaders and Governor Charlie Baker at the Annual Business Meeting of the Chamber.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber is one of only three finalists – along with chambers in Paducah, KY and Kalispell, MT – in its category.  It is also the first chamber of commerce from Massachusetts to have ever been selected as a finalist.

Chamber of the Year is the nation’s only award recognizing the leadership role chambers have in their communities.  Those honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have demonstrated organizational strength and made an impact on key community priorities, such as education, transportation, economic development and quality of life.

Only 104 out of 7,000+ chambers nationally meet qualification standards to enter the Chamber of the Year competition based on membership performance and financial management.  The rigorous award application requires written responses addressing all aspects of organizational operation and programmatic work.  Applications are then scored by peer chamber executives to determine finalists.  Winners are selected from among finalists based on an in-person interview before a panel of experienced chamber professionals.  This year’s competition drew numerous entries from chambers throughout the United States and Canada.

“To be named a finalist for this award is an incredible honor for our Chamber. It is a tribute to the innovation and passion of our member companies and the many business leaders that support our mission and that work so hard to build a stronger economy and quality of life in the communities that we call home here in North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “I want to thank our staff, board leaders and all of our engaged members for their support and dedication in helping us achieve this level of accomplishment.”

Finalists for the award will be celebrated at a special event Tuesday, July 18 in Nashville, TN. The Chamber’s Annual Meeting held on June 15th also included recognition awards and the commencement for the 2017 class of the Chamber’s Community Leadership Institute.

Community Leadership Institute visits Fitchburg Art Museum

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Emerging Leaders Learn about the Importance of the Creative Economy

On Thursday, May 25, 2017 the Community Leadership Institute class of 2017 visited Fitchburg Art Museum where the class spent the day learning about the creative economy and its importance to the growth and development for local communities and the region. Over the course of the day the class heard from Matt Wilson, Executive Director at MassCreative, and met with several local community leaders including Mayor Stephen DiNatale of the City of Fitchburg, Nick Capasso, Director of the Fitchburg Art Museum, Sharon Bernard, Director of the Fitchburg Public Library and Steve Duvarney, President of Duvarney & Company Jewelers.

Dr. Mike Greenwood, business professor at Fitchburg State University and chairman of the Institute steering committee, helped facilitate the creative economy session which explored current creative economy initiatives, trends, challenges and opportunities.  The goal of the session was to give participants an understanding of the role that the creative economy has in contributing to eco nomic growth and how community leaders can become involved in supporting efforts to grow arts and culture in North Central Massachusetts.

The program included a presentation from Matt Wilson on arts, culture and advocating for this crucial part of society. His presentation was then followed by a panel of local representatives including, Nick Capasso, Mayor Steve DiNatale, and Lisa Dutton-Swain and Marc Dohan of NewVue Communities. The panel discussed Fitchburg’s plan to renovate the downtown area, and have the creative economy help downtown businesses blossom. Also, the panel discussed the ways in which Fitchburg highlights arts and culture, using institutions like the Fitchburg Art Museum, the Fitchburg Public Library and Fitchburg State University. Arts and culture is not only a want of the Fitchburg community, but it is a necessity in order for the city to grow and improve.

Following the panel, the Community Leadership Institute class went on a tour of downtown Fitchburg lead by Nick Capasso, Director of the Fitchburg Art Museum. The class saw some of Fitchburg’s most important cultural assets including the Fay Club, the Arc of Opportunity mural, Gallery Sitka, Fitchburg Public Library, the “Before I Die” public art wall, “the Immigrant” sculpture by Nora Valdez, and the BF Brown School. The importance of seeing these arts and culture venues in the downtown was to understand the positive influence the creative economy can have on a city, and the ways in which art can bring a community together. Art not only is beautiful to the eye, but is beneficial towards a community’s leadership, education and economic growth.

“Our emerging creative economy can play a vital role in the economic growth of North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “It is important that these future leaders understand that our cultural assets are helping to shape our region’s unique identity and appeal, contributing to our quality of life and helping to revitalize our downtowns.”

This was the second to last meeting of the nine month long program. Next month will conclude the program with the wrap up session and graduation ceremony at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber’s 2017 Annual Business Meeting & Luncheon held on June 15, 2017 at Great Wolf Lodge New England. For more information on the Community Leadership Institute contact Maria McCaffrey, Events and Programs Manager, at 978.353.7600 ext. 235 or at mmcaffrey@northcentralmass.com.

The Community Leadership Institute was started in 1989 by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce who recognized the significance of effective leadership to a community’s vibrancy. The Chamber set out to develop a community leadership program that could cultivate a diverse network of regional leaders who are prepared and motivated to strengthen and improve the region. Over 250 business and community leaders have graduated from the Community Leadership Institute since its inception.

Community Leadership Institute Project Takes Form as a Mental Health Peer Support Group

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Starting June 14th a new mental health peer support group will be coming to North Central Massachusetts at UMass Memorial – HealthAlliance Hospital in Leominster. This program grew from the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s Community Leadership Institute which grooms tomorrow’s business leaders for the region.

This peer support group was the project of the “Crusaders for Healthier Minds” team which is made up of: Tara DeBoer, HSA Coordinator, Avidia Bank; Stefan Dodd, Manager, OneCard Operations, Fitchburg State University; Amanda Landry, Community Outreach Specialist, UMass Memorial HealthAlliance Hospital; Jennifer Leger, VP, Cash Management Operations Manager, Fidelity Bank; and Heather Storme, Assistant Vice President, Enterprise Bank.

“The Community Leadership Institute is a program that we take a lot of pride in” said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “These ‘students’ put in a lot of work and we are thankful for the chance to help these future business leaders of North Central Massachusetts continue their development and to see unique programs like this peer support group come to fruition.”

This team’s objective was to educate others and offer guidance and resources for healthier minds in our surrounding communities. The team brainstormed low cost solutions to help those suffering from mental health concerns and to curb the stigma surrounding the topic. The team’s passion on the topic lead them to the creation of this peer support group which is now supported by a number of entities involved in addition to our team employers (Michael’s Run, The SHINE Initiative, Seven Hills and Parent/Professional Advocacy League) which will undoubtedly ensure its longevity.

The Community Leadership Institute (CLI) is an exclusive program geared toward the up and coming community leader. Students, nominated by their employer, join the program for 9 months with monthly day long seminars about various parts of the region. Participants in the CLI will meet with state representatives, business leaders, CEO’s, boards of directors and more to learn about healthcare, legislation, arts, culture, non-profit governance and more.

“We are all discovering our different leadership styles as we continue down this exciting path” said Amanda Landry, Community Outreach Specialist at UMass Memorial – HealthAlliance. “We have seen some efforts turn out differently than we initially thought, but seeing the fruits of our labor come to reality in this support group is absolutely fantastic!”

To learn more about Community Leadership Institute or to nominate an employee contact the chamber 978.353.7600 x235, by email mmccaffrey@northcentralmass.com or by visiting www.NorthCentralMass.com.

JUNE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: The Art Longsjo Foundation

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On June 24th & 25th, the cities of Fitchburg and Leominster will host the second-oldest bicycle race in America, the 56th running of the Longsjo Classic, named for Fitchburg native and Olympian “Art” Longsjo, Jr.  This month, the North Central Mass Chamber reveals the history of this time-honored, classic American cycling event, a community celebration of cycling, fitness, and health.

Arthur “Art” Matthew Longsjo, Jr. (October 23, 1931 – September 16, 1958) was an American Olympian speed skater and cyclist, the first athlete to compete in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games in the same year (1956).  After he died tragically in 1958 following a car accident in Burlington, Vermont, the first Fitchburg Longsjo Classic was held in 1960, with the Longsjo Foundation formed to make donations from race revenue to community charities.

The foundation contributes thousands of dollars annually to groups that volunteer at the race — from the American Legion, to Fitchburg High School’s athletic teams, to the Boys and Girls Club.  But this carries on throughout the year, with recent support for Our Father’s House, the Montachusett Interfaith Hospitality Network, the New Patriots Veterans Outreach Center, and others.  Longsjo funding will also help build the inclusive Sam Pawlak Community Playground at Coolidge Park, and keep holiday lights on in downtown Fitchburg.

The Longsjo will feature 15 races for men & women of different age groups and ability levels over 2 days of exciting criterium racing on Saturday June 24th (Leominster) and Sunday June 25th (Fitchburg), along with a kids’ race each day.  Mayors Dean Mazzarella and Stephen DiNatale will also host a charity ride on the same course the pros use, with a trophy for the mayor who raises the most money at stake for his City Hall!

“Crit” racing consists of several laps around a closed circuit, the length of each lap ranging from about 500 to 1000 meters.  More than 1000 racers will compete, with thousands of spectators expected to line the courses and attend the race expo.

 The Longsjo Classic is proud to be a local race with international reach, committed to the local community.  Please visit www.Longsjo.com to sponsor the race or volunteer (race marshals, registrars, and set-up & take-down crews still needed!).  You can also purchase race merchandise, apparel, and accessories on the website (all produced by Chamber member Northeast Promotions). 

 

Chamber Welcomes University of Massachusetts Amherst Intern

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The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Josie Dearborn as an intern at the Chamber’s headquarters this semester. Josie is entering her senior year at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she is completing a double major in Psychology and Communications. Her interest in marketing and community relations drew her to the Chamber for this internship opportunity.

Josie is a native of Westminster and graduated from Oakmont Regional High School. Josie is a dedicated member of her sorority Sigma Delta Tau at the University of Massachusetts, where she has holds the position of Health and Wellness chair. Josie is also an active member of the Association of Diversity in Sports where she partakes in creating innovative community-building events through the world of sports. As part of her internship, Josie will be learning a variety of aspects of the Chamber and its affiliates. She will gain hands on learning experience by assisting with our digital communications, media relations and assisting on programs including the 31st Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament.

“We are excited to welcome Josie as part of our team this summer,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the Chamber.  “She is a bright and ambitious student who will benefit from her time working with our members and supporting the advancement of North Central Massachusetts. I have no doubt that she will make a positive contribution to our organization.”

If you know someone or would like to know more about our internship programs, please contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 244 for more information.

North Central Mass. Chamber to award $48,000 in scholarships to 24 students

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Each spring a number of the region’s most outstanding high-school seniors are recognized with scholarships from the Chamber Foundation of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.

On Friday, chamber members and guests have an opportunity to meet the scholarship winners, when a total of $48,000 in scholarships will be awarded at the “Good Morning” breakfast event.

These awards are either endowed or funded by companies and individuals, and a total of 24 scholarships for $2,000 are being presented this year.

The event starts at 6:45 a.m., with coffee, then a buffet breakfast, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Leominster, 99 Erdman Way.

HealthAlliance is the main sponsor for the breakfast, which is moderated by Barbara Foster.

Jack Doolin, chairman of the Scholarship Committee and senior vice president of human resources at Workers’ Credit Union, heads a group that selects scholarship recipients from among college-bound seniors in the chamber’s service area. The sole basis for selection is merit — in all aspects of students’ endeavors, from academics and sports to volunteer work and employment.

To attend Friday’s breakfast, call the chamber at 978-353-7600.

Meet this year’s scholarship award recipients.

EMILY BUCHANAN Oakmont Regional High School

Emily Buchanan, a senior at Oakmont Regional High School, has been awarded the Roderick W. & Donna M. Lewin Scholarship for $2,000. She is the daughter of William and Mary Kate Buchanan.

She ranks first in her class and will attend Boston College to study economics.

She has been class treasurer for two years and made National Honor Society. She has been an Oakmont peer leader all four years of high school and volunteered for the Relay for Life and made captain her senior year. Emily is also captain on the varsity soccer team and has been on the New England PGA Junior Tour for the past three years.

ALIVIA BURNS Leominster High’s School Center for Technical Excellence Innovation

Alivia Burns, a senior at Leominster High School Center for Technical Education Innovation, has been awarded the HealthAlliance Hospital Inc. Scholarship for $2,000. The daughter of Robert and Kathleen Burns, she ranks 25th in her class and will be attending Worcester State University to study occupational therapy.

After being class treasurer her freshman and sophomore year, Burns was made class president her junior and senior years. She is also vice president of the National Honor Society. She spends a lot of her spare time volunteering with the Lutheran Inter-Parish Youth Group, the Leominster High School Recycling Club, and serves as an officer of the GIVE volunteering program.

SOPHIA GONCALVES Fitchburg High School

Sophia Goncalves, a senior at Fitchburg High School, has been awarded the Elizabeth & Anthony DiGeronimo Family Scholarship for $2,000. She is the daughter of Oscar Goncalves and Angela Albertti. She ranks seventh in her class and would like to attend Boston University to study biology.

Goncalves has been on the honor roll all through high school and on the National Honor Society her junior and senior years. When she isn’t busy as class secretary, she plays on the varsity soccer and lacrosse teams. She has worked on the Fitchburg Youth Commission and volunteers with the Student Leadership Training Program, Green Acres Summer Program and is founder of Team Fitchburg.

MORGAN DiPILLA Wachusett Regional High School

Morgan DiPilla, a senior at Wachusett Regional High School, has been awarded the Barbara Silva Scholarship for $2,000. She is the daughter of Vincent and Sandra DiPilla. She will attend UMass Amherst to study biology.

While maintaining straight A’s throughout high school, DiPilla has been secretary of the National Honor Society as well as a member of the Math Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Student Council. She is a senior mentor, played on the soccer and indoor track teams, and is captain of the varsity lacrosse team.

SHANINA FERREIRA Montachusett Regional Vocational High School

Shanina Ferreira, a senior at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, has been awarded the Chamber Foundation Scholarship for $2,000. She is the daughter of Sergio and Patricia Benitez. She ranks fifth in her class and would like to attend UMass Amherst to study business management.

Ferreira strives in giving back to her community. She is treasurer of the Skills USA Leadership Team, a member of the Leo Club, volunteers for Monty Tech’s Tour Days and has been a part of the Friends of Rachel Club for the past four years to spread awareness about bullying. She is on the Student Council as well as the National Honor Society. When she isn’t busy volunteering, she works as a bank teller at Workers’ Credit Union and as a certified lifeguard at Great Wolf Lodge.

JOHN GOVE Leominster High School

John Gove, a senior at Leominster High School, has been awarded the Enterprise Bank & Trust Scholarship for $2,000. He is the son of Paul and Lisa Gove, ranks fifth in his class and plans to attend Michigan State University to study horticulture.

Gove has been active in Leominster High School sports teams, playing on the varsity soccer, indoor track and spring track teams all four years, and was captain of all three for his junior and senior years. Gove is on the National Honor Society, the Renaissance Club and the Student Council. He is also a Boy Scout currently working on his Eagle Project.

OLIVIA HOULE Montachusett Regional Vocational High School

Olivia Houle, a senior at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, has been awarded the Edward C.J. Healey Scholarship for $2,000. She is the daughter of Scott and Nancy Houle, and ranks 34th in her class. She would like to attend the University of Connecticut to study biomedical engineering.

Houle is on the Monty Tech’s Principal’s List for her outstanding grades, and is president of the Monty Tech National Honor Society and Monty Tech’s SkillsUSA chapter. She has been a team member of the FIRST Robotics Team 3623 since 2014. Outside of school, Houle is a referee and head coach for Leominster Youth Soccer and participates in a co-op program at Steel-Fab Inc., as a welder.

LAURA JENNY Leominster High School

Laura Jenny, a senior at Leominster High School, has been awarded the HealthAlliance Hospital Inc. Scholarship for $2,000. Laura is the daughter of Peter and Mary Jenny. She ranks first in her class and will attend Harvard College to study biochemistry.

Jenny has straight A’s throughout her high-school career while participating in many extracurricular activities. She is on the National Honor Society, varsity volleyball team and Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra, and is founder of PLAY (Protecting Law Enforcement and Youth) to name a few. Jenny has also interned at the Fitchburg Mayor’s Office, Pierce Lab at Harvard University, Minus Lab at Northeastern University and Fitchburg Art Museum.

SHANNA JOSEPH Wachusett Regional High School

Shanna Joseph, a senior at Wachusett Regional High School, has been awarded the Salny Family Scholarship for $2,000. She is the daughter of Kevin and Erin Flanagan and would like to attend Western New England in the fall to study criminal justice.

Joseph is on the National Honor Society and is a senior mentor for her grade. She is founder and president of the Minority Diversity and the Poetry Slam teams. She has also volunteered as a French tutor, helped out at a nursing home and is an intern at Reclaimed Daisies Antiques and Furniture Décor Shop.

KEITH KIDDER Ayer Shirley Regional High School

Keith Kidder, a senior at Ayer Shirley Regional High School, has been awarded the Elizabeth & Anthony DiGeronimo Family Scholarship for $2,000. Kidder is the son of William and Shilou Kidder. He ranks 31st in his class and will be attending Mount Wachusett Community College for Legal Studies.

Kidder participates in a variety of extracurricular activities, including Student Council, Mock Trial and Robotics, and he joined the football team his senior year. He has been a Boy Scout since sixth grade and achieved his Eagle Scout at the age of 16. Kidder also volunteers as a cross bearer and altar server at St. Anthony Church, and helps stock food at Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry.

ANNEKE LaPOSTA Nashoba Regional High School

Anneke LaPosta, a senior at Nashoba Regional High School, has been awarded the Benjamin Asher Scholarship for $2,000. She is the daughter of Vincent LaPosta and Jody Nardone. She is undecided on what college she would like to attend and on what her major will be.

LaPosta is on the National Honor Society and has straight A’s all four years. She has been a member of the Bancroft-Liberty Hill Interscholastic Equestrian Association team for four years and a captain for three. She is a working student and has volunteered at Liberty Hill Farm. She has also been a junior staff member at the Dr. Franklin Perkins School’s Rein in a Dream, a therapeutic horsemanship center.

KRISTEN MAGUY Leominster High School

Kristen Maguy, a senior at Leominster High School, has been awarded the David L. McKeehan Scholarship for $2,000. She is the daughter of Richard and Jennifer Maguy. She ranks fourth in her class and will attend Simmons College in the fall to study nursing.

Maguy is class secretary, and a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council, all while receiving straight A’s. She is also a member of the Spanish Club and Advocates for the Invisible Club, helping to raise money to help those who don’t have access to clean water or other necessary resources. She also volunteers as a tutor and at the Sunrise Assisted Living Home.

MARK McKEW St. Bernard’s Central Catholic High School

Mark McKew, a senior at St. Bernard’s Central Catholic High School, has been awarded the M. Ruth Lee Scholarship for $2,000. McKew is the son of Matthew and Carol McKew. He ranks fifth in his class and will attend Bentley University to study finance.

McKew is secretary of the National Honor Society, a member of the Latin Club and has participated on multiple sports teams, including varsity football, varsity soccer, indoor soccer, varsity lacrosse and indoor lacrosse. When he is not busy with school clubs or playing on one of the sports teams, he volunteers as a tutor for St. Bernard’s Elementary School’s After School Program.

CAMERON MOYLAN Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School

Cameron Moylan, a senior at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School, has been awarded the George R. Wallace and Alice G. Wallace Scholarship for $2,000. She is the daughter of Thomas and Deborah Moylan and ranks third in her class. She will attend Vanguard University to study musical theater.

Moylan was a Massachusetts Girls and Women in Sports Day representative this year and captain of the varsity soccer team. She has starred in many productions at the Theatre at the Mount and City on the Hill, as well as a member of Monty Tech’s Drama Club. She is a dance instructor at Dance Revelations in Ashby as well as at the Summit Dance Center in Jaffrey, N.H.

KYLEIGH OLIVIER Leominster High School

Kyleigh Olivier, a senior at Leominster High School, has been awarded the M. Ruth Lee Scholarship for $2,000. She is the daughter of Rich and Susan Olivier and ranks sixth in her class. She would like to attend Hofstra University to study dance.

While maintaining straight A’s, Olivier is highly involved in her school, on the GIVE Club, the Student Wellness Advisory Team, and as secretary of the National Honor Society, co-president of Friends of Rachel and president of the Student Council. She has played soccer since she was 4 and is captain of the varsity soccer team. She has also danced since she was 3, competitively since she was 10 and has even taught her own classes.

MARK POTHIER Leominster High School Center for Technical Education Innovation

Mark Pothier, a senior at Leominster High School Center for Technical Education Innovation, has been awarded the Chamber Golf Tournament Scholarship for $2,000. Pothier is the son of Michael and Mary Ellen Pothier. He ranks second in his class and would like to attend UMass Lowell to study electrical engineering.

Pothier is on the National Honor Society and has achieved high honors every term. He is a member of GIVE and participated in SkillsUSA. Pothier earned his Eagle Scout in 2014 and volunteers at Holy Family of Nazareth Parish as a CCD teacher and altar server. When he isn’t busy with school and volunteering, he is an engineering technician at Infineon/International Rectifier.

SASHEALY RIVERA Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School

Sashealy Rivera, a senior at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School, has been awarded the HealthAlliance Hospital Inc. Scholarship for $2,000. She is the daughter of Yolanda and Luis Orlando Rivera. She ranks first in her class and will be attending Franklin Pierce University to study health sciences.

Rivera is on the National Honor Society as well as on the Mathletes and SkillsUSA Leadership teams. She has played on the volleyball team for four years. She has won local and district medals in the Medical Math Competition. She has volunteered on multiple fundraising events as well as at the Battered Women’s Shelter and the LUK Kids at Heart Gala.

JOHN ‘JACK’ SHELTON The Bromfield School

John “Jack” Shelton, a senior at The Bromfield School, has been awarded the Rollstone Bank & Trust Scholarship for $2,000. He is the son of Robert and Mary Jane Shelton. He would like to attend Penn State, Syracuse, UConn or the University of Virginia to study business.

Shelton is not only on the honor society but is also a member of the French National Honor Society. He has been on the varsity golf team since the seventh grade and earned captain status his senior year. He also participates on the technical crew for The Bromfield Drama Club. When he isn’t busy volunteering at school or as sound operator/photographer/videographer for the town of Harvard, he runs his own DJ business called Audio Jack.

AMY SJOBERG Groton-Dunstable High School

Amy Sjoberg, a senior at Groton-Dunstable High School, has been awarded the Ronald Ansin Scholarship for $2,000. She is the daughter of Jon and Karen Sjoberg. Sjoberg ranks eighth in her class and plans to attend Penn State at the Schreyer Honors College to study pre-veterinary.

Sjoberg is involved in her school as class secretary, a member of the Student Council and the Academic Team, and is president of the Biology Club and a Chemistry Club officer. She also plays as the Jazz Band pianist and chorus accompanist. She also runs on the varsity cross-country team and is on the Nashoba Valley Equestrian Team. Sjoberg volunteers at the UCC Church in Groton, and plays piano for the Groton Community Dinners.

MADELEINE STEELE The Bromfield School

Madeleine Steele, a senior at The Bromfield School, has been awarded the HealthAlliance Hospital Inc. Scholarship for $2,000. She is the daughter of Robert and Marisa Steele. Steele is undecided but would like to attend the University of Vermont, University of Virginia or Tulane in the fall to study psychology.

She is the editor-in-chief of The Bromfield Beacon, her school’s yearbook and is class treasurer. She maintained straight A’s all four years and was on the varsity spring track team. When she isn’t busy with school, she works at the Longview Orthopedic Center and the Hildreth Elementary Gymnastics Camp. She also volunteers at Camp Sunshine and the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry.

BRYSON TANG Nashoba Valley Technical High School

Bryson Tang, a senior at Nashoba Valley Technical High School, has been awarded the Chamber Foundation Scholarship for $2,000. The son of Michael and Meg Tang, he ranks first in his class and will attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute to study mathematics.

Tang is president of the Student Council, the National Honor Society and the Math Club. He has been a member of the FIRST Robotics team since freshman year and is co-captain his senior year. Tang is working as an intern at Biscom, where he has helped build internal management services and works with the sales team on quoting systems. He is also an intern at Fash, where he built a mobile app for the company on Android and iOS systems.

BRENDAN TOBIN Lunenburg High School

Brendan Tobin, a senior at Lunenburg High School, has been awarded the Adams Family Scholarship for $2,000. He is the son of Thomas and Carolyn Tobin and would like to attend Duke University to study biomedical engineering.

Tobin is president of his class, is on the National Honor Society, and competes for the varsity baseball and cross-country teams. He volunteers with the Boy Scouts and Order of the Arrow, where he is a board member, treasurer and an instructor for the BSA National Youth Leadership Training Program. He also volunteers at the Miracle League of Massachusetts and Our Lady of the Lake, to name a few.

CHLOE WESPISER North Middlesex Regional High School

Chloe Wespiser, a senior at North Middlesex Regional High School, has been awarded the Chamber Golf Tournament Scholarship for $2,000. She is the daughter of Anthony and Christine Wespiser. She ranks eighth in her class and plans to attend UMass Amherst to study nursing.

Wespiser is on the National Honor Society and has spent the past two years on the New Orleans Service Learning team. She is on the varsity soccer team and has been on the varsity lacrosse team since freshman year. She volunteers in her community, including at Our Father’s House, the Townsend Public Library, North Middlesex Regional High School’s Tutoring Program and as a helper with North Middlesex Youth Lacrosse.

PEYTON WIRTZ Fitchburg High School

Peyton Wirtz, a senior at Fitchburg High School, has been awarded the Workers’ Credit Union Scholarship for $2,000. She is the daughter of Eric and Elaina Wirtz. She ranks sixth in her class and will attend the University of Tampa to study marine biology.

Peyton has been on the Model United Nations Club and National Ocean Sciences Bowl Club since sophomore year. She has also enjoyed the Drama Club and Environmental Club. While she is not busy with school, she has worked the past three years at Five Below.

Read more: http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/community/ci_30971310/north-central-mass-chamber-award-48-000-scholarships#ixzz4gURNjO7x