(Each of these short bios of the recipients were taken from their nomination: for links to all the recipients, click here for individual photos, click on each name)
Amy Bewley, Merrimack Amy and her husband Pete are committed to raising their 3 boys, providing them with every opportunity they need to succeed. Despite her own medical needs, Amy tirelessly volunteers in her community for several organizations including the local boy scouts, church groups, and Merrimack Friends & Families.
Jean Marie Bizon, Unity Jean is an amazing foster parent who opens her home to the children's biological families in the hopes of assuring re-unification. Although Jean Marie's goal is to bring children and their parents back together, she maintains relationships with her foster children which is crucial for healthy development.
Sara and Josh Brooks, Laconia Together, Sara and Josh exemplify the perfect parenting team compromising to support their daughter's activities in and out of school. Sara and Josh work together to instill good morals and discipline in their daughters while maintaining a loving and consistent atmosphere.
Cynthia Burns, Laconia Cynthia sets an example for her daughter and granddaughter that shows, with hard work and diligence, you can overcome almost anything. Cynthia's self-motivation and perseverance have gotten her through personal struggles and continue to serve her well while raising her daughter and granddaughter.
Sarah Burns, New Durham Sarah invests much of her time volunteering at her children's school and at various community functions. Sarah has an effective disciplinary style providing her children with warmth and responsiveness coupled with clear rules and expectations.
Carol Chaput and Tracey Shepard, Merrimack Starting as foster parents, Carol and Tracey have gone on to adopt three wonderful children. Carol and Tracey have never stopped advocating for their children's rights and needs both within the school system and the community. They have worked together through the years to provide opportunities for their children that will help them throughout their whole lives.
Erica Cheney, Nashua Erica has overcome many obstacles in her life, both personally and in raising her "little guy." Erica knows when to ask for help and where to get it in times of need. Her parenting skills cannot be matched and her advocacy skills are incredible.
Sushila Chhetri, Manchester Sushila is a refugee from Nepal who came Manchester less than two years ago with her daughter. Sushila's advocacy and positive attitude have helped her daughter strive to reach her full potential with perseverance and, of course, a smile.
Angela Currier, Bristol Angela is the mother of three children. Angela not only advocates and provides for her own child with an autism spectrum disorder, but has also continually reached out to other families with children who have special needs. She also takes on leadership roles within her community while still making her family her top priority.
Elaine Fagga, Lempster Elaine has proven throughout the years that everyone has a place in her home, adopting many children, taking in adults with disabilities, and providing for her own children. Elaine has a heart of gold and fights for her children, putting their needs far before her own.
Justin and Melinda Ferland, Barnstead Justin and Melinda have two daughters, one of whom has extreme medical needs. Justin and Melinda are terrific parents who, even though they have to sacrifice much of their time to ensure the health of their daughter, still find time to provide their other daughter with great opportunities and love. They are truly a beautiful family.
Victoria Fleury, Franklin Victoria exhibits honesty and integrity while facing even the toughest of challenges. Victoria takes her role of mother and wife seriously, seeking help when she needs it. Her strength is beyond admirable and her positive nature is contagious.
Linda and Shana Foster, Manchester Linda and Shana are the grandmother and aunt of a little boy and his two half-sisters. They took them in when the boy's father was off at war. The Foster's have maintained guardianship of the two sisters . Linda and Shana have provided the girls with a welcoming home filled with laughter and love and are very involved with their schooling. The women do all of this while still caring for their own adult and teenage children. Linda and Shana are an inspiration.
Brenda Gile, Derry As a mother of three, Brenda is heavily involved with a local family resource center where she not only finds help for her own family, but she also offers irreplaceable knowledge to other parents and families. Brenda proves that with the ability to ask for help and seek out resources, you can reach your highest potential and successfully pull your family through adversity.
Daisy Heath, Keene As a single mother of four, Daisy holds her head high through times of struggle and continues to motivate herself to become a better parent through it all. Daisy is heavily involved with NH Head Start committees and strives to be a compassionate and loving mother.
Dana and Paula Hinkley, Berlin Dana and Paula have been providing foster care for New Hampshire DCYF for over ten years. Dana and Paula also have birth and adoptive children. They work together to provide a loving environment while advocating for their children's needs.
Robert Kulish, Bradford Robert is a very patient, kind, and loving father. Robert is flexible in times of need and always puts his two children first, no matter what.
Valerie Lawson, Keene Valerie is the maternal aunt of two adult children, both of whom inspire her on a daily basis. Valerie has exhibited a tremendous amount of resiliency over the years, helping her children overcome medical issues and move past common misconceptions held about limiting their potential.
Scott Lemere, Nashua As a single father of two young girls, Scott balances his work schedule with family and community commitments. Scott also volunteers and gives back to the community that has helped him through tough times of his own.
Gretchen Liberty, Warner Gretchen is the adoptive mother of two teenage girls. Gretchen is determined to give both girls every chance to succeed. She seeks out guidance when she needs it and is constantly learning new parenting strategies.
Jillian Mercier, Jaffrey While a single mother of two, Jillian decided to pursue a career in nursing to better herself. Jill graduated from nursing school as valedictorian of her class. She has since gotten married and had another child. Jill never stops trying to improve herself and
consistently utilizes parenting programs and family resource centers. She is a great mother and role model to other parents.
David and Katherine Murtogh, Claremont David and Katherine are dedicated foster parents for the Claremont DCYF. While expecting their first child, Katie and Dave took in two very young boys. Together the Murtogh's have successfully been raising all three children while helping the boys keep ties with their biological family in the hopes of reunification. They are terrific role
models for not only their children, but for parents and foster parents everywhere.
Sharon Riggs, Hooksett Sharon is a true guardian angel for a young woman and her husband, even though she is not related to them. Sharon heard of the couples struggles through a member of the family and immediately jumped in to help, sacrificing her time to assist in raising their daughter, mentoring and encouraging them to do better for themselves, and providing assistance in any way that she could. Sharon has truly taken to the idea that it takes a village to raise a child.
Chase and Lindsey Roll, Manchester While Chase was deployed, Lindsey worked hard to provide for their young son, attending parenting classes and other support services to help. When Chase returned, the two became a great team, going to the parenting classes together and striving to be the best parents that they could possibly be.
Anthony and Penny Tamasi, Chester Anthony and Penny have worked hard for their son Kyle, who was non-verbal until third grade. Penny and Anthony have worked hard throughout the years to
provide Kyle with every opportunity that they could. Kyle has come a long way with his "warrior parents" who are there for him through everything.
Mary Verreault, Fremont Mary has two children, one of whom is developmentally delayed. Mary has helped her son and daughter grow into wonderful young adults and provided them with skills they will use throughout their lives. Mary is spontaneous, full of love, and family oriented, all qualities that she has instilled in her two children. She is also a integral part of the Chester Academy team, dedicating 25 years of her professional career to teaching.
Bonnie and Earl Walter, Boscawen Together Bonnie and Earl are the very definition of parental resiliency. Although Bonnie and Earl's children are out on their own, they recently became parents to their two grandchildren. Despite dealing with their own medical issues, they have provided a home in which their grandchildren are thriving, encouraging them to get involved in extra-curricular activities and providing them with many learning opportunities.
Andrea Younie, Derry Andrea has three children, one of which has extensive medical needs. Andrea juggles medical appointments, meetings, and surgeries along with the trials and tribulations of everyday parenting. She is very involved with parenting groups where she learns new approaches to parenting in addition to sharing her many talents with other parents.
Doris Zinnah, Manchester Doris is a loving and responsible mother to her four children and also willingly takes in kids in need. As a refugee from Liberia, Doris has overcome poverty and prejudice and works very hard to provide for her family economically, physically, and emotionally.
