Session Day Review

A Unique Perspective on the Leadership New Hampshire Program

Throughout the program year, we invite one of our current class members to write about their experience, learning and perspectives after completing a specific session day. It’s a wonderful way to gain insight on the unique value of the Leadership
New Hampshire program.

Reflections from Education Day

by Jamie Batson, LNH Transition Coordinator

This year, as in recent years, Education Day has been held at Stevens High School in Claremont and the Student Conservation Association (SCA) in Charlestown. SCA Managing Director of Program Operations, Ken Chadwick, LNH '10, arranged for us to spend the morning in the SCA training facility.  We were welcomed by SCA staffers and LNH grads Bob Coates '96, Laura Herrin '04, and Richard Seaman '08.In the morning we met with NH State School Board member Tom Raffio '97 and Executive Director of Early Learning NH, Jackie Cowell.  Ed MacKay, Chancellor of the University System of NH, presented an outstanding overview of higher education in the state.  Later, everyone boarded a school bus and travelled to Stevens High School where we were hosted by Superintendent, Jacquie Guillette '06 and Principal Paul Couture '04.  After lunch with students, classroom visits and debriefing we worked with Kathryn Dodge '94, Executive Director of the NH Postsecondary Education Commission to establish some priorities fo the Governor's P-16 task force.  Our formal session ended with a presentation by LNH Class of 2010 classmates Gray Chynoweth and Chris Williams on the status of College Leadership New Hampshire.  Then we were back on the bus and back to the SCA for some social time. Highlights from the Education Day Evaluations included:

• I believe that the entire day was very beneficial.  I thought the morning session with Tom Raffio and the Chancellor from UNH was very instersting, and provided me with a new perspective of the University System and Community Colleges.
• I found the education day to be very powerful and - strangely enough - educational!!
• I appreciated being able to spend time with students and staff, and to get an honest look inside their lives as they are affected by the work they love.  I came away with a sense of wanting to even out kids' opportunities in NH.
• The commute to Claremont with classmates was the highlight!  An excellent opportunity for in depth conversation about the days topic.
• While I know that we have limited time in our sessions, I appreciate it when we can tap into the expertise of our classmates.  Would like to see more of this.