I know that many people furrow their brows and worry about the future of our state but I’m not amongst them. That’s probably because I had the benefit of being a judge at yesterday’s Social Entrepreneurship Student Leadership Challenge event at the Radisson in Manchester.

Each of the high school and college teams was tasked with developing creative solutions to challenges facing the Granite State and to say that these teams were creative would be like saying that Amy Winehouse likes a good party. In short, these young people had a passion for ideas and a tremendous will to improve their communities, their state and their planet.

One team looked at the beautification of a neglected outdoor area at their school, another wanted to share information about the spread of Lyme Disease and another sought to build inclusion of children with disabilities into the mainstream student population. All of the teams made their presentations with the flair of public relations professionals who had been promoting their ideas for years.

Congratulations to the students who took part in yesterday’s events, to the teachers, parents and friends who supported them throughout the competition and to the folks who inspired them to community service and entrepreneurship along the way. Special thanks to SESL Executive Director Elizabeth Foy and University System of NH Associate Vice Chancellor of External Relations Matt Cookson for their excellent work in creating an event that all of New Hampshire can be proud of.

The future of New Hampshire in doubt? Hardly…..

 – Steve Boucher, Communications & Legislative Director