22 Manchester seniors honored for embarking on ‘journey of patriotism’

MANCHESTER, NH – On June 6 a ceremony was held at the McIninch Library at Central High School to honor all those graduating Manchester seniors who plan to serve in the military after graduation. Also in attendance were several dignitaries, including School Board Vice Chairman Arthur Beaudry, Superintendent John Goldhardt, interim co-superindents Amy Allen and Jen Gillis, Alderman Dan O’Neil and Manchester native, Major General David Mikolaities.

Below is a list of all students, and a photo gallery of the event, attended by four of the students and their families.

Manchester High School West

• Anika Ducharme, Army
• Majak Kon, Marines
• Hunter Lortie, Norwich University Battalion of Cadets
• Victoria Moquin, Army
• Joshua Moser, Old Dominion University NROTC
• Dinesh Rai, Army
• Ninoska Rios Pastrana, Marines
• Richard Rosario, Marines
• William Tyler, Norwich University Battalion of Cadets

Manchester Memorial High School

• Andrew Aquino, Army National Guard
• Nikolaos Dafapolous, Army
• Sam Gilbert, Air Force
• Cormac Lanman, Army
• Ryan Maloney, Marines
• Nathan Miller, Army National Guard
• Mitchell Nault, Air Force
• Victoria Saidel, Air Force ROTC

Manchester High School Central

• Garrett Jackson, Navy
• Christian Rheault, Army National Guard
• Alex Roby, Navy
• Brian Sullivan, Air Force
• Brendan Walsh, Air Force

Mayor Joyce Craig made the following remarks to honor the students:

Thank you all for joining us today to celebrate and honor the young men and women here in Manchester who will enter military service following graduation.

These students are about to start a journey of patriotism to support our country.  Thank you all for your dedication, commitment and willingness to serve.

The City of Manchester has a rich history of honoring those in our military and celebrating those who have served our country.

There are a number of parks, schools and squares spread across Manchester that honor those who have served.

Veterans Park, in downtown, serves as a memorial for the veterans who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. And there are trees in the park specifically dedicated to Manchester citizens that fought in Iraq.

And last year, we commissioned the Navy’s newest battleship, the USS Manchester, that will carry the name and legacy of the Queen City around the world.

I hope these reminders, spread throughout our city, show you how much the military is ingrained in our community.  And as you all carry on in service to our country; I hope you remember the City of

Manchester is behind you, and supporting you.

It’s an honor to stand before you today.  Thank you all for your dedication and your commitment to our country.

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Photo gallery by Stacy Harrison

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