CONCORD, N.H. - s4story -- New Hampshire Career Academy Chartered Public School (NHCA) hosted its inaugural Student Achievement Celebration on May 14 at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord, marking the close of the school's first year. The evening honored students who completed their senior year of high school on a community college campus while simultaneously earning a tuition-free associate degree - entering the workforce debt-free and two years ahead. Among those celebrated was Madelyn Hardy, the first student in NHCA history to cross the finish line and earn both her high school diploma and associate degree.

The event brought together students, families, college partners, and community supporters to celebrate a milestone that Patrick O'Mara, NHCA Executive Director, called "a historic moment."

"What our students have accomplished this year was not easy," O'Mara said. "They chose a path that challenged them to think differently, work harder, and step outside the traditional high school experience. In many ways, they helped shape this school's story."

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Madelyn Hardy was recognized as NHCA's first and founding graduate. In her address to the class, she reflected on joining the program before it had classmates, structure, or tradition.

"There's something special about being part of something in its earliest days," Hardy said. "You don't just benefit from the institution - you help build it. Every day I came through those doors, I was laying a brick. I didn't always know what the finished building would look like. But I kept laying bricks."

Special Honors

Thirty-two students were recognized with individual character awards celebrating the qualities they demonstrated throughout the year.

The Class of 2026 Ambassadors - Zoe Brown, Aaliya Chaudhry, MacKenzie Corbett, Tyler Johnston, Julia Sirois, Emma Smith, and Matthew Soucy - were honored for their leadership and dedication throughout the year and will be instrumental in welcoming new students to the program this fall.

NHCA expressed gratitude to the New Hampshire Department of Education and the Community College System of New Hampshire for their foundational support of the program. The celebration was made possible with generous in-kind contributions from Shaw's, Market Basket, Hannaford, and Lindt Chocolate, as well as the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center for hosting the event.

For more information about New Hampshire Career Academy, visit nhcareeracademy.org or contact info@nhcareeracademy.org.