Town Administrator Walter Johnson, Select Board Chair Hal Kreider, Moderator Keith McGuigan, Bob Young, Select Board Vice-Chair Matt Frye.
Town Administrator Walter Johnson, Select Board Chair Hal Kreider, Moderator Keith McGuigan, Bob Young, Select Board Vice-Chair Matt Frye. Credit: Courtesy

Canterbury

Elijah T. Allman earned a bachelor’s degree in conservation biology from St. Lawrence University.

Concord

Gretchen Conant earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, biology, from St. Lawrence University.

Henniker

Byron Welch earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from St. Lawrence University.

Hillsborough

Mikaela Newman earned a bachelor’s degree from Assumption University.

Hopkinton

Hannah Eliason earned a bachelor’s degree in religious studies and government from St. Lawrence University.

Laconia

Helen Tautkus earned a bachelor’s degree from Assumption University.

New London

Isaac Braun earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from St. Lawrence University.

Gunnar Nurme earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, economics, from St. Lawrence University.

Northwood

Robert E. “Bob” Young was elected Northwood Citizen of the Year at the May 15 deliberative session. The vote was unanimous. The town’s annual report is also dedicated to Young for his long and varied service. Select Board Chairman Hal Kreider said that Young, in his role of Emergency Management Director, may have found these past months of the COVID crisis “not a real joy,” but he persevered, submitting daily reports and advising town officials about how to keep Northwood safe. Young has served as EMD for 30 years, guiding the town through ice storms, blizzards, oil spills, car accidents, and fires, as well as health emergencies. He took the lead on COVID early in January 2020 with an email warning about the virus that would soon become a pandemic. The official dedication notes the “around the clock attention” he has given the crisis ever since, calling him “vigilant in looking out for the safety of every Northwood citizen.” He also served on the select board for six years, was assistant moderator and then moderator for the town and school. When a gas leak contaminated the wells on Northwood Ridge, Young worked to establish a water district to provide clean water to area residences, businesses, and the elementary school. With his blue-grass band, Cordwood, he helps raise funds for the town library at the annual Humor and Harmony event. Now retired, he spent much of his teaching career at Coe-Brown Academy, where he taught chemistry and served as department head and science curriculum coordinator.

Weare

Brooke Shatney earned a bachelor’s degree from Assumption University.