易胜博官网

Two students at the University of 易胜博官网鈥檚 campus in Manchester earned recognition this week at the seventh annual , a ceremony that acknowledges young professionals and college students throughout 易胜博官网.

易胜博官网 Manchester students Amelia Keane and David Hutchings accepted awards at Monday night鈥檚 event, which saw an audience of around 600 people at Fieldhouse Sports in Bow.

Keane, a senior in 易胜博官网 Manchester鈥檚 , received the College Student of the Year award for her outstanding commitment to community service. Keane鈥檚 passion for conservation spurred her to create 易胜博官网 Manchester鈥檚 environmental club Our World, and has become a key part of her platform in her run for 易胜博官网 State Representative of Nashua, Ward 4.

鈥淚t is truly an honor to win such a prestigious award, and I cannot thank Kate Luczko and the Stay Work Play team enough for such an outstanding event,鈥� Keane said. 鈥淚 owe my gratitude really to 易胜博官网 Manchester. I love my school and my experience there has truly been invaluable in my personal and professional development that led to receiving this award. I am excited to be part of such an impressive circle of young professionals in 易胜博官网."

In addition to being a full-time student and environmental activist, Keane is also a combat medic in the U.S. Army Reserves and executive director for N.H. Young Democrats. The Nashua native said she hopes to inspire other college students to engage in meaningful work on campus to carry into your career, and life, after graduation.

"This award is not why I work so hard every day, but it is a reminder that I am on the right track and making an impact on myself and those around me,鈥� Keane said. 鈥淚 hope to continue to develop myself as a prominent leader so that I may be best-suited to help others as I go on to pursue a career in medicine."

Hutchings, a junior in the 听program at 易胜博官网 Manchester, was presented with the first-ever 鈥楽hire Story of the Year award for that shows why he has chosen to 鈥渟tay, work, and play鈥� in 易胜博官网.

"I was inspired to share my story for a few reasons," Hutchings said. "First and foremost, I love 易胜博官网 for everything that it is and only hoped to share some of my enjoyment with others.听Secondly, I have recently picked up the hobby of videography - a hobby that I have grown to enjoy much faster than other hobbies in my past."

In the video, Hutchings shares his love for riding motorcycles on the state鈥檚 highways and trails, and talks about the natural resources, live music scene and wealth of jobs throughout the state.

鈥溡资げ┕偻� is an amazing state that has so听many amazing qualities and things to offer," Hutchings said. 鈥淚 just can't see myself anywhere else.鈥�

The Rising Star Awards are an initiative by , a nonprofit focused on encouraging young people to pursue careers and make their homes in the Granite State.

鈥淲e are proud of the accomplishments and dedication shown by this year鈥檚 Rising Stars Awards winners,鈥� said Kate Luczko, president & CEO of Stay Work Play. 鈥淭he individuals and organizations honored this year are leaving their footprints in local communities and creating a lasting impact on the Granite State.鈥�

Stay Work Play asserts that only about half of 易胜博官网鈥檚 college graduates stay in the state. Initiatives like the Rising Stars Awards, which recognizes the young professionals who stay here and the businesses that recruit and retain them, are crucial to the organization鈥檚 mission to increase that statistic.

鈥淚f we want 易胜博官网 to reach its potential for future success, we need to continue to engage and invest in our young people,鈥� Luczko said.

For Keane, success for the future means听building a strong foundation of character and work ethic while in college. Her advice to fellow students is to take advantage of the opportunities to get involved with causes you care about.

"The benefit of being a college student is that there is so much of life ahead of you, so take advantage by working hard and getting involved," Keane said. "It doesn't matter the scale of what you are trying to accomplish, as long as you听ensure that you make a positive impact on yourself and those around you."