Celebrating a Milestone: Spirit of NH Award Amplifies Our Mission for Educational Equity

By Riyah Patel, Founder and President of New American Scholars 

I recently had the immense privilege of standing on a platform surrounded by remarkable volunteers, organizers, and community leaders at the Spirit of NH Award ceremony, organized by Volunteer NH. This organization epitomizes the value of community engagement, creating the perfect forum to celebrate the enormous impact volunteers have throughout New Hampshire. 

An Award that Shares Its Glory 

Upon accepting the Spirit of NH Award in the Youth category, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and responsibility. While the award bears my name, it fundamentally belongs to the tireless volunteers at New American Scholars. Each of you—through your dedication, resilience, and unparalleled commitment—has transformed our mission into measurable impact. You're the unsung heroes who have taken an idea and turned it into a life-altering reality for so many refugee students. 

More Than Just Academic Support 

New American Scholars was born from the realization that education is the cornerstone of empowerment, but this doesn't just mean textbooks and test scores. We've always known that the route to an equitable education system is a holistic one. To that end, we collaborate with schools, educators, and community stakeholders to provide more than just academic assistance. We've designed an out-of-school support network that considers the full range of a student's needs, from emotional well-being to social integration.  

A Wake-Up Call 

Receiving the Spirit of NH Award has further sharpened our focus and resolve. It serves as a potent reminder that our work has only just begun. We have a profound responsibility to enrich not just the lives of the students we serve but also their families and communities. In the quest for educational equity, complacency is our enemy. This award challenges us to do more, to be better, and to continue dismantling the barriers that impede academic and personal growth. 

New Hampshire, A Community Like No Other 

Last but not least, the award ceremony was a testament to the remarkable community that is New Hampshire. Your collective spirit, your willingness to uplift even the most marginalized among us, fuels ventures like New American Scholars. You're not just bystanders but active participants in shaping a more equitable and inclusive future for all. 

So, this award and this moment are a tribute to the collective power and goodness of New Hampshire's community. I wholeheartedly thank each and every one of you for being the backbone of our mission and the wind beneath our wings. 

A Stepping Stone, Not a Destination 

While the Spirit of NH Award is an accolade, it's not our final destination. It's a stepping stone that propels us towards our larger goal—creating a New Hampshire where every child, regardless of their background, has equal access to opportunities for academic and personal success. 

Together, let’s make this vision a reality. 

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a part of this transformative journey. The road ahead is long, but with your continued support and commitment, there's no limit to the positive change we can enact.