Nashua PAL is proud to announce the recipients of our second PAL Scholarship!
In partnership with the Allard Family and Dennis and Linda Beaulieu, Nashua PAL was thrilled to support these 8 exceptional young adults. Each of them has shown incredible dedication, and we believe in their potential to achieve greatness.
Angel Amparo, a Nashua PAL Youth Safe Haven & Basketball participant, is pursuing a career as an electrician. His goals include advancing to a higher position in the electrical field, securing his own apartment, and acquiring a car for transportation to work. Angel balances his career aspirations with his passion for helping others, having volunteered at Nashua PAL before working there for over two years.
Angel shared that “PAL Coach Shawn had a major impact on my life”. After playing ball at the gym for a while, Coach Shawn helped Angel become a volunteer leader and eventually helped Angel secure a job at the Nashua PAL St. Pat’s Gym. Angel mentioned that he loves working with the kids, helping them with basketball, and offering everyday advice. Angel's goals reflect a strong desire to grow both professionally and personally while continuing to support and inspire others. Congratulations Angel, your PAL family is proud of you!
Alejandra Ibarra, a Nashua PAL Youth Safe Haven participant, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Alejandra holds her Licensed Nurse Assistant (LNA) certification and works full time at a local hospital while attending Nursing school. As a second-time PAL Scholarship recipient, having received one of PAL's first scholarships in 2023, Alejandra has shown remarkable dedication and perseverance. Her three main goals are to develop new skills and habits, work on a new floor of the hospital to gain more experience, and “become a mentor or even inspire someone in the slightest way possible. I want to be able to give back the same way PAL has given to me.”
Alejandra, a PAL Youth Safe Haven member since age 7, still volunteers at the Youth Safe Haven – helping Santa give out gifts to PAL kids, and supervising the “littles” during field trips. She reflects on her journey with PAL, saying, "PAL has done so much for me... I look up to many of the mentors and members of PAL because, on my hardest days, my mentors never fail to encourage me to keep going and they believe in me." She aspires to be a role model for others. Alejandra knows that she is proof that dreams can come true as she is very close to reaching her own. Congratulations Alejandra, your PAL family is proud of you!
Kane Kyer, a Nashua PAL Youth Safe Haven & Boxing participant, is pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. As a second-time PAL Scholarship recipient, having received one of PAL's first scholarships in 2023, Kane has consistently demonstrated his dedication and passion for his field. Reflecting on a challenging semester, Kane shared, “I began researching more into the applicability of my major to foster a better relationship with the class material. I fell in love with the feats possible by manipulating the flow of electrons and protons, the essence of electrical and computer engineering. This year, instead of worrying about my future, I’m taking the right steps to be proud of it.”
Kane aspires to work at NASA, an organization he feels embodies the spirit of human curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge. He stated, “The reason why I push so hard is because I want to continue to live a life that I’m proud of.” Beyond his academic pursuits, Kane has become a mentor for the kids at PAL, helped incoming families, and taught classes that explore cooking, science, and engineering. He credits PAL for supporting his ambitions, showing him how to treat others, and providing a sense of belonging, especially after his parents left the country. Kane’s experience with PAL has opened his eyes to the impact one can make, and he is eager to give back to the community that has supported him. Congratulations Kane, your PAL family is proud of you!
Jayla McKenzie, a Nashua PAL Youth Safe Haven participant, will be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education while also following her passion for the performing arts. Her goals include attending a four-year college, pursuing her passion for performing arts, and becoming a teacher.
Reflecting on her time with PAL, Jayla shared, "My time with PAL was very meaningful. I was able to participate in a lot of different programs including Dance Team, Force Cheerleading, homework help, community service, and exciting field trips that I never would have had the option to do on my own." She credits her time on the Dance and Cheerleading teams for building lasting friendships and sparking her love of performing. One of her favorite memories is a trip to Boston with her mentors to see the Nutcracker Ballet. Jayla also values her experiences at Camp Sebago, which boosted her confidence and became her happy place. "When I turned 16, I was given the opportunity to work as a Junior Counselor and make sure that young campers continue to have the same life-changing experiences that I had.” Jayla said that she feels fortunate to have participated in programs like PAL and Camp Sebago, which have truly changed her life. Her goal is to continue to give back to these programs and others like them that have given her so much. Congratulations Jayla, your PAL family is proud of you!
Madison Roscoe, a Nashua PAL Youth Safe Haven Volunteer participant, will be pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine with plans to earn a Doctorate in Veterinary Science. Madison's goals include growing as a leader, maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher, and continuing to improve her fitness to stay mentally and physically healthy.
Madison became a youth volunteer at Nashua PAL Youth Safe Haven after PAL Officer Stusse spoke to her JROTC program. She has volunteered numerous times and notes the positive impact of volunteering for her and her peers along with Nashua’s youth. Throughout her four years in AFJROTC at Nashua High School North, Madison completed over 100 hours of community service each year. As Color Guard Commander, she led significant events for the community through the VFW and Hunt Community. Madison says, “The impact my team and I have made through the veterans in both organizations will stay with me for a lifetime.” Madison was honored as "Cadet of the Year" during the VFW's Loyalty Day for her dedication and service. Her JROTC instructor, Nicholas Ellis, USAF, praises her motivation and drive, which have been recognized by her school administration, community, and peers. Congratulations Madison, your PAL family is proud of you!
Desirae Schiller, a Nashua PAL Force Cheer participant, will be pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business Finance. Her goals include continuing her education, finishing her degree, and taking the best care of her soon-to-be child while achieving her academic ambitions. Desirae is determined to complete her degree because it will enable her to provide more for others.
Reflecting on her time with PAL, Desirae shared, "Nashua PAL had one of the biggest impacts on me. I was able to mentor and help others, as well as create friendships and bonds with my teammates and coaches." Desirae dreamed of being in cheer and came into the program with no prior cheer experience. She credits Coach Kelli for making a significant impact on her life, both as a person and as an athlete, saying, "She made me feel welcomed and wanted. She never gave up on me, even when I gave her a run for her money." Desirae says cheering with Nashua PAL made her feel safe and taught her about finding joy in the most challenging situations. Winning the PAL Force Kevin Rosenburg Award in 2019 was a pivotal moment for her, helping her realize she could make a difference for others. Desirae's experience with PAL has taught her the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and building new friendships and connections. She strives to be a supportive presence for those around her, understanding that everyone needs someone to talk to and feel safe with. Congratulations Desirae, your PAL family is proud of you!
Madeline Simpson, a Nashua PAL Force Cheer participant, will be pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Child Psychology. Her goals include completing her undergraduate program, working as a school counselor, and starting a master’s program in Child Psychology. Madeline also works as a paraprofessional at an elementary school in Nashua, supporting underprivileged children with behavioral and mental health issues. This job has taught her a lot and inspires her daily to continue her education in Child Psychology.
Madeline shared, “Throughout all the opportunities that PAL offered me, I learned a great amount and was shaped into the person I am now.” Madeline's experience with PAL Cheer allowed her to compete with the New Hampshire Elite team, creating lasting memories with her teammates and learning that hard work opens the door to many opportunities. She credits her coach, Kalin Carroll, for teaching her so much about cheer and continuing to provide opportunities in cheer programs. Madeline is thrilled to be returning this year to coach the Tinies and Division Eight cheer teams. Coaching is something she has been looking forward to since aging out of the program, and she is excited to learn and grow in this new role. In addition to her coaching, Madeline has also been a dedicated volunteer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for many years and looks forward to continuing this important work. Congratulations Madeline, your PAL family is proud of you!
Alex Thibeault, a former Nashua PAL Cross Country athlete, will be pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. His ultimate goal is to work in a sports-related field. Alex balances his time running cross country and working part-time on campus, but his priority will always be his education and grades. His goals include focusing on school to reduce stress, picking up a second major, and obtaining an internship with a sports team or sports entertainment company.
Reflecting on his time with PAL, Alex shared, "I participated in PAL Cross Country from 5th grade to my sophomore year of high school. I made lots of friendships by being a PAL athlete. I also achieved personal growth during my time with PAL." He credits Coaches Fred Daniels and Tom Cassetty with having a major impact on him, saying, "I wouldn't be the person I am today without their influence on my life." In addition to his academic and athletic commitments, Alex volunteers as an assistant youth baseball coach, driven by a desire to give back to another sport that helped shape his life. Congratulations Alex, your PAL family is proud of you!
Nashua PAL received scholarship applications for so many amazing PAL youth, but there was a limited amount of funds available. Thank you to the PAL Scholarship committee for their hard work and dedication in this challenging process. We look forward to supporting more Nashua PAL Alums in the future!
