2014 Rising Stars Finalists Announced

The Rising Stars Awards, an initiative of Stay Work Play (www.stayworkplay.org) in partnership with New Hampshire Public Radio, announced the 2014 finalists for six award categories: Young Entrepreneur of the Year, College Student of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Civic Leader of the Year, Coolest Companies for Young Professionals, and Leadership Development Program of the Year.

“Chosen by our amazing volunteer judges, this year’s finalists are an impressive group and are indicative of the amazing individual and wide-ranging accomplishments found in so many of New Hampshire’s young people,” said Kate Luczko, executive director of Stay Work Play. "New Hampshire is home to some incredible talent and inspiring initiatives, and we can’t wait to present this year’s Rising Stars Award winners in each of the six categories on October 6th.”

The Rising Stars Awards, which honor the state's remarkable young professionals, college students, and organizations, is in its fifth year, and will take place on Monday, October 6 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Brady Sullivan Plaza, 1000 Elm Street in Manchester.
 
2014 Rising Stars Awards Finalists:

Young Entrepreneur of the Year is a new award for 2014 and will honor an outstanding young entrepreneur in NH who has “looked outside the box,” and is helping shape the future of our state through their entrepreneurial venture. This award will be presented in partnership with the abi HUB and the New Hampshire High Tech Council.

·       Michael Carlton, Northwood, Calling All Cargo

·       Allison Grappone, Concord, Nearby Registry

·       Bobby Touran, Manchester, ApplyKit, Inc.

College Student of the Year honors an outstanding college student living and going to school in NH, between the ages of 18 and 24, who is an academic rising star and giving back to their community.
·       Mikaela Dwyer, Sanford, ME, Southern NH University

·       Alicia Frazier, Candia, Southern NH University

·       Ian Gagnon, Enfield, University of NH

·       Ryan Hart, Swanzey, Keene State College

Young Professional of the Year honors an outstanding professional working and living in NH, between the ages of 18 and 40 who is a rising star in their industry and giving back to their community.

·       Nicole Barreira, Manchester, Great NH Restaurants

·       Corey MacDonald, Portsmouth, Portsmouth Police Department and MacDonald &

·       Black Law Firm

·       Joshua McAllister, Center Conway, HEB Engineers, Inc.

Civic Leader of the Year honors an individual who, through their volunteerism, philanthropy, and/or community involvement demonstrates a commitment to civic participation, strengthening their community, and developing personal leadership capacity to make New Hampshire a better place for future generations. Nominee must be between 21 and 40 years of age and must live and work in the state of New Hampshire.

·       Luke Bonner, Concord, GYK Antler

·       Bryan Bouchard, Manchester, Southern NH University

·       Laura Brusseau, Laconia, Interlakes High School

·       Serena Galleshaw, Somersworth, Seacoast Local

Coolest Companies for Young Professionals honors NH companiesthat create environments to attract and retain young professionals (specifically ages 40 and under).

·       Calypso Communications, Portsmouth

·       Lauchlan Works, Exeter

·       Red River Computer, Claremont

·       Single Digits, Bedford

·       WS Badger Company, Gilsum

·       Ziftr, Milford

Leadership Development Program of the Year honors an innovative program initiated and conducted by a NH organization. The program must be aimed at a young professional audience in NH that help them propel their personal and professional growth.

·       BAE Systems Leadership Development Program, BAE Systems

·       Hoffmann-Haas Fellowship, NH Center for Nonprofits

·       Leadership College, Leadership NH

To reserve a ticket for the event and to find out who the winner will be, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/2014-rising-stars-awards-tickets-11250948891.