Y-Achievers Completes Exciting First Year Thanks to Fidelity Investments and Volunteer Mentors

Local students from the YMCA of Greater Nashua’s Y-Achievers program had the red carpet rolled out for them – literally – as part of a year-end event to celebrate their dedication in the inaugural year of the program.

The “It’s a Wrap” event last month featured a limousine ride for the seven students and their mentors from the Nashua Y to Chunky’s Cinema Pub. “Paparazzi” from the YMCA Teen and Junior Leaders groups and Nashua High School North photography students welcomed the Y-Achievers group as they walked along a red carpet to receive their certificates, followed by dinner and a movie.

The Y-Achievers program, supported by Fidelity Investments, is an extracurricular educational and teen mentoring program focusing on students in middle and high school. Students in the program participate in character development sessions, leadership and skills training, and college and career exploration throughout the school year.  The program is expected to grow during the next school year.

"What the Y-Achievers means to me is a place where I can go and not be judged; where I can communicate with new people and get a better grasp on my life," said Amanda Berry, a Y-Achievers student.

A key element of the program is the adult volunteer-mentors who serve as role models, encouraging students to excel in school and prepare them for life after high school.

Darlene Parent, a Fidelity Investments employee who volunteered as a mentor for the program, said she enjoyed watching the students experience things for the first time, step out of their comfort zones and participate in community service projects.  “When I first met the students, they were mostly shy,” Parent said.  “Today, many of them are comfortable speaking in front of each other and the mentors.  This program has been a huge step toward continuing to build their self-confidence.”

Joe Murray, senior director of public affairs at Fidelity Investments, added:  “Fidelity and its employees are committed to investing in students and their future.  Efforts like the Y-Achievers program can make such a difference in young people’s lives, and we are proud to be part of this important local educational initiative.”

 For more information about the Y-Achievers Program, contact Antwan E. Thomas, Program Director, at athomas@nmymca.org or Mary Ellen Subisak, Program Assistant, at msubisak@nmymca.org.

In photo: ( left to right): Darlene Parent, Jen Hollingsworth, Karina Rodriguez, Desiree Frechette, Amanda Berry, George Allen, Diana Walsworth, Irving Scales III, Hunter O'Neil, Stacy Callahan (of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Nashua). Second row, left to right, DJ Frechette, Malachi Brinson, Mike Smith, Patty Harding.