MANCHESTER, NH— St. Mary’s Bank recently announced a gift of $1,500 to Manchester Central High School and the American Youth Foundation. The donation will cover the cost of transporting Central students to a three-day leadership-training program at the American Youth Foundation’s Camp Merrowvista. The program aims to bring together students from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds to develop a collaborative sense of community and tolerance for Central’s student body.

“The population St. Mary’s serves has always been culturally diverse, so we’re pleased to help Central High School educate their students on what it means to work together to become part of a larger community,” said Tom Champagne, Director of Community Outreach at St. Mary’s Bank. “Through programs such as Camp Merrowvista’s leadership training, our local schools give area youth the tools they need to thrive in the real world, and we’re happy to be a part of that process.”

Located in Tuftonboro, New Hampshire, Camp Merrowvista’s vision is to inspire people to discover and develop their personal best; to achieve balance in mental, physical, social, and spiritual living; and to make a positive difference in their communities. Founded in 1925, the camp provides leadership training for over 7,000 youth annually in a natural setting that includes ropes courses, mountain hikes and waterfront activities.

“Manchester Central is New Hampshire’s oldest, largest and most diverse public high school,” said John Rist, Principal. “A number of our students were placed with us as a result of their refugee status, and we feel attendance at Camp Merrowvista will enable more of our high-school students to seek and assume leadership positions. We’re grateful to St. Mary’s Bank for their generous donation—they’ve helped us make much-needed leadership programs like Camp Merrowvista a success.”

For more information on Camp Merrowvista’s programs and services, call 603-539-6607, or visit the American Youth Foundation Website at http://www.ayf.com/.


Left to Right: Abigail Curtin, Tom Champagne, St. Mary's Bank Director of Community Outreach, Mara Robinson, John Rist, Principal, Manchester Central High School and Lydia Tufts.