Latest news with #MWCC
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Flag Day observed at Mount Wachusett Community College in a special way
The traditional field of red, white and blue has returned to the entrance at Mount Wachusett Community College. A display of about 2,000 American flags honoring Flag Day, June 14, was put in place by personnel from the Salvation Army Service Units and Veterans Committee and joined by volunteers from MWCC on Friday morning. Among those volunteering to place the flags were sisters Arie Voorheis and Brie Voorheis, who said their father is a veteran. Flying above the display is a 16-foot banner urging visitors to support local veterans. The banner was created by a student in the MWCC graphic design program. The field of flags tradition began 12 years ago when Wil Leslie, service extension director, and former Mayor Mark Hawke first started erecting hundreds of flags on the lawn in front of City Hall. As the tradition grew, so did the need for a larger space, and that's when officials moved the field to the MWCC entrance. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the tradition, which helps raise critical funds for The Salvation Army's Veterans Fund at the entrance of MWCC. The fund allows The Salvation Army to provide emergency social services and other assistance to those who served their nation. This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Flag Day display meaningful at Mount Wachusett Community College
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Vietnam Veterans of America makes scholarship donation to Mount Wachusett Community College
Mount Wachusett Community College received a scholarship donation from the Vietnam Veterans of America, according to a community announcement. Jim Benton, a member of Chapter 907, presented the donation to MWCC President James Vander Hooven and Veterans Services Director Robert Mayer on March 13. 'Chapter 907 of the Vietnam Veterans of America has been supporting Mount Wachusett Community College veterans for decades,' Mayer said. 'Recently, at the local chapter's urging, the VVA State Council has also provided support. I think it is wonderful how the area Vietnam veterans are supporting other veterans as much as two generations younger!' Chapter 907 has been supporting MWCC veterans for 20 years. Their annual donation to the scholarship and the example they set in the community has helped inspire other organizations and individuals to follow suit. There are now six annual scholarships dedicated to veteran students. This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at or share your thoughts at with our News Automation and AI team. This article originally appeared on Gardner News: MWCC receives scholarship donation from Vietnam Veterans of America
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mount Wachusett student-parents can leave children in program while they attend classes
Mount Wachusett Community College has received a $20,000 grant to expand its Child Watch program, according to a community announcement. The funding, provided by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts (CFNCM), will allow the college to hire additional staff and purchase supplies for the program, which offers a supervised space for student-parents to leave their children while they attend classes or study. The grant has enabled the college to employ a part-time Child Watch Team Leader and two part-time Child Watch Team Members during busy school vacation weeks. Sara Leopaldi, an Early Childhood Education major set to graduate in May, has taken on the role of Team Leader. 'Without the Child Watch I would not be where I am today,' Leopaldi said. 'If I can support my fellow student parents the way I was supported I know each and every one of these parents will succeed at whatever they put their mind to.' The program allows student-parents to leave their children in a safe environment for up to four hours while they remain on campus and reachable by phone. 'The CFNCM's support has enabled us to create a supportive, responsive and inclusive space for student-parents that fosters academic success, personal growth and community building,' MWCC President James Vander Hooven said. 'Without this funding we would not have been able to hire the necessary student workers to provide consistent, quality care for the children of our student-parents, especially during peak times like the K-12 school vacation weeks.' The Child Watch program not only provides childcare, but also serves as a learning opportunity for students in various majors, including Early Childhood Education, Nursing and Human Services. 'Over the course of the semester, our Child Watch Team Lead has brought a wealth of information to the room and helped to revamp our policies and procedures while guiding our staff in how to engage, comfort and support our young charges,' Ann Reynolds, MWCC coordinator of student parent supports, said. 'By hiring part-time students from diverse majors, we've been able to build a dynamic team that not only offers care but also contributes valuable knowledge and resources to the families we serve.' The grant has facilitated the creation of an environment where peer-to-peer mentoring can thrive, according to Reynolds. The Child Watch program is part of MWCC's broader efforts to support student-parents, who often face unique challenges in balancing their academic and family responsibilities. By providing a safe and supportive space for their children, the program aims to alleviate some of the stress and pressure these students may experience, allowing them to focus on their studies and personal growth. The funding from the CFNCM is a significant boost for the program, enabling it to expand its services and reach more student-parents in need. With the additional staff and resources, MWCC is better equipped to provide consistent, quality care for the children of its student-parents, particularly during peak times like school vacation weeks. The Child Watch program is a testament to MWCC's commitment to supporting its diverse student body and fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more. This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Mount Wachusett Community College program helps student-parents
