Pamala Custer, a social studies teacher at Hanover High School, has been named one of 11 semi-finalists for the 2027 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year Award, according to a news release from the New Hampshire Department of Education. The semi-finalists were selected from a pool of 124 nominees and 51 applicants by education department staff. Custer was the only Upper Valley educator selected.
“The impact these educators are making in their classrooms and school communities is something to be proud of, and I’m grateful for the heart and determination they bring to their work,” Education Commissioner Caitlin D. Davis said in the release. “We have so many talented and committed educators in New Hampshire, and this program helps to shine a spotlight on those who are making a profound difference in the field of education — helping students to grow, learn, and excel.”
The department will name finalists in May and announce a winner in June.
Upper Valley elementary schools awarded literacy grants
Three Upper Valley schools have received $25,000 “Year of the Book” literacy grants from the Children’s Literacy Foundation.
White River Valley Elementary School — Bethel Campus, Windsor School and Woodsville Elementary School are among 14 schools from around the Twin States awarded grants, according to a release from the Waterbury Center, Vt.-based nonprofit organization. The money will go toward author visits, workshops, family events and purchasing new books during the 2026-2027 school year.
“The energy that comes from new ideas and experiences makes this an especially powerful opportunity for schools,” CLiF Program Manager Cassie Willner said in the release. “The goal is simple: to inspire a lifelong love of reading and writing.”
Scholarship opportunities, awards
Children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren of former employees who worked for a minimum of five consecutive years at Cone Blanchard Machine Company in Windsor, are welcome to apply for educational scholarships supporting post-secondary education through the Cone Automatic Machine Company Charitable Foundation. Applicants can write to P.O. Box 167, Ascutney, VT 05030 to obtain an application, which is due by May 13.
Woodstock Union High School senior Agnes Kardashian has been awarded the 2026 Daughters of the American Revolution Thomas Chittenden Chapter‘s DAR Good Citizen Award. “While volunteering in the community and working, Agnes was able to maintain summa cum laude honors through high school,” according to an April release from the organization, citing her volunteer work with Change the World Kids and as a volunteer emergency first responder, among other activities.
Post-secondary accomplishments
Lebanon resident Meghanne Cheevers, who attends Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I, has been awarded a Beatrice S. Demers Foreign Language Fellowship, which is awarded to Rhode Island residents and college students who are pursuing foreign language studies.
Jamison Banks, of New London, who is studying philosophy at Grove City College in Grove City, Pa., made the dean’s list with high distinction for the fall 2025 semester.
Georgia Winn, of Quechee, and Haley Clough, of West Hartford, made the dean’s list at Emerson College in Boston for the fall 2025 semester.
School Notes are published in the Monday Valley News as space and time permits. Email academic accomplishments to schoolnotes@vnews.com.
