Academy News & Updates | Pinkerton Academy | Derry, NH

Math teacher Christa Powers named New Hampshire Teacher of the Year

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Math teacher Christa Powers named New Hampshire Teacher of the Year

On the very last day of classes ahead of exams, the Pinkerton Academy community celebrated more than just the coming summer break. That morning, the New Hampshire Department of Education came to camps to announce that Christa Powers, math teacher at Pinkerton Academy, is New Hampshire’s 2027 Teacher of the Year.

Powers emerged as the winner after a selection process that started with 124 nominees. Joined by her family, colleagues, and a few of her students, Powers learned the news at a surprise celebration on Wednesday that included a parade through campus as students and staff cheered.

“Christa is a truly deserving recipient of this honor,” said Pinkerton Academy Head of School, Dr. Timothy J. Powers. “Her dedication to students and passion for teaching make a lasting impact in the classroom and beyond.”

In the math department, Powers teaches a variety of courses and levels, meeting the needs of all learners. Her work to implement the Technical Mathematics Course for Career and Technical Education has truly been transformative for students.

Dr. J. Lynn Resmini, Dean of Faculty, emphasized how Powers’ influence extends far beyond her individual classroom walls.

“Christa being named 2027 Teacher of the Year represents how one individual can impact so many facets of education,” said Dr. Resmini. “Not only is she an engaging and effective educator in both the math and CTE classrooms, but her mentorship and coaching of her colleagues, along with her dedication to developing an authentic co-teaching model in both content spaces, is prevalent on Pinkerton's campus.”

Dr. Resmini added that Powers has been a cornerstone of professional growth at the academy. “Christa has mentored numerous educators, some new to the field, and has been an active educator apprentice mentor, helping many teachers who are on the path of becoming educators to be successful in their journey through courses and on-the-job learning. She plays a prominent role of attracting and retaining educators in our field.”

Jenny Walker, Associate Dean of Academics of Math, also praised Powers for her unique ability to inspire confidence in her students while pioneering new educational pathways.

“Christa Powers is a remarkable educator, celebrated for her thoughtful, kind, and inspiring approach to teaching,” Walker said. “As the 2027 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year, she exemplifies dedication and has made a positive impact on the field of education. By cultivating an environment grounded in motivation and self-efficacy, she empowers learners to engage in collaborative problem-solving and creative exploration.”

Walker noted that this innovative spirit has fundamentally shifted how students view the discipline. “As an innovator, Christa integrated mathematics into Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, making math accessible and practical for a diverse student body. Her leadership continues to have a widespread and positive influence on both students and adults.”

CTE Director Jen Haskins highlighted how this cross-disciplinary collaboration sets a gold standard for modern education.

“Christa Powers is the kind of educator every school hopes to have,” said Haskins. “What sets Christa apart is her willingness to step outside the traditional classroom and collaborate across disciplines to enhance student learning. She is an incredible partner to our Career and Technical Education Department. Her impact extends far beyond her own classroom, influencing colleagues, strengthening curriculum, and inspiring students to achieve more than they thought possible.”

Haskins continued, “I can think of no one more deserving of the honor of being named the 2027 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year. Christa represents the very best of our profession, and we are fortunate to have her as a member of the Pinkerton Academy community.”

The sentiment is echoed by those who work alongside her every day in the classroom. Nathan Phillips, a colleague and co-teacher who has worked closely with Powers for the last three years, spoke to her profound impact on the school's daily culture.

“Over that time she has been an amazing colleague and co-teacher. I have truly enjoyed working together,” Phillips said. “She is always positive and that positivity spreads like wildfire. I am constantly inspired by her abilities to help all kinds of learners and I am truly blessed to be able to work with her. She is one of the most selfless and humble people I have ever met and I am so happy that she has been selected as the 2027 NH Teacher of the Year!”

Overwhelmed by the campus-wide celebration, Powers expressed deep appreciation for her support systems and shared her vision for the future of math education.

“I am so grateful for this honor and for my family both at home and at school,” Powers said. “The support that has been extended to me has been nothing short of incredible. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful educators and am proud to represent Pinkerton on this journey.”

Looking forward to her platform as the state's top educator, Powers is eager to champion innovative instruction on a larger scale. “I hope to continue to learn from other educators and support schools with co-teaching and embedding mathematics curriculum within CTE and other programs. I want students to learn math where they are excited!”

As the New Hampshire Teacher of the Year, Powers will now serve as an ambassador for the state's teaching profession and will represent New Hampshire in the National Teacher of the Year program.

Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony!

June 12, 2026 | 6:00–8:30 PM | Memorial Field

Tonight, we celebrate the Class of 2026! Join us as we honor our seniors and recognize the hard work, memories, traditions, and lasting impact they have made on the Pinkerton Academy community.

Watch the Class of 2026 Graduation live on our YouTube channel (@pinkertonacademy1814)

View the Graduation Commencement Program 2026

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

Senior Awards Night

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Senior Awards Night!

June 11, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 PM | Hackler Gymnasium

Join us tonight as we celebrate the hard work, leadership, and accomplishments of the Class of 2026! We look forward to recognizing our seniors and all they have achieved throughout their time at Pinkerton Academy.

Watch Senior Awards Night live on our YouTube channel (@pinkertonacademy1814)

Pinkerton Students Recognized at Congressional Art Competition

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Lora Kotlyarsky and Sam Pearson recently received honorable mentions in the Congressional Art Competition hosted by Congressman Chris Pappas. Both are students in Mr. Gonzalez's AP Studio Art class. Congratulations!

Pinkerton Academy Announces Class of 2026 Top 10 Students

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Congratulations to the top ten students from the Class of 2026!

1) Arav Mahajan

2) Boris Hadjiev

3) Yianni Kalampalikis

4) Olof Holmes

5) Rebecca King

6) Jack Welch

7) Brooke Benz

8) Alexander Foti

9) Sophia Cahoon

10) Alyssa Camell

Pinkerton Academy Culinary Program Wins State Competition

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

On March 3rd at Grappone Conference Center, Concord, NH, Pinkerton Academy Culinary students competed in the NH ProStart State Invitational, working in both the culinary and management categories. They ultimately won both categories for the first time in Pinkerton history and will advance to the ProStart National Invitational.

By Lilliana Cunha, '26

The competition is a challenging one, requiring students to collaborate on various aspects of the culinary business.

“Students start by researching and developing a three-course menu composed of an appetizer, entree, and dessert,” said Desjardin. “The team of five students must take into consideration that they only have one hour to prepare two portions of each course using only two portable butane burners.”

Additionally, on the management side, Desjardin explained, “Students must then create a theme and outline their concept, develop a floor plan, specify and generate examples of their decor, perform a SWOT analysis, generate an organizational chart, compose a menu, create and cost recipes, and make and photograph up to four of their menu items.”

After receiving a first-place title in both categories, Desjardin reflected on the moment.

“I couldn't have been more proud of this group of kids,” said Desjardin. “They have all been working so hard preparing since the beginning of December, and the schools they were competing against were all performing on incredibly high levels. It was great to see these students recognized for all of the hard work they put into preparing for states and the feedback they received from all of the judges.”

Students who competed on the culinary team include Laya Brown, Sophia DeAngelo, Megan Delinas, Kiley Hewey, and Presley Nettles; the management team was made up of Gabriella Strabone and Mollie Wheale.

The program was further recognized as Chef Desjardin was recently awarded the NH ProStart Teacher of the Year Award.

The teams will compete at the Pro Start National Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland, in April.

Pinkerton Academy DECA Chapter Performs Well at State Competition

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

New Hampshire DECA hosted its statewide competition February 11–13, with over 750 competitors from 22 schools. Pinkerton Academy’s DECA chapter had 64 students competing and 29 earning 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place in their respective events.

As a result of their performances, 28 Pinkerton students have qualified for DECA’s International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Atlanta, GA this April.

In addition to individual achievements, the Pinkerton DECA Quiz Bowl Team (Natalie Aiossa, Edward Brzezowski, Boris Hadjiev, and Arav Mahajan) won 1st Place, defeating Phillips Exeter in the semifinals and Bedford in the championship round. Campus Corner earned Gold Certification through a written project completed by managers Cali Lockwood, Jeremy Campos, Jadyn Piccolo, and Franco Valverde.

The Pinkerton chapter was also recognized at the highest level for its community service and promotional campaigns, highlighting Pinkerton DECA’s commitment to excellence both in and beyond competition.

The students who placed are listed below. Congratulations to all who participated.

1st Place
Natalie Aiossa – Hotel and Lodging
Boris Hadjiev & Alex Visenescu – Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making
Dylan Haverty & Zach Stagnaro – Marketing Management Team Decision Making
Beckham Moreau – Food Marketing
Zach Stagnaro & Lillian Tabor – Finance Operations Research

2nd Place
Madison Ball – Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research
Madison Ball – Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling
Molly Bhattacharjee & Audrey Howard – Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making
Edward Brzezowski & Mason Savard – Sports and Entertainment Marketing Operations Research
Jonathan Cunha – Restaurant and Food Service Management
Dylan Haverty – Business Services Operations Research
Lora Kotlyarsky – Retail Merchandising
Kayleigh Lorenzini & Lillian Tabor – Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making
Liam MacDonald – Hotel and Lodging
Paul Vallee – Automotive Services Marketing
Rylan White – Sports and Entertainment Marketing

3rd Place
Jeremy Campos & Franco Valverde – Marketing Management Team Decision Making
Delen Jones – Quick Serve Restaurant
Cali Lockwood – Apparel and Accessories Marketing
Arav Mahajan & Quinn Manning – Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making
Kaleigh Mello – Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research
Jadyn Piccolo – Food Marketing
AvaRose Vallee-Martel – Human Resources
Kameron Waddington – Marketing Communications

Associate Dean of Students Kimberly Larkin named NH Assistant Principal of the Year

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Pinkerton Academy is proud to announce that Associate Dean of Students Kimberly Larkin has been named New Hampshire’s High School Assistant Principal of the Year by the New Hampshire Association of School Principals.

Larkin was nominated by Associate Head of School, Michael Perez, and underwent an intensive selection process that involved written recommendations from students and staff as well as on-campus interviews with colleagues, students and parents.

“We are all extremely proud of the work that Kim does each day to support students and staff. She goes beyond what is expected to meet people where they are and help them succeed,” said Head of School, Timothy Powers. “Kim is most deserving of this recognition.”

Kirsten Soroko Recieves The itste+ascd Making IT Happen Award!

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Congratulations to Kirsten Soroko for receiving NHSTE's iste+ascd Making IT Happen Award!

This honor recognizes educational leaders who go above and beyond to expand and enhance digital learning opportunities for students. Thank you, Kirsten, for inspiring and empowering Pinkerton students to achieve their academic goals.

We are so proud of you!

From Idea to Reality: The Astros’ Closet Is Officially Open!

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Back in fall 2022, members of the Key Club and the Curriculum Instruction and Assessment (CIA) Teacher Sub-Committee came together with a shared goal: to create an on-campus shop providing free resources for Pinkerton families. Clothing, shoes, formal attire, accessories, and hygiene products were all donated by members of the local community in support of this effort. Students from various clubs and classes, along with teachers, alumni, and local businesses, contributed their time, energy, and resources to help bring this idea to life.

Located in the former girls’ PE locker room, the Astros’ Closet was transformed through months of cleaning, painting, crafting, and organizing. The space now includes shelves, racks, mirrors, and changing rooms. The Astros’ Closet is currently accepting donations of clean or gently used winter gear, including teen-friendly coats, hats, leggings, and gloves.

Whether someone is in need of everyday items, a new outfit, or clothing for a class requirement or special event, the Astros’ Closet offers resources for everyone!

We sincerely appreciate everyone who helped make this project possible. Learn more about the process behind Astros’ Closet below.

Astros' Closet Timeline

If you’re interested in donating items or visiting the shop, please contact Brenda Stribling at bstribling@pinkertonacademy.org.