Concord, NH (October 19, 2026) – At the Paralegal Association of New Hampshire (PANH)’s annual meeting, graduates of NHTI—Concord’s Community College took home both awards presented during the event.
NHTI alum Heather McCandless received the New Hampshire Bar Association’s (NHBA) Paralegal Professionalism Award. Raquel Lopez, a 2026 graduate of the college’s certificate program, was the recipient of PANH’s Peer-to-Peer Award. NHTI’s paralegal program coordinator, Stacey Peters, served as the event’s keynote speaker.
As a faculty member since 1994, Peters has observed firsthand how the paralegal industry has transformed.
“Over the last three decades… the [paralegal] profession has evolved from one focused primarily on support functions to one recognized for specialized expertise and professional judgment,” said Peters. “For anyone interested in entering the field of law, becoming a paralegal is one of the smartest ways to get a taste for this specialized industry.”
The Paralegal Professionalism Award recognizes a paralegal who possesses outstanding job-related knowledge, motivation, and serves as a role model within the profession. Heather McCandless, the 2026 winner, currently serves as a New Hampshire Public Defender paralegal.
Attorney Maya Dominguez described one instance where McCandless’ insight may have made the difference at a trial. When submitting a Right-to-Know Law request, McCandless used her judgment to submit four additional requests. This extra information ended up becoming a central piece of the defense. “Heather is basically the MVP of any team she is on,” said Dominguez.
PANH’s Peer-to-Peer Award is given to a professional who best represents the industry and its future. 2026 award recipient Raquel Lopez works at Cleveland, Waters & Bass, P.A. and plans to further her education by pursuing her National Federation of Paralegal Associations certification.
“Raquel brings immense passion, an eagerness to learn, and a deep commitment to justice into her daily work in litigation,” said a peer in their nomination of Lopez.
NHTI offers two American Bar Association-approved paralegal training programs—an associate degree option and an evening-only certificate that can be completed in just 12 months. Visit nhti.edu/programs to learn more.
About NHTI—Concord’s Community College
NHTI—Concord’s Community College is committed to cultivating potential in every learner. Through more than 70 academic programs, we equip students with the skills and knowledge that power New Hampshire’s future. We deliver a comprehensive college experience—including on-campus housing, competitive athletic programs, and vibrant student clubs and organizations—that allow 4,600 students annually to advance in their careers and embrace lifelong learning. We are a proud member of the Community College System of New Hampshire, and have maintained accreditation by the New England Commission of Higher Education since 1969.