CONCORD – For many adults, their college dreams are fraught with misstarts and obstacles – for Evelyn Smaha, hers has been a bit more complicated.
The beginnings of a Honorary Student:
Born with autism and developmental disabilities, Evie has enthusiastically pursued her goal to one day become a student at NHTI – Concord’ Community College, but circumstances have not allowed her dream to become a reality. Until now.
To honor her love for and commitment to the school, NHTI has officially named Evie Smaha an honorary NHTI student.
In a special visit led by Leroy the Lynx and other staff members who have been a part of her journey, Evie was presented a bag of NHTI swag provided by NHTI’s Academic Center for Excellence, Department of Student Life, and Admissions; a giftcard to the NHTI bookstore, and an official NHTI student ID allowing her to participate in on-campus events as an honored member of the NHTI community.
Enthusiasm can help students achieve their educational goals:
Evie’s journey began with stories from her cousins and friends about their own NHTI experiences. So enthusiastic was she about creating her own memories of college life, Evelyn asked her mother and case manager to help her sign up for a Spanish course through NHTI’s Business Training Center. Due to circumstances beyond her control, the course was not held, but that didn’t stop Evelyn from dreaming. She even asked for an NHTI-themed birthday party.
“There is something very special about Evie,” said Joanna Willis, NHTI’s Accessibility Services coordinator. “She loves NHTI so much, and we were honored to help her achieve her dream of being an NHTI student.”
For additional information about the Accessibility Services Office at NHTI, contact Joanna Willis at [email protected].
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Get Beyond with NHTI – Concord’s Community College
NHTI is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 80+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. NHTI is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and since 1969 has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, a nongovernmental, nationally recognized accrediting agency.
Press Contact Amber Gavriluk | 603-230-4001 | [email protected]
