Dear Fellow Alumni,
In the 50-plus years since I graduated from Merrimack Valley High School (’72), I never gave much thought to my alma mater. That changed when I joined the committee to plan our 50th class reunion. Alongside five close friends and classmates, we organized a wonderful event and reached out to as many of our classmates as we could find.
As our planning process wound down, someone asked, “Is there anything else we should be doing?” The idea of a class gift came up, and while it didn’t initially spark much enthusiasm, we soon raised over $6,000! With that, we awarded three $1,000 scholarships to deserving seniors pursuing further education and set aside the remaining funds to create a lasting legacy.
This inspired months of discussions with alumni, retired teachers, coaches, and administrators. Together, we founded the Merrimack Valley Alumni Association. Our purpose, as stated in our bylaws, is to:
- Strengthen connections between school and community, students and alumni, and education and opportunity.
- Support educational initiatives, scholarships, and the well-being of the school community.
- Enhance the tradition of excellence within the Merrimack Valley School System.
What We’ve Accomplished So Far:
- Leadership and Collaboration:
Our board of directors, supported by dedicated associates including Coach Dave Anderson, Principal Sam York, Athletic Director Kenny Edwards, teacher Kim Kenney, and fellow classmates from ’72, holds monthly Zoom calls to drive our efforts forward. - Nonprofit Status:
We’ve obtained nonprofit recognition from the IRS and the State of New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Commission. - Financial Foundation:
With an initial deposit of nearly $30,000, we’ve set an ambitious goal of reaching $100,000 within five years. This endowment will allow us to provide at least $5,000 annually for scholarships and programs, ensuring sustainable growth. - Online Presence:
We’ve launched our website, MVHSAlumni.org, as a hub for alumni stories, updates, and community news.
How You Can Get Involved:
If you are a Merrimack Valley graduate, you’re already a member of the association! Likewise, retired or current administration, faculty, staff, and coaches are automatic members. Currently, there are no dues required to join, but please visit Membership on our website to help us build a database of MV Alumni.
While membership is free, to make a lasting impact, we hope you’ll consider making a tax-deductible donation. Every contribution—big or small—helps build our legacy. Donations can be made securely online via our website or mailed to:
MV Alumni Association
c/o Lynn Colby, Treasurer
342 High Street
Boscawen, NH 03303
Be sure to include your year of graduation and email address with your gift.
A Vision for the Future:
With approximately 6,500 living alumni—including Penacook High School graduates—we have the power to create something extraordinary. Imagine the impact we can achieve with a united and engaged alumni network.
Let’s continue to build pride in our school and community. Together, we can ensure the Merrimack Valley tradition thrives for generations to come.
All About Pride
Jeffrey Towle (’72)
President