On Monday, Oct. 14, the Bank of Stage in downtown Concord came alive with excitement and support for a wonderful cause — the Raffle for Automotive Education. The room was filled with students, parents, teachers and NHADA members and partners, all who gathered for the shared goal of investing in our future workforce.

Eight bright students, selected from a competitive pool of applicants, stood at the heart of the evening’s events. They had the chance to win a portion of $25,000 in scholarships that would be awarded that night. As the night unfolded, attendees watched inspiring videos from each student, capturing their future educational aspirations and career goals, as well as what receiving these scholarships would mean for them.

The scholarships ranged from $1,000 to $10,000, and two of the most special awards of the evening were commemorative scholarships in honor of Paul Holloway and George Dykstra — two individuals with a longstanding history with NHADA, and who championed automotive education throughout their lives. These two scholarships were generously funded by the Exeter Area New Car Dealers Association, underscoring their deep commitment to the next generation of automotive professionals.

In a heartwarming twist, two anonymous NHADA members came together during the event and doubled the amount of all $1,000 scholarships, raising them to $2,000 each. This unexpected act of generosity will make a lasting impact on the students, who were visibly moved by the gesture.

The evening also featured a lively silent auction, with members and partners contributing some fantastic items. Bidding wars ensued, adding an exciting dynamic to the evening, while also raising additional funds for the cause. The Kitchen from Manchester, New Hampshire, provided delicious food, which kept the energy high throughout the night.

The event wasn’t just about scholarships — it was a prime opportunity for networking. Students had the chance to meet and interact with members and partners, further expanding their opportunities within the automotive industry. Likewise, members and partners engaged with one another, strengthening relationships and fostering a sense of community.

In the end, the night was a huge success, and none of it would have been possible without the unwavering support of NHADA’s members and partners. The positive vibes in the room were palpable, and the generosity and commitment to the next generation were truly inspiring. The Raffle for Automotive Education not only changed the lives of the eight students but also demonstrated the powerful impact that can be achieved when a community comes together for a great cause. The following are the eight student winners:

• Nataliemaye Demmons
  Nashua Technical Center $10,000 Scholarship
• Aiden Guimond-Murray
  Salem Career & Technical Center $5,000 George Dykstra Scholarship
• Andrew Gilbert
  Concord Regional Technical Center $5,000 Paul Holloway Scholarship
• Nikolas Blood
  Sugar River Valley Technical Center $2,000 Scholarship
• Austin Hopler
  Concord Regional Technical Center $2,000 Scholarship
• Tyler Morang
  Seacoast School of Technology $2,000 Scholarship
• Matthew Pucci
  Salem Career & Technical Center $2,000 Scholarship
• James Markley
  Nashua Technical Center $2,000 Scholarship