At Destination College 2026, families gather guidance and confidence for the road ahead
For an event that’s been going strong for 27 years, Destination College always feels fresh, and this year was no different. For the 400 high school juniors and their families who joined Granite Edvance at Plymouth State University on March 28, the college-planning journey was just beginning. It was a day to explore, make connections, learn, and, perhaps most importantly, gain confidence by getting a clear view of the future.
Granite Edvance President and CEO Christiana Thornton set the tone for the day, acknowledging the range of emotions many families were likely feeling and reminding them that their goals were in reach.
“I know that for some sitting in this seat, you might feel a lot of feels. … There are probably a little bit of tears thinking about the excitement of the future but also thinking about this process and, what is this going to look like?”
“I was a first-generation college student. My parents didn’t go to college, and they had not saved a penny for me to go to college. So I’m also here to tell you that it’s possible. … College and career pathways are for everyone.”
Keynote speaker Dr. Jess Dutille, Executive Director of Student Life and Community Impact at Plymouth State University, urged families to seek a college that can nurture their human needs.
“No matter what campus you’re on, no matter where you’re visiting, ask the question: ‘Can I find connection and belonging and community here?’”
Matt Wallace, VP of Education and Career Pathways, encouraged students to get as much as they could from the day by entering each workshop with curiosity and courage. “I challenge everybody to be the person that starts that waterfall of questions,” he said.
Students and families came to the event with a variety of expectations, questions, and goals.
Luke Javalgi of Gilford, who’s pondering a career in business or finance, was interested in chatting with college representatives at the college fair. His mom, Heather Javalgi, wanted to get a better understanding of how to pay for college. “I’m curious about the costs and the whole financial process,” she said.
Jennifer Newton of Dover had the same goal, while her daughter, Maggie Newton, wanted to learn more about colleges at the college fair. Currently in the Health Sciences programs at Dover High School, she’s thinking about pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, possibly specializing in labor and delivery. She said she’s leaning towards large, out-of-state schools but isn’t ruling anything out yet.
Lucy Althouse and her friend Addison Oulette said they had “no clue” what their future plans were yet but figured the college fair was a good place to start planning. “We’re having fun,” said Lucy, who ended up winning the drawing for one of three Apple MacBook Air laptops.
Savannah Sznerch of Concord came to the college fair looking for a college that offers voice acting classes and was happy to learn that Plymouth State may fit her goals. She and her mother, Elisa Sznerch, attended workshops on preparing for a college fair and college pathways. “They were both very helpful,” Elisa said. “This is a great event.”
Mark, Alex, and Anna Zerba made the drive from Bow to get a solid foundation for college-planning. “The entire day was excellently planned and organized [and] your presenters explained a lot of information and very clearly,” Alex Zerba shared in a note after the event. “Your organization is a wealth of information, and we greatly appreciate the assistance with the college process.”