Scenes from Destination College 2025
We can all recall moments when our future came into focus: a story that inspired us, a person who influenced us, a door that opened for us. At Destination College, Granite Edvance’s annual college-and-career planning event for high school juniors and their families, we aim to set the stage for such moments. Here are a few scenes from Destination College 2025, held on Saturday, April 5, at Southern New Hampshire University.
Dr. Lowell “Chris” Matthews, a professor at SNHU, delivered a lively keynote address that included a warmup dance and humorous stories from his own life, connected by the refrain “radical dreams.” Raised on a pig farm in Tennessee, Dr. Matthews took bold and sometimes unusual steps to reach his goals – including teaching the theme song from Disney’s Aladdin to a group of businessmen at a Japanese spa. “When you walk into a space, embrace it,” he said.
Granite Edvance President and CEO Christiana Thornton encouraged students to keep an open mind throughout the day and throughout the planning process. Her son, Owen, who attended Destination College with her last year, is headed to a school this fall that wasn’t even on his radar a year ago.
Destination College was a first foray into college planning for Darian Masker, a junior at Goffstown High School, and her mother, Deb Masker. Darian is considering a career in radiology and wanted to learn about her options. “I’m definitely interested in looking at community college,” she said.
Granite Edvance’s own Kristy O’Brien attended Destination College this year as a parent, with her daughter, Madalyn. Madalyn attends Winnacunnet High School and the Seacoast School of Technology in Exeter and is interested in a career in health science – although she’s still figuring things out. She picked up some useful tips for filling out her college application at the workshops she attended. “I’ve learned a lot,” she said.
Xander McBournie and his mother, Suzanne McBournie, of Manchester, were brand new to postsecondary planning when they arrived at Destination College. “I’m just exploring different options,” said Xander, who plays basketball and is interested in a sports-related career. “Just learning about different colleges and what I might like to do in the future.”
Jasper Peacock came to the college fair prepared, with a list of schools that offer a degree in his chosen field of resort management. His mom happens to be Carla Peacock, Granite Edvance’s North Country Pathways and Funding Specialist — but he was definitely following his own playbook. “I learned a bunch of stuff,” Jasper said.
As a hockey player, Massimo Palelli of Dunbarton started planning for college during his sophomore year. Destination College offered a chance to ask questions and dig a little deeper into the college application process. “The panels they had were really helpful,” said Massimo, who is considering a career in electrical engineering. “I really enjoyed walking around the fair and talking to people.” The day also brought a surprise: Massimo was one of the winners of our iPad and MacBook drawing.
Christine Murray of Londonderry was feeling more than a bit overwhelmed at the prospect of helping her oldest daughter plan for college when she showed up at Destination College. By the end of the day, her tune had changed. The keynote address inspired her, and the workshops helped clear up confusion and boost her confidence. “I’m really, really glad we came,” Christine said. “I’m excited now for the process, not dreading it.”
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