How does one define success?

How does one define community?

A community is more than a thriving economy, low crime, and modern infrastructure. A community is more than quality schools, recreational opportunities, and dedicated city employees. A community is more than heroic first responders; fire, police and EMT's. A community is a place where you can feel its heart, its breath, its soul.

For 289 years, a small community continued to write its chapters in history. Each page brings forth its epic tale, from its rise during the industrial age, to leading the way in the shoe and meter market. This while Illuminating the guiding light of freedom and the American dream to all distant lands for those who yearned to bask in the warmth of liberty. Our Hilltop city attracted dedicated citizens who would add to the mosaic of our rich cultural heritage, carrying with them their language, culture and traditions which would define our uniqueness and begin our dedication to tolerance and understanding.

Through each step, we would celebrate our successes, and own our failures. Our pride and resilience would continue to be engrained in every citizen, each generation who would define themselves as a Hilltoppers. Through our brightest hours we would lead the state and nation in commerce and politics, through our darkest days we would continue to struggle to search for our place and sense of purpose amongst our surrounding city neighbors. Yet, the hope which has defined the meaning of Somersworth never dissipated. Our place as leaders did not fall victim to extinction, nor did the hope of our rise again. For one cannot lead others, until one leads themselves. One cannot offer a sense of meaning, understanding and purpose until one embraces their own.

We are a community! We are achieving progress and greatness!