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Reflections on 2025
Estate Planning Seminar
Are You Smarter Than a BTM Student?
Summer Teaching Fellowship
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"Thank you, Breakthrough, for believing in me when I doubted myself, for always challenging me to do my best, for pushing me to step out of my comfort zone, and for always reminding me that I am never alone on this journey. To all the Breakthrough students, know that this program is a gift. Embrace it, learn from it, work hard, and let it transform you.”
- Crystina, BTM Scholar and Teaching Fellow Alumna, first-year nursing student at Rivier University
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December 2025
Greetings,
As another year comes to a close, a year of both challenges and hope, we take a moment to reflect on all we have accomplished. We welcomed a new class of seventh-grade Scholars at Clap-In, Clap-Out in June. Over the course of our six-week summer, quiet and shy students leaned into discomfort, and their confidence grew. By August, they had found their voices, speaking and presenting in the classroom and on the stage. Their curiosity and energy reaffirm Breakthrough Manchester’s mission!
The path to college and post-secondary success is more complex and uncertain than ever. Our Scholars are talented, motivated, and determined—but face systemic barriers that limit access to higher education. Earning a college degree is one of the most powerful ways for our Scholars to achieve social and economic mobility. Each year, 100% of BTM Scholars graduate from high school and pursue post-secondary education, with 98% attending and graduating from 4-year colleges (compared to just 51% of students from similar backgrounds).
| As we do each summer, we also welcomed 24 college-aged Teaching Fellows from around the country -- aspiring educators with a passion for social justice. Nationally, schools face an unprecedented shortage of qualified, diverse educators: over 400,000 positions are vacant or filled by uncertified teachers. Breakthrough’s Teaching Fellowship directly addresses this crisis. Over the past three years, 78% of BTM Teaching Fellows who completed college have launched careers in education—many committed to teaching in under-resourced communities, where compassionate teachers are needed most. | | |
We are busy now preparing for our 35th summer of students-teaching-students, and we can’t wait! Teaching Fellow interviews are underway, and Manchester middle school student recruitment visits are on the January calendar. As we celebrate our 35th summer, we honor the thousands of lives transformed through Breakthrough Manchester.
Breakthrough remains a bright light. Again and again, Breakthrough has shown what it means to create opportunity, sustain joy, and expand what’s possible for Scholars and Teaching Fellows. During this season of reflection and generosity, please consider supporting our Scholars and Teaching Fellows at a time when it is more important than ever! Thank you for believing in Breakthrough!
Warmly,
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Estate Planning Seminar
We’re thrilled to be able to offer this complimentary estate planning seminar thanks to our partnership with The Derryfield School! The seminar will be facilitated by Anu Mullikin DS ‘84, P’15, Devine Millimet, and Susan Martore-Baker, DS P’07, Cambridge Trust.
- Date: February 3, 2026
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Gateway Seminar Room, The Derryfield School
This dynamic seminar is designed to empower you, even if you already have legal documents in place!
A will or trust is a great start, but are you using every tool available? Our two exceptional presenters - financial and legal experts with a breadth of knowledge and real-world expertise - will share tips and strategies professionals use to optimize estates.
What you’ll discover:
- Refine your plan: Learn advanced techniques for minimizing taxes and avoiding common pitfalls that can erode your assets.
- Charitable impact: Explore smart, tax-efficient ways to integrate support for your favorite non-profits (including Breakthrough and Derryfield!) into your long-term financial strategy.
- Peace of mind: Gain the confidence that comes from knowing your legacy is fully protected and perfectly aligned with your values.
- Opportunity to ask questions: There will be time allotted for you to ask these experts your questions!
Elevate your estate plan and ensure your wishes create a lasting impact! All are welcome to participate. Come learn how to create a legacy for you and your family!
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Anu Mullikin, President & Shareholder of Devine Millimet
Anu is a Derryfield alumna from the class of 1984, and her daughter also graduated from DS in 2015. She has over 30 years of experience and is a trusted Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning attorney. Throughout her career, she has received several accolades, including New England Super Lawyer (since 2007), and was named a 2009 "Outstanding Woman in Business" by the NH Business Review.
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Susan Martore-Baker, President, Cambridge Trust Company of New Hampshire
Susan is a Derryfield alumni parent whose children graduated from Derryfield in 2007 and 2013. Her 40-plus years of experience in trust and investment have been recognized throughout New Hampshire for her work with individuals, families, and non-profit organizations, helping them identify and achieve their financial goals. NH Business Review recognized Susan as one of the Granite State’s 200 Most Influential Business Leaders and as an Outstanding Woman in Business.
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📅 Sign Up Today!
Early bird pricing ends February 15. Registration and sponsorships at https://bit.ly/BTMAYS2026.
For more information, contact Alice Handwerk at 603-621-6273 or ahandwerk@derryfield.org.
All proceeds directly support Breakthrough’s 35th Summer Program of students-teaching-students!
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Are You Smarter Than a Breakthrough Student?
🎉 Join Us for Trivia Night in Support of Educational Equity! 🎉
Test your knowledge and have fun while supporting Breakthrough Manchester’s students-teaching-students mission! Teams, including Breakthrough students, will compete for the AYS Trophy! 🏆
🧠 Academic Trivia Challenge
Tackle questions from Breakthrough’s academically rigorous middle school curriculum, with students by your side to help you succeed!
🌟 Support Breakthrough’s Impact
Breakthrough inspires students from marginalized communities on their path to college and develops future educators and advocates for educational equity!
💼 Corporate Sponsorships Available!
Your business will be featured across social media, reaching 3,000+ people, including business leaders and The Derryfield School and Southern New Hampshire University communities.
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35 Years of Inspiring Students. Developing Teachers.
Together, we are Breakthrough Manchester!
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Check out Breakthrough's
34th summer!
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