'Why Character Matters' Empowering Students of All Ages

Mark Leinweaver, a Major League Baseball agent, spoke with students from Manchester Essex Regional School District about his program, "Why Character Matters". (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District)

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Manchester Essex Regional School District recently welcomed guest speaker Mark Leinweaver to present his program, “Why Character Matters,” to students across multiple grade levels.    Leinweaver met with four groups of students during his visit: Grades 9 and 10, Grades 11 and 12, student leaders in grades 6 through 8 who were nominated by staff, and the high school’s peer mentors. Each session was divided to meet students' needs and where they are developmentally, all reinforcing the message of the power of character, integrity and responsibility.   The program is part of Leinweaver’s nationwide “Why Character Matters” initiative, equipping students with the tools they need to navigate challenges such as social media pressures, bullying and future responsibilities.   Leinweaver, a Major League Baseball agent, represents over 75 active professional players and has over 20 years of experience as an agent, TV and radio broadcaster, writer and educator. His mission is to lead by example, and he spreads his message by visiting various schools across the country to teach students and athletes why character matters.    Through his use of storytelling and real-life examples, Leinweaver encourages students to take ownership of their actions and recognize their long-term impact.   “At Manchester Essex, we believe that developing strong character goes hand-in-hand with academic achievement,” said Superintendent Pam Beaudoin. “Opportunities like this encourage our students to reflect on their choices and lead with integrity. We are grateful to be able to provide experiences that reinforce the values of our school.”   Throughout the presentations, students were challenged to view themselves as leaders in their school community. Leinweaver’s message showed students firsthand what it means to be a strong leader and how strong character can be displayed in everyday choices.

Five Manchester Essex Regional Students Receive Awards During 'Emerging Young Artists and Designers' 2026 Juried Exhibition

 

Superintendent Pam Beaudoin, Principal Julie Sgroi, and Art Educator Tamera Burns are pleased to announce that five MERHS visual arts students won awards for the 2026 UMASS Dartmouth Emerging Artists Competition.  The Emerging Youth Artists and Designers is UMASS Dartmouth's College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) 13-year tradition celebrating the exceptional artistic merit of New England high school students.  The highly competitive online juried exhibition received submissions from over 550 young artists this year, which were then narrowed down to 100 for the exhibition by the jurors, CVPA Dean Denise Baxter and Associate Dean Ann Kim. MERHS students Grayson Harden, Luke Renzi, Parker Woodman, Riley Mckinnon, and Felix Wood were among the 100 students selected for the exhibition. "We are extremely proud to announce the list of MERHS students who juried into this competition," said Burns. "It is remarkable for a school of this size to have students who qualify for juried competitions such as this."  The students' artwork includes the following:

Artist Riley Mckinnon's piece, 'The Selkies' (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District)

Artist Grayson Harden's piece, 'Uphill Battle.' (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District)

Artist Luke Renzi's piece, 'Field of Dreams.' (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District)

Artist Parker Woodman's piece, 'Under the Star.' (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District)

Artist Felix Wood's piece, 'The Beauty in Negligence.' (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District)

Award winners will have the opportunity to exhibit their work in the UMass Dartmouth CVPA Campus Gallery from Saturday, Feb. 14 through Sunday, Feb. 22, with an awards presentation and reception taking place on Sunday, Feb. 22 from 12:30-2:00p.m. An online showcase of the selected pieces will be available at www.umassd.edu/cvpa/explore/emerging-young-artists following the virtual award ceremony on Friday, Feb. 6 at 4:30 p.m. "We are so proud to see the talents of our students recognized as some of the best in the region," said Principal Sgroi. "We are proud to foster an arts education where students feel they can express themselves and pursue storytelling through creativity. This achievement is a testament to our art educators and entire student body, and we extend our congratulations to all."

District Newsletter: February 2026

MMES Adjustment Counselor Rebecca Xiarhos Receives MASCA Rising Star Award

Manchester Memorial Elementary School (MMES) Adjustment Counselor Rebecca Xiarhos received the Rising Star Award from the Massachusetts School Counselors Association (MASCA). (Photo Courtesy MERSD)

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Superintendent Pam Beaudoin and Principal John Willis are pleased to announce that Manchester Memorial Elementary School (MMES) Adjustment Counselor Rebecca Xiarhos has received the Rising Star Award from the Massachusetts School Counselors Association (MASCA).   Xiarhos was honored with the Rising Star Award for her innovative work and commitment to students at Manchester Memorial.    Through her work at MMES, she has been a driving force behind the school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. Through the program, Xiarhos has developed a consistent framework to promote positive behavior across the district, improving school culture and supporting both students and staff.   Xiarhos has also built strong relationships with students and families, offering individualized support to address academic, socioeconomic and behavioral needs. She also bases her work around the best practices of the MASCA and the ASCA, providing the highest-possible quality of support.    Her peers have described Xiarhos as being a caring, collaborative team player who consistently goes above and beyond. She contributes to a positive and inclusive school culture, offers professional insights during team meetings, and eagerly engages in professional development to strengthen her practice.   Xiarhos was nominated for the award by Principal Willis, and she was selected as one of nine semi-finalists, and later chosen as the winner.    Her award was formally presented to her at the annual MASCA Gala on Feb. 5.    "Rebecca's work has tangibly improved our school’s climate and systems, making our district stronger and better equipped to meet the needs of all students," said Principal John Willis. "Rebecca embodies the qualities of a Rising Star — innovative, compassionate and committed to excellence in the counseling profession."

Manchester Essex Regional Middle School Hosts Annual Band Concert

 

Seventh grade clarinet quartet plays "The Entertainer" during the Manchester Essex Regional Middle School Winter Concert. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District)

Music brings people together even in the colder months.  Manchester Essex Middle School students did just that at their annual Winter Concert on Jan. 22. Music radiated the auditorium as students sang, played instruments and rocked out to new and old songs.  The concert featured performances from the chorus, rock and concert bands, and quartets, where students were able to showcase their talents and hard work. During the concert the sixth-grade chorus sang "Bonse Aba," "Upside Down," and "Stargazing" and the concert band played "Tadpoles" and "Mechanical Monsters." Seventh grade chorus students sang, "Mas Que Nada," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," and "False Confidence" and the concert band played "Acropolis." The seventh-grade rock band performed "Mr. Brightside," while the Clarinet Quartet played "The Entertainer".  Eighth-grade students from the chorus performed "Ani Couni," "Dancing Queen," and "Iris," while the concert band played "The Avengers" and "Dark Ride." The concert was closed out with a performance from the eighth-grade rock band playing "I Feel Good," leaving everyone feeling proud and accomplished at the end of the night.  "We’re incredibly proud of our student performers and so happy they were able to share their hard work and dedication through such an amazing ensemble performances," said Band Director Henry Wagg. "It was also wonderful to see the debut of some of our Middle School Rock bands, which have been great additions to our program and provide new opportunities for authentic music learning at MERMS."

Eighth-grade chorus performs during the annual Middle School Winter Concert. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District)

Seventh-grade band playing "Acropolis" during the annual Winter Concert, which gave students the opportunity to showcase their talents. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District)

Seventh-grade students play the saxophone during the Middle School annual Winter Concert. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District)

Two Eighth Graders Chosen to Represent Their School as Project 351 Ambassadors

Eighth graders Caleb Beausoliel and Zoe Coshow embody what it means to be a leader at Manchester Essex Regional School District, which is why they have been chosen as this year’s ambassadors for Project 351.

Each year, Project 351 invites one eighth grader from every city and town in Massachusetts to participate in a yearlong leadership development program. The program is centered on service, civic engagement, and social change.

This year, Caleb and Zoe were chosen by their teachers for consistently demonstrating the values their school works to instill. 

Interim Middle School Principal, Elizabeth Taylor, said the pair stood out not just for their accomplishments, but for how they carry themselves. “They demonstrate the characteristics of our school,” Principal Elizabeth Taylor said. “They reflect kindness and service and hold themselves to high standards in their learning.”

Their Project 351 journey will officially begin on Jan. 17 in Boston, where they will join hundreds of fellow student ambassadors from across the state for Launch Day. 

Honoring the legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Launch Day marks the start of a 2-month-long commitment to leadership development and community service.

Throughout the year, Caleb and Zoe will collaborate with peers from different communities, building skills and perspective while learning how they can enact meaningful change. 

The Grade 8 students will bring the lessons they learn back home, individually designing and leading a service project aimed at addressing a local need in their town.

Upon completing the 12-month program, both students will join Project 351’s alumni community, gaining access to mentorship and support throughout high school and beyond.

Since its founding in 2011, Project 351 has engaged over 5,588 students across Massachusetts, rooted in the belief that when young people are trusted with responsibility, they rise to meet the challenge. 

Manchester Essex Regional School District Recognizes 63 Students for DECA District Competition Achievements

The Manchester Essex Regional High School DECA chapter had immense success at the District Competition, with 63 students earning placements. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District)

Sixty-three Manchester Essex Regional High School students will compete in the statewide Distributive Education Clubs of America competition next month. The students competed at the District 6 competition in Danvers on Jan. 7 and 8, with 26 students finishing in first, 17 in second, 12 in third, and 7 in fourth. "DECA growth in Massachusetts providing fewer opportunities for open spots, making the accomplishments of our chapter that much more impressive,” said Chapter Advisor Barrett Alston. “I couldn't be prouder of the effort of our students." The following students will advance to the state competition on March 12-14 in Boston. First place: Parker Woodman Izzy Zagrobski / Ellie Morgan Will Connell Jacob Zachareas Maya Chaghouri / Claire Masters Luke Renzi Alex Hatfield / Ben Rubens Noah Cohen Sarah Cort / Kiernan Day Violet Jakes Lila Brady / Kaylee Delaney / Kacey O'Connell Bissy Mitrano / Emma Brown Annie Pinkin Kiera Flynn Maddy Holsomback Connor Dickson Jack McCavanaugh / Jake Zschau Gray West Second place: Adam MacLeod Liam Grace / McKay Goodchild Stella Lage / Halle Bouchie Ava Linson Ernest Taylor / Andrew Cahill Emery Davis Teddy Pinkin Cody Mears Morgan Nichols Colby Mello Joe Glass / Jake Zschau Madeleine Franco / Rory Gerhardt Third place: Anna Gardner / Megan Graeter Ellis Rodi / Aiden Cronin Teyah Fleming / Harper Brooks Saskia Kuehnemund Hayden Wood Ema Mustafa David Broadbent Charlie Mannal / Graham Lewis Samantha Brigham Fourth Place Damian Etna / Rhys Kiester Joss Twombly / Violet Ste. Marie Luke Pilaud Max Deery Oliver Crowley "We are so proud to see the dedication and passion of our DECA students shine through competitively," said Principal Julie Sgroi. "Their success is a testament to all of the students and faculty within our DECA chapter, and I am excited to see all they continue to accomplish."  About DECA DECA, which was founded in 1946 as a career and technical student organization designed to test the capabilities of students for the working world, tests their members on a variety of different tasks, including business administration, decision making, business operations, and personal finance, among many more.

Chapter Advisor Barrett Alston says 63 students is the most he's seen place in his time in Manchester Essex. (Photo Courtesy Manchester Essex Regional School District)