New Hampshire Celebrates Innovators at 2025 Rising Stars Awards

New Hampshire will honor its most innovative and community-minded individuals at the 2025 Rising Stars Awards, taking place on October 16, 2025, at The Venues at the Factory in Manchester. The event, organized by Stay Work Play NH in partnership with New Hampshire Public Radio and presented by Eversource Energy, aims to celebrate the creativity and contributions of young leaders shaping the Granite State’s future.

Corinne Benfield, Executive Director of Stay Work Play NH, emphasized the significance of the ceremony, stating, “This isn’t just an awards ceremony, it’s a celebration of the energy, creativity, and bold ideas defining the future of New Hampshire.” The theme for this year’s event, “Neon Nostalgia,” reflects the vibrant spirit of the early 2000s while highlighting contemporary achievements in the state.

Guests can anticipate an evening filled with inspiring stories and networking opportunities with New Hampshire’s leaders and innovators. Bob Coates, President of New Hampshire Electric Operations at Eversource, affirmed the importance of supporting young talent, saying, “We’re proud to celebrate the creativity, drive, and impact of this year’s Rising Stars, who are already shaping a stronger, more vibrant New Hampshire.”

The program will be hosted by Lau Guzmán from NHPR, featuring remarks from Jay Ruais, the Mayor of Manchester, alongside other notable guests. A special after-party will be held at Revo Casino and Social House in Manchester, providing further opportunities for connection and celebration.

Honorees Spotlight: Exceptional Young Leaders

Among the honorees is Maggie O’Neill, who has been named Artist of the Year. A conductor, actor, and educator, Maggie has made significant contributions to the arts and culture of the Seacoast region. She has performed with esteemed orchestras such as the Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. In 2023, she co-founded the Seacoast Queer Choir, which attracted over 220 attendees at its debut performance.

Entrepreneur of the Year, Alyssa Pine, has transformed the landscape of small business ownership in New Hampshire. By founding the Live Freely Market in Hampton, she has created a collaborative retail space that supports over 20 independent brands each weekend, promoting entrepreneurship among local creators. Alyssa is also known for her impressive portfolio of more than 75 murals throughout New England.

The Student of the Year award goes to Jaime Ceniceros, a recent honors graduate from Manchester West High School. His leadership roles, including serving on the Manchester School Board, showcase his commitment to his community. Jaime successfully advocated for the renovation of his school’s weight room and is set to pursue a degree in Legal Studies at Saint Anselm College.

Young Person of the Year, Andy DeMeo, has garnered attention for his work on the newsletter and podcast “Granite Goodness,” which highlights positive developments and innovations across the region. His storytelling connects diverse voices and fosters a sense of community among New Hampshire residents.

A New Honor and Recognitions

The newly introduced Zenith Award will be presented to Cotton Cleveland, recognizing her lifetime achievements in advancing opportunities for young people in New Hampshire. Cotton’s extensive involvement in organizations like Leadership New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Women’s Foundation has left a lasting impact on the state’s youth and community.

Additionally, the Young Professional Network of the Year award will recognize an exceptional NH YPN that has excelled in engaging young people through meaningful events and initiatives. The winner will be unveiled live at the event on October 16.

The Rising Stars Awards not only spotlight outstanding individuals but also serve as a reminder of the vibrant and innovative spirit thriving in New Hampshire. For further details and information on the awards, visit stayworkplay.org.