Salem High School Student Wins NHADA $25K Big Raffle for College Scholarship

Contact: Chandler Ives

Phone: 603-545-1020

SALEM HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WINS NHADA $25K BIG RAFFLE FOR COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP 

Michael Boutin to Attend Nashua Community College Automotive Technologies Program 

NASHUA – Congratulations to Michael Boutin, a student of Salem High School CTC and this year's Big Raffle winner of $25,000. The annual NHADA fundraising event directly benefits New Hampshire young people who wish to attend area automotive technology classes. The Big Raffle directly funds scholarships to assist families paying college tuition. Michael is planning to attend Nashua Community College this coming Fall and will be taking part in the Honda Automotive Technology Program.

“When my name was drawn, I have to admit I was stunned, but the reality that my college costs are basically covered quickly set in,” explains Michael Boutin, raffle winner from Salem. “I can’t thank the NHADA enough for helping provide this incredible opportunity. I’m anxious to get started.” 

Runner up Abigale Orthman won a $1,000 scholarship. Abigale is a student from Sugar River Valley RTC. Michael, Abigale and 379 other HS and College auto tech students received raffle tickets because many NHADA members donated those tickets to families and students. 

“Our members tell us constantly that the greatest need they have right now is in finding and retaining qualified workers,” explains Pete McNamara, President of the NHADA. “This scholarship program is a terrific way to incentivize young people into considering a career in our industry. The Big Raffle is bringing more and more awareness and interest to our field, and I am thrilled to being a part of sending people to college to help make their career dreams come true.” 

News of Boutin’s big win electrified his friends and instructors, Matt McCarthy, one of Michael’s teachers, expressed his thanks to NHADA for supporting the program. “When I found out Michael was the recipient of the scholarship, I could not have thought of a more deserving student. I met Michael his sophomore year when he attended our Introductory course. I could sense his interest then, since he had worked at a local repair shop already. I was not surprised to see him sitting in our auto 1 classroom the following year. He worked his way through our auto 1 class, and even survived our spring remote learning. Fast forward to auto 2 and Mike has made the choice to attend Nashua Community College’s Honda PACT program, prior to his scholarship winnings. I am very happy for him and his family.”

Holloway Buick GMC Cadillac was prime sponsor of the virtual event. AV sponsor, Northeast Delta Dental made it possible for NHADA to get the needed equipment to put together a very polished broadcast, which also featured comedian Juston McKinney. Final thanks to Albin, Randall & Bennett sponsors of the much-needed laughter and entertainment during these pandemic times. The virtual silent auction was sponsored by Larry & Tim Foss’ Northeast Auto Auction. All funds raised during the online event will fund annual scholarships for students. 

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About New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association: 

The New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association (NHADA) is a statewide trade association, representing the interests of the motor vehicle retail industry. Membership consists of all of the new equipment, car, truck, motorcycle, snowmobiles, and on-road and off-road recreational vehicle dealers, as well as, independent dealers, motor vehicle service, auto body repair, and motor vehicle parts sales facilities.