Make-A-Wish New Hampshire Grants High School Senior’s Wish to Attend Ƶapp
When Riley Pinard was referred to , her “wish” was to receive a scholarship to attend (PSU). When she attended PSU’s Accepted Students Day in February with her mom and sister, the Belmont High School senior, who completed her studies in December, had no idea her wish was about to be granted.
Riley Pinard of Belmont, NH, was surprised with a $10,000 scholarship wish and other gifts from Make-A-Wish New Hampshire and Ƶapp at Accepted Students Day in late February. Shown in photo (L-R): Riley Pinard's grandmother, two sisters, her mom Brandon Pinard, Riley, and PSU mascot Pemi the Panther.
Riley Pinard of Belmont, NH, was surprised with a $10,000 scholarship from and other gifts from Make-A-Wish New Hampshire and Ƶapp while attending PSU’s Accepted Students Day in late February.
Unbeknownst to Riley, she was given a special Accepted Students Day agenda. She reported to Room 124 of the Lamson Library and Learning Commons at 1 p.m., for what she thought would be an informational session. She was surprised by nearly a dozen people, including her two Make-A-Wish volunteer wish granters, Cathy and Sam, “Pemi” the Panther and other PSU representatives who presented her with a $10,000 scholarship to attend PSU from Make-A-Wish New Hampshire. Although she applied to other colleges, Plymouth State was her “dream school.”
“We are so grateful to Make-A-Wish and Plymouth State for this life-changing opportunity for Riley and our family,” said Riley’s mom, Brandon Pinard. “Receiving this scholarship to help us send Riley to college is amazing. She loves the campus, the library, and after meeting the president and other leaders, students and members of the faculty, we have peace of mind and confidence that Riley will be in a great place.”
In addition to the scholarship presented by Make-A-Wish, Riley, who is an avid reader and intends to major in English education, received a beautiful reading chair for her dorm room from her wish granters and several items from PSU, including a banner, sweatshirt and other swag to officially welcome her as a Panther. She also received a $500 gift card from Callahan AC & Heating Services of Moultonborough to purchase books and items for her dorm room.
"We are honored any time students and their families choose Ƶapp, and working with Make-A-Wish to make Riley’s dream of attending PSU happen has been especially rewarding,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management and Communications Joanne Landers. “We are confident that Riley’s presence will inspire and motivate her fellow students and enrich our campus community. We look forward to supporting her in her academic journey and celebrating her achievements."
Make-A-Wish New Hampshire was founded in 1986 to grant “life-changing wishes” that bring hope, strength and joy to children who have life-threatening or critical illnesses and their families. The non-profit organization finances endeavors through corporate sponsorships, special events, foundation grants and individual contributions, and relies on the support of numerous volunteers like Cathy and Sam, Riley’s wish granters.
Riley will participate in her high school graduation ceremony in June, and looks forward to beginning her college journey at PSU in September.
About Ƶapp: Established in 1871, Ƶapp serves the state of New Hampshire and the world beyond by transforming our students through advanced practices where engaged learning produces well-educated undergraduates, and by providing graduate education that deepens and advances knowledge and enhances professional development. The Plymouth State Cluster Learning Model emphasizes open, integrative, and project-based experiences. With distinction, we connect with community and business partners for economic development, technological advances, healthier living, and cultural enrichment with a special commitment of service to the North Country and Lakes Region of New Hampshire. To learn more about Ƶapp, visit .
