State, MAPFRE Offer High School Student Contest, Promoting ‘Look Both Ways’ Program

Area high school students have a chance to compete in the second annual state roadway safety education contest, “Look Both Ways,” and possibly win $3,000 for road safety education at their school. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation, working with the Madrid, Spain-based nonprofit Fundación MAPFRE, invites students to prepare a public service announcement to air in the spring before prom and graduation season online and on television. Look Both Ways aims to eliminate road-related fatalities and serious injury, connecting high schools and colleges with the program’s “React Challenge.” The mobile interactive virtual reality station tests students’ safe driving ability when faced with distractions behind the wheel. Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt said, “Getting young drivers involved in safety education is an important action towards making our streets safer, and we are eager to see the great ideas that students come up with this year. Their participation is important in helping MassDOT to envision a future without roadway injuries and deaths.”

The deadline for contest submissions is Friday, March 29, at 5 p.m. There is an online application here.

UMass Lowell Chemistry Students Working on Gel to Remove Harmful PFAS from Drinking Water

What have been called dangerous “forever chemicals,” used to make nonstick cookware to firefighting foam have made their ways into drinking water, but UMass Lowell researchers are working on a new gel to remove the substances. Led by chemistry Assistant Professor James Reuther, the work to remove PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—is supported by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Massachusetts Technology Transfer Center with grants totaling nearly $85,000. Because of their prevalence and a lack of regulation, people can be exposed to PFAS through drinking water, which can become contaminated when these substances enter the environment. Discoveries emerging since the 1960s have shown PFAS exposure may lead to increased cancer risks, decreased fertility and several other health issues. Federal and state agencies have taken steps to protect communities from exposure, but risks remain because PFAS do not easily degrade.

Whittier Tech Plans Inaugural Community Career Fair March 21

Local businesses are invited to participate in Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School’s inaugural Community Career Fair. The free event is open to all high school seniors within the 11 communities that represent Whittier Tech. The fair provides an opportunity for students to connect with industry professionals and learn about potential career paths. “I think the fair will be a great opportunity for students to explore different career options and learn from valued professionals, and I encourage businesses to submit their applications soon,” said Superintendent Maureen Lynch. Close to 50 businesses are registered so far to attend and include industries from cosmetology to general health and engineering to technology, and including companies such as Ulta Beauty, Milltown Health and Rehabilitation and the Massachusetts Water Works Association.

Haverhill Schools Face $11.1 Million Deficit Next Year; Administrators, School Committee Weigh Cuts

Haverhill Public Schools, which serve around 8,000 students, is working to reduce a projected shortfall of $11.1 million as it begins to put together a budget for the year that starts July 1. In a presentation to Haverhill School Committee members on next year’s finances, Assistant Superintendent Michael J. Pfifferling explained the stark reality at a budget workshop last week. Though technically the deficit is $10.7 million, the Wit & Wisdom literacy program has been deemed essential and costs a little more than $400,000. The district’s “level service budget” is $136,486,433. The phrase means this is the amount of money needed to provide the same level of services as last year.

Haverhill’s Fifth Annual Preschool Resource Fair Set for March 16

Parents and guardians have an opportunity to learn about preschool programs and kindergarten registration for this fall during the upcoming Haverhill’s Fifth Annual Preschool Resource Fair. There will also be free early learning activities for families. The fair, organized by a coalition known as the Early Learning Leadership Team, takes place Saturday, March 16, from 9-11 a.m., at Hunking School, 480 S. Main St., Haverhill. Those seeking more information may email Brianna Trudel at [email protected].

U.S. Rep. Trahan to Deliver Northern Essex Community College Commencement Address in May

Congresswoman Lori Trahan will address the more than 400 Northern Essex Community College graduates this spring during the 62nd annual Commencement Ceremony. Trahan, who was born in Lowell and raised in a working-class family, was the first in her family to graduate college. “Congresswoman Trahan understands, from a very personal perspective, the transformative power of higher education,” says Northern Essex President Lane A. Glenn. “She sees how a community college like Northern Essex can pivot to directly and effectively address the workforce needs of our communities and students. We look forward to her sharing her inspirational story with the class of 2024.”

As a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, Trahan has been an advocate for supporting public schools, making college more affordable and accessible and ensuring fair wages and opportunities for the workforce in Massachusetts’ 3rd District.

Haverhill Promise Invites Public to Take Literacy Pledge During National Reading Month

March is National Reading Month and Haverhill Promise is asking the public to take its literacy champion pledge in support of improving grade level reading proficiency for all Haverhill children. Haverhill Promise is asking everyone to add their name and email to the coalition of educators, leaders, businesses, nonprofits, caring citizens and others. Haverhill Promise says “investing in early literacy is an investment in lifelong success. The data overwhelmingly supports the idea that proficiency in reading by the third grade is a predictor of future academic achievement. By addressing literacy at its foundation, we are laying the groundwork for success throughout a child’s academic journey.”

The pledge may be taken online here.

Northern Essex Community College Athletics Hall of Fame to Induct Fowle, Maiola, Fenerci

Former cross-country standout Larry Fowle, national baseball player of the year Colby Maiola and men’s basketball standout Sercan Fenerci will be formally inducted this month into the Northern Essex Community College Athletics Hall of Fame. The 2024 class will be the fifth induction class since the college created the Hall of Fame in 2019. Dinner ceremonies take place Wednesday, March 20, beginning at 6 p.m., in the Hartleb Technology Center on the Haverhill Campus. Tickets are $35 each and available online until Monday, March 11. Fowle, a Haverhill native, has held the Northern Essex cross country school record since 2001 and is the only athlete to ever break the 27-minute mark for 8,000 meters at the college.