Shown from left, are Londonderry Police Capt. Patrick Cheetham, Londonderry High School Assistant Principal Katie Sullivan, Gov. Kelly Ayotte, BBTT Chief Operating Officer Shana Brunye and BBTT Founder Stephen Turner. Courtesy photo/BRING BACK THE TRADES

LONDONDERRY – Fourteen high school students from across New Hampshire received scholarships worth a combined total of $35,000 during the Bring Back The Trades Skills Expo on April 27.

More than 1,000 attendees, including Gov. Kelly Ayotte, packed into Londonderry High School to learn about the latest trade technologies and career opportunities.

“Londonderry showed up in a big way,” said Stephen Turner, founder of Bring Back The Trades. “We aren’t just talking about a skills gap anymore; we’re putting real money and real tools into the hands of the future. This isn’t a Plan B career path; for these students, it’s the first, best choice.”

The Skills Expo came to town for the first time last year thanks to the efforts of Londonderry Police Capt. Patrick Cheetham and Katie Sullivan, vice principal of Londonderry High School.

Soon thereafter, Michael Lucci, past president of the Londonderry Rotary Club, pledged his support.

“What started as a first-time event last year handing out three scholarships, has turned into an event with nearly 1,200 attendees, 80 exhibitors and $35,000 in scholarship awards,” Cheetham, Sullivan and Lucci said in a written statement. “We couldn’t be prouder to host this in Londonderry and will continue our support for many years to come.”

This fall, Sullivan will assume the role of director at the high school’s new Lancer Academy. The purpose of the academy is to give students alternatives to enrolling in a four-year college.

Looking at the broader scope, Turner called attention to the organization’s partnership with Milwaukee Tool and the launch of its Tool Grant Program.

“If we want these kids to be the best, they need to learn on the best,” he said. “With Milwaukee Tool on board, we’re making sure shop classrooms have exactly what they need to succeed.”

Bring Back The Trades will be hosting two more Skills Expos. The first will be next month in Portland, Maine and the second will be this fall in Marlborough, Mass.