Editor’s note: During the course of a week, issues are covered that might not lend themselves to full editorial comment, but they are worthy of The Sunday Telegraph weighing in – thumbs up, thumbs down or neutral.

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Thumbs Up – And congratulations to Milford High School educator Jessica Bouchard, who has been named the New Hampshire Art Educator of the Year for the 2021-22 school year. Bouchard’s many years of teaching at the middle and high school levels show her dedication to her students, school community and statewide art programs, the NHAEA said in a recent press release. Her colleague, Beth Haverkamp Powers, said, “Jess Bouchard is both passionate about teaching and scholarship, and a lifelong learner in the fields of art and curriculum. She is humane and encouraging in the face of shifting educational sands, and she is motivated to keep focus on the dangers of apathy in the modern world. Jessica Bouchard stands out as an unwavering professional.” Milford, and Southern New Hampshire as whole, is fortunate to have Bouchard, her skill and her dedication to the arts and her students.

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Thumbs Up – To Gov. Chris Sununu and his positive message during his State of the State address. Sununu touted rankings that show New Hampshire as a regional leader in economic and population growth and as a national leader in freedom and public safety. Those come from smart management of tax dollars and the prioritization of individuals over government, he said. “Ranking after ranking shows that the Granite State is the place to be,” he said. “We are very proud that our life here in the 603 is simply the best of the best, but we did not get here by accident.” He highlighted successes including tax cuts, voucher-like grants families can use to send children to private schools and efforts to increase mental health services via the expansion of mobile crisis teams and the recent purchase of a psychiatric hospital for children.

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