Celtics/SNHU partnership brings computers, lab renovation to Hillside

Boston Celtics forward/center Kelly Olynyk, former player Leon Powe, mascot “Lucky” the Leprechaun, along with Southern New Hampshire University vice president of marketing and student recruitment Gregg Mazzola, superintendent of schools Debra Livingston, and Mayor Ted Gatsas, were on hand today with students of Hillside Middle School to unveil a state-of-the art technology lab.

Dr. Livingston and her team huddle during the scavenger hunt

Partnering to support education, the Celtics and SNHU purchased 30 new, 13-inch Chromebook laptops and a 60-inch TV for the lab, as well as a Chromecast streaming player. Additionally, the Celtics and SNHU have completely renovated the room -- with new furniture, paint and wall graphics.

During the event, students used their new computers to complete an online scavenger hunt, where they researched facts about the Celtics, SNHU, Leon Powe, Boston and Manchester. Later, the students and their special guests joined the rest of the school community in the gym for a pep rally.

The Celtics players emphasized the importance of working hard in school and urged students to do their best. Powe shared the story of how he'd been on the varsity basketball team as a high school freshman, but his 1.8 GPA made him ineligible to play. So he went to school early every morning for extra help, stayed after school for extra help, did his homework and studied hard because it was important to him and his family. He got back on the team that year, and by the time he was a senior, Powe graduated with a 3.8 GPA. 

Hillside's is the second Celtics/SNHU lab in Manchester.The two organizations collaborated to renovate a classroom at McLaughlin Middle School in 2014.

The Celtics players, Mayor Gatsas, Gregg Mazzola and Dr. Livingston signed the computer lab wall