Celebrating Our 2025 Step Up Parents Scholarship Recipients

We’re thrilled to announce the 2025 recipients of the Step Up Parents college scholarship! These scholarships are awarded annually to young people who have been raised in kinship care in New Hampshire or Southern Maine and are pursuing their dreams through higher education. This year, we are proud to support two remarkable students—each with a powerful story of resilience, hard work, and the unwavering love of family.

Samuel Frazier of Wolfeboro, NH, is no stranger to the Step Up Parents community. A shining example of persistence and determination, Samuel is receiving our scholarship for the second time. Now heading into his sophomore year at Gordon College, Samuel has continued to impress us with his academic success and commitment to his future. Raised by his grandparents, he is a testament to the strength and potential within kinship families, and we’re honored to support him once again on his college journey.

Hennissee Buchanan-Perrone, a graduating senior from Sunapee Middle High School, is beginning an exciting new chapter this fall at Lakes Region Community College. Also raised by her grandparents, Hennissee embodies the values Step Up Parents stands for—courage, dedication, and the desire to grow through education. She plans to pursue a career as an advanced automotive mechanic. In joining a male-dominated field, she is determined to show other young women that they can thrive in any career. We can’t wait to see all she will accomplish in the years ahead.

These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of our donors and the belief that every young person, regardless of their upbringing, deserves the opportunity to thrive. To learn more about our scholarship program or to support future recipients, click here.

Congratulations, Samuel and Hennissee! We are so proud to stand beside you as you continue to chase your dreams.