Newfound Memorial Middle named school of excellence

BRISTOL — A ceremony last week added two words to the name of the local middle school: It is now Newfound Memorial Middle School of Excellence.

The New Hampshire Excellence in Education Awards Committee, which acknowledges schools and individuals who “demonstrate high standards of excellence” each year in what are known as “The EDies”, selected NMMS as the 2026 middle school recipient.

“Each year, we recognize one — just one — middle school in the entire state of New Hampshire,” said board member Beth Piroso on Wednesday. “And that is truly why we’re here today, because you put students first, you create a place where academic excellence, strong relationships, and a positive school culture come together in powerful ways.

“We wish you could see your school from our eyes; it is amazing. This school, your school, stands out in New Hampshire, not only for its commitment to high-quality instruction, but for the way staff supports and uplifts every learner, every day. Is it hard? 'Course it’s hard. Are there days when you don’t want to work? Of course, but you do, and that day when we saw you, we saw in your heart at school, students are encouraged to think critically. What you did in that room for those projects? Incredible. You persevere through challenges. You take pride in your own growth. Teachers collaborate. They discuss how to make you better. We saw that they go above and beyond to ensure that all students feel seen, valued, and capable of success.”

Principal Chris Ulrich followed with comments of his own. “Every single one of us made this happen,” he told the early-morning assembly of students on April 22. “Every single person here is excellent. That’s why we won this award.

“I was not planning on applying for this, but I think it’s also important to notice that there are people outside of this building who also believe in acknowledging what we do. This person is the same person who made me an administrator, the same person who has guided me, and I have had the honor of being the little brother he never really wanted. So I also want to recognize the person who believed in us, to make us do this, our superintendent, Mr. Paul Hoiriis.”

Ulrich said winning the honor comes with responsibility.

“Being excellent isn’t a banner that you get to hang once,” he said. “Now, it’s a standard that we’re going to have to live up to every single day.

"We teach our students how to think, how to persevere, and how to treat each other with respect and dignity, which is why I’m so proud of how you guys are taking this moment so seriously.

“We deserve to celebrate. I anticipate that some of you may even get some extra recess time today,” — the comment brought wild applause from the sixth, seventh, and eighth graders filling the bleachers.

Sixth grade science teacher and coach Jason Hill stepped forward to lead the students in shouting “as loud as you can” before calling them together in a “spirit circle” in the center of the gymnasium. Later, each class — then staff, administrators, and school board members — gathered behind the Excellence in Education banner for photos before dismissal and heading back to class.