Neon-colored sign for the Rising Stars Awards event with details about date and time.
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The Rising Stars Awards

is more than a celebration of

New Hampshire’s

remarkable young leaders —

it’s the  night for

YPs to shine.

We’re honoring the 603’s standout young leaders and the organizations who champion them — and we’re doing it in style.

Think bold energy, good vibes, and a room full of changemakers. Dress to impress, raise a glass, and be part of the momentum.

Oh, and did we mention? We’ll have a live DJ spinning the best throwbacks and house tracks all night, AND a live mural painting where you get to participate too!

A family of four standing on steps in front of a colorful wall hanging. The man is in a black suit, holding an award, and smiling. The woman is in a black top and striped skirt, smiling. The girl on the woman's lap is wearing a pink jacket, and the boy in the man's arms is wearing a grey hoodie, both smiling.
Three people sitting on a black couch at a social gathering, smiling at the camera. They are in an indoor venue with a colorful mural on the wall behind them. There are plants, flowers, drinks, and snacks on the table in front of them.
Neon sign of a hand making a peace sign on a black tiled wall.

2025 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

2025 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Young male athlete in a blue and white football uniform smiling, with neon green text above his head that says 'JANE CENCEROS'.
Student of the Year
A woman with short dark hair and blue eyes smiling outdoors with wooden steps in the background, with neon green text reading 'NAGGIE O'NEILL'
Artist of the Year
Woman with wavy blonde hair smiling while wearing a dark jacket with white text on the sleeve, standing next to a large green plant with broad leaves, and a wall with horizontal paneling in the background.
Entrepreneur of the Year
A young man with short brown hair, a mustache, and earrings wearing a blue V-neck shirt, smiling at the camera with a neon green text graphic that reads 'ANDY DENE O' across his chest.
Young Person of the Year
Black background with the text 'MAINSTAY TECHNOLOGIES' in green and gray
Coolest Employer for YPs
A woman with short gray hair, wearing a black and gold musical note pattern scarf and gold earrings, posed against a black background with a neon green sign that reads 'Cotton Cleveland'.
SWP Zenith Award
Neon sign reading 'TO BE REVEALED' in bright green letters against a dark background
YPN of the Year

THE NIGHT DOESN’T END AFTER THE AWARDS…

Feeling Lucky?

AWARD CATEGORIES

  • The Coolest Employer for Young People Award honors an NH company that creates an environment to attract and retain young workers.

    View Past Winners

  • The Young Person of the Year Award honors an outstanding young person working and living in NH who is a rising star in their industry and giving back to their community.

    View Past Winners

  • The Artist of the Year Award honors a young person who, through their creative efforts, is making their community a more vibrant place.

    View Past Winners

  • The Entrepreneur of the Year Award honors a young entrepreneur in NH who is helping shape the future of our state through their entrepreneurial venture.

    View Past Winners

  • The Student of the Year award recognizes a NH high school or college student who is an academic rising star and is giving back to the community.

    Sponsored by the Education Alliance for NH

    View Past Winners

  • The Young Professional Network of the Year recognizes a NH YPN going above and beyond to connect YPs in their region with meaningful and engaging events in our state.

    New Award for 2025!

  • New Award for 2025!

    The Zenith Award honors an individual whose legacy of work has significantly advanced opportunities for young people in New Hampshire. This award recognizes deep, sustained impact in areas like policy, economic development, access, and community engagement.

    View more

Three people smiling and posing together at a social event, with two men and one woman, holding drinks, wearing name tags, in a well-lit indoor venue with other attendees in the background.
Two women dressed elegantly, standing in a decorated indoor setting, posing for a photo.
People viewing paintings and a colorful sculpture in an art gallery.
A man and woman standing on steps inside a building, smiling at the camera. The man is holding a clear trophy or award. They are near large columns with green lighting, and there is a decorative tapestry or mural in the background. A potted plant with red and green leaves is in front of them, and there are small signs or devices on the steps.

PAST AWARDS

  • The Changemaker of the Year (previously the Civic Leader of the Year) honors a young Granite Stater who, through their actions, has affected positive change in New Hampshire or their corner of it.

    View more

  • The Intern of the Year Award honors a young person in NH who has made an outstanding impact on a company during their time as an intern.

    View more

  • The Stay Work Play Leadership Award honored an individual or organization in NH that demonstrates dedicated support for efforts that enhance the recruitment and retention of young workers in the state. This award was designed to recognize ideas that have been put in place within an organization (association, company, nonprofit, etc). The idea(s) have a direct and positive impact on younger workers in NH, create an incentive for them to remain here, create greater awareness of what living in NH can mean to them in terms of quality of life or opportunities, and demonstrate innovation and leadership.

    View more

  • The COVID-19 Crusader Award honors a dedicated and brave young essential and/or frontline worker, 40 years of age or younger, that impacted their community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    View more

  • The Leadership Development Program of the Year Award honored an innovative program initiated and conducted by a NH organization. This award recognized a program aimed at a young audience in NH that helps those young people propel their personal and professional growth.

    View more

  • The Life in the 603 Video of the Year Award was awarded for a video submission that demonstrated why an individual chose to “stay, work, and play” in NH.

    View more

Know an exceptional young person, organization, or network making a difference in New Hampshire? 

Give them the spotlight with a nomination!

  • (What judges will consider when reviewing nominations.)

    • The Stay Work Play ‘X’ Factor - What unique qualities distinguish your nominee/workplace? 

    • Impact – How has the nominee demonstrated leadership as an employer for young people in the state? 

    • Innovation & Initiative – Has the nominee/workplace taken creative or bold steps to drive positive change?

    • Commitment to NH – How does the nominee contribute to making New Hampshire a great place for young people?

    Please note: The strength and substance of a nomination carry more weight than the number of nominations submitted.

  • A diverse panel of jurors—representing various industries, regions, and backgrounds—carefully reviews all nominations. To ensure a fair and unbiased selection process:

    • Judges with conflicts of interest, including nominators and representatives from nominator-sponsored companies, do not participate in evaluating related nominations.

    • Each nomination is considered on its merits, with a focus on impact, leadership, and contributions to New Hampshire’s young professional community.

    Make your nomination count—tell us their story and why they deserve a Rising Star recognition! 

  • Nominations are now closed for the 2025 Rising Stars Awards. Check back for 2026!

Close-up of a glowing, colorful, heart-shaped object with star-shaped sparkles on its edges.