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Hassan Lauds Seniors Who Gave Up School Trip To Help Principal With Cancer

Chris Jensen for NHPR

Gov. Hassan was in the North Country Tuesday to praise students at Profile School in Bethlehem who gave up their senior trip to help a beloved principal recently diagnosed with cancer.

 “You are wonderful examples of character not only for everybody in New Hampshire but throughout the country.”

Last month the students learned that Courtney Vashaw, their principal, was being treated for cancer.

Almost immediately the 42 seniors got together. The question was whether to give Vashaw about $8,000 saved for a class trip to a resort in upstate New York.

“Within 10 minutes the decision was made,” said senior Erica Seely.  “It was, honestly, one of the easiest things we have ever done as a group.”

Then, when they should have been in class, they asked Vashaw for a meeting.

She thought the timing was odd.

“It was a very strange time for a senior class meeting.”

Credit Chris Jensen for NHPR

And, the seniors gave her the news.

“I was astonished when they said what they said."

Hassan told the students New Hampshire has a tradition of working together to overcome adversity and challenges and they were a classic example.

Credit Chris Jensen for NHPR

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