NASHUA, NH — Nashua Police Athletic League (PAL) will welcome 300 community members to Sky Meadow Country Club on Thursday, October 8, 2026, for its annual Night of Champions Gala, an evening dedicated to celebrating the incredible young people, coaches, mentors, volunteers, and community partners who make a difference for Nashua youth every day.
The 2026 theme, “Bright Futures. Sweet Success.”, celebrates what is possible when young people are surrounded by opportunities, encouragement, and a community that believes in them.
The celebration of this year’s Champions is already underway! This past week, Nashua PAL welcomed close to 80 youth, family members, and friends for its annual Youth Champion Awards Night, a family fun night filled with celebration, laughter, and plenty of PAL pride. Each young Champion had the opportunity to take center stage and be recognized alongside the teammates, coaches, mentors, friends, and family members who have cheered them on along the way.
Nashua PAL’s 2026 Youth Champions are:
• Kelian Almanzar de Jesus, Jr. PAL of the Year;
• Shawn Burrus, Basketball Player of the Year;
• Adrianna Carter, Cheerleader of the Year;
• Sam Jenkins, Football Player of the Year;
• Sebastian Ochoa, Boxer of the Year;
• Payton Khan, Male Track & Field Athlete of the Year;
• Alexis Sier, Female Track & Field Athlete of the Year;
• Orion Talbot, Male Cross Country Runner of the Year;
• And Angelina Rodriguez, Female Cross Country Runner of the Year.
The celebration will continue at the Night of Champions Gala, where PAL will honor two adults whose commitment to young people exemplifies what it means to be a PAL Champion: Jen Jordan, PAL Coach of the Year, and Kalin Carroll, PAL of the Year. Both have spent years showing up for PAL kids, sharing their time and talents, and helping young people discover just how much they are capable of.
“PAL Champions represent so much of what Nashua PAL is about – leadership, teamwork, growth, and community,” said Shaun Nelson, Executive Director of Nashua PAL. “Our young people show us every day what is possible when they have opportunities and people who believe in them! Our Coach and PAL of the Year Champions demonstrate the incredible impact one caring person can have by choosing to show up for kids. This night celebrates all of them – and the entire community that helps make their success possible.”
And that community has plenty to celebrate, too.
Nashua PAL’s 2026 Impact Champions—AT&T, Cassandra Salon & Spa, the Giaquinto Family, Nashua Police Patrolman’s Association, NorthPoint Construction Management, Panera Bread, and The Nash Casino – represent businesses, organizations, and families whose generosity helps create opportunities for PAL youth throughout the year.
“Panera Bread has always been about more than food. It's about showing up for the communities we serve. The Nashua PAL gives young people a place to build confidence, discover what they're capable of, and grow into leaders, and we're proud to be part of that." – David Peterman, President, PR Restaurants/Panera Bread
“We’re incredibly proud to celebrate Nashua PAL and the young people who make this community so special. Seeing these kids grow into confident, compassionate young leaders is inspiring, and we’re honored to be part of a community that comes together to encourage them, celebrate them, and help them succeed.” — Gary and Mimi Thomas, NorthPoint Construction Management
Nashua PAL is also proud to recognize its Afterschool Champions: AutoFair, Ferris Plumbing Heating & Cooling, Robert & Dawn Litterst, Nashua Elks Lodge #720, Nashua Lions Club, Peters of Nashua, Earl Prolman, the Sakowich Foundation, and Sky Meadow Country Club. Their support helps ensure PAL kids have safe places to go, caring people in their corner, and opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive throughout the year.
On October 8, guests will hear directly from PAL youth, celebrate the 2026 Champions, and experience the impact of a community that comes together for kids. The evening will highlight the mentoring, athletics, education, leadership opportunities, and relationships that help young people discover their strengths and build their futures. Guests will also have opportunities to support PAL youth through Fund A Need, raffles, and live and silent auctions – many of which are also online so folks can support PAL youth from anywhere! nashuapal.com/nightofchampions
The Night of Champions Gala is Nashua PAL’s signature fundraising event and has raised more than $200,000 for youth programs, helping ensure that PAL can continue creating opportunities for Nashua kids long after the celebration ends. Because every bright future starts with someone who believes in you.
To learn more about the 2026 Champions, Gala, sponsors, and raffles, visit nashuapal.com/nightofchampions.
Nashua Police Athletic League builds thriving, bright, and healthy futures by connecting kids, cops, and community while creating opportunities for education, activity, and leadership. Through athletics, mentoring, afterschool and summer programming, leadership development, and community partnerships, Nashua PAL provides young people with opportunities and relationships that help them learn, grow, and thrive.
