The Good Stuff, Vol. 174

Welcome to “The Good Stuff,” where we highlight positive news and ways that NAED employees and member companies go above and beyond to give back to their communities! If you have some “Good Stuff” that you would like to share with tED, find out how below.

In this issue of “The Good Stuff,” NorthEast Electrical, a Sonepar company, announced the recipients of its 2026 Community Scholarships and Tool Grants, an annual initiative supporting graduating high school seniors across New England.

Now in its fifth year, the program awarded seven $1,000 scholarships and six $500 tool grants to students representing each of the six New England states, including a dedicated scholarship for a Brockton High School senior. Submissions were evaluated based on student perspectives on inclusion and how those experiences will inform their future careers.

Across the nearly 100 submissions, students shared firsthand experiences working alongside diverse teams, entering traditionally underrepresented roles, and actively creating space for peers who felt overlooked or isolated. Common themes include the importance of intentional mentorship, adapting communication to support others, and fostering environments where individuals feel respected, valued, and able to contribute.

“Each year, we’re encouraged by the level of thought these students bring to the future of our workforce. This group demonstrated a clear understanding that strong teams are built through inclusion, accountability, and respect,” commented Frank Marandino, president of NorthEast Electrical. “Their experiences show that the next generation is not only preparing for careers, but they’re also shaping what those workplaces will look like.”

The Community Scholarships & Grants program is supported in part by NorthEast’s employee resource groups, reflecting the company’s continued focus on building a more inclusive and sustainable workforce.

2026 Scholarship Recipients

• • Mason Hill, Newington High School, Connecticut
  • Gabriella Monteiro, Thayer Academy, Massachusetts
  • Laelani Morris, Sanford High School, Maine
  • Manafshay Shahzad, Manchester Memorial High School, New Hampshire
  • Camden Bannister, Portsmouth High School, Rhode Island
  • Aya Addington, Burr and Burton Academy, Vermont

Brockton High School Scholarship Recipient

• • Maxwell Bassett, Brockton High School, Massachusetts

Tool Grant Recipients

• • Raella Wyszynski, Tantasqua Regional High School, Massachusetts
  • Kavan Jacques, Howell Cheney Technical High School, Connecticut
  • Braydon Lavoie, Gorham Middle High School, New Hampshire
  • Owen Capurso, Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Tech, Massachusetts
  • Cole Whittaker, Salem High School, New Hampshire
  • Zachary Fralick, Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School, Massachusetts

For more information about the program, visit: https://www.needco.com/promotions/community-scholarships-grants

Find more “Good Stuff” articles here on tEDmag.com.

tED wants to know about your “Good Stuff”. If you work with someone who is helping other people, or a group of co-workers who are creating better outcomes, we want to know about it.

Please send your “Good Stuff” to Marie at mjakle@naed.org and Nicky at nherron@naed.org. Send details, names, and photos if you have them.