NECC Observer

News

Older students find opportunities at NECC

By Jack Lombardo, Correspondent

However, many others choose to return in later stages of life. This could be for one of many reasons. It could be for better job opportunities, to feel the accomplishment of earning a degree or simply because there are subjects they would like to learn more about.  Read More

Julia Alvarez visits

By Lidia Ramirez, Editor-in-chief

Julia Alvarez visits

Photo by Editor-in-Chief Lidia Ramirez

The White Fund gave Julia Alvarez a boquet of flowers. From left to right: Julia Alvarez, White Fund Board Trustees, James Dowd, Amita Kiley and David Abdoo.

Northern Essex Community College has begun the year with an appreciative and beneficial event, “Literature, Legacy, Community. An Evening with Julia Alvarez.” Sponsored by the White Fund and hosted by NECC’s Vice President Naydeen Gonzalez-De Jesus along with some staff members, the event took place on the Lawrence Campus during the evening of Oct. 2, where special guest Julia ... Read More

AI experts meet students

By Daniela Valdivia-Terres, Editor-in-Chief

AI experts meet students

Photo by Shaun Hood

From left to right, Susan Tashjian, Angela Abad, Don Vescio, Peter Shea, David Kim, Samantha Romano, Kim Lyng, and Daniela Valdivia-Terres

The first AI Panel Event in NECC was held on April 16, and it gathered staff, students and faculty in the Lecture Hall, all of them curious to ask questions about AI, artificial intelligence. Five panelists from different industries, using AI at their workplace, shared their experience and insights about AI. The public had the opportunity to engange in a conversation or share t... Read More

Observer staff win NENPA awards April 2025

By Mary Jo Shafer

Observer staff win NENPA awards April 2025

Photo by Mary Jo Shafer

Shaun Hood

Shaun Hood of Groveland and Observer correspondents received a first place award for best arts and entertainment section and former Observer Editor-in-Chief/Opinion Editor Kim Zappala of Haverhill won a third place award for best opinion section. The awards were announced at NENPA’s annual convention March 29 in Portland, Maine. Read More

Immigration conversations

By Daniela Valdivia-Terres, Editor-in-Chief

Immigration conversations

Photo by Editor-in-Chief Daniela Valdivia-Terres

The Red Card contains immigration rights in English and Spanish in the back.

NECC immigrant students – with or without legal residency – keep on studying with uncertainty about their future immigration status. Staff and faculty are helping in creating awareness about their rights and encouraging them to be fearless but cautious.  Read More

NECC alumni named to national board

By Staff Report

The YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) has welcomed new national board members, including NECC alumni Nayeli Almanzar Lizardo, who has been named to the Youth Advisory Council. Nationwide, only 3.8% of YMCA board members are under the age of 30. As a youth-serving organization, the Y has the opportunity to move the needle on the representation of young people on its governing boards. T... Read More

Reflecting on Hurricane Maria: Many people still feel storm’s impact in their lives

By Ivelis Herrera, Observer correspondent

The first person I interviewed is a 19-year-old girl who currently lives in Massachusetts but at that time she lived in Carolina, Puerto Rico. She told me how when they announced the hurricane she was excited because she wasn’t going to have classes for a few days but when she saw the reality,these thoughts changed.  Their routine changed completely during that school year to t... Read More

Open mic night brings Lawrence community together

By Chalienys Yoc, Correspondent

On the 20th of February, an open mic was held at El taller & Cafe Azteca, hosted by Sebastian Navedo (also known as Bigman) and ISHA! Known for its calm vibes and delicious food, El Taller also hosts open mics.  Read More

Trump proposes to defund Dept. of Education

By Bailey Orio, Opinion Editor

In a surprising move that has left many Americans baffled, Donald Trump has announced his plan to defund the Department of Education, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for students, parents, teachers, and professionals across the nation. CNBC reports that Trump had mentioned this plan during his campaign, yet many were still taken aback when he took action ju... Read More

Observer staff win awards

By Observer Staff

Observer staff win awards

Photo by Faculty Adviser Mary Jo Shafer

Observer Editor-in-Chief Daniela Valdivia-Terres, with her award from Associated Collegiate Presss.

The Observer also recently learned that two staff members will be honored with awards from the New England Newspaper and Press Association at their spring conference on March 29. Read More