Rochester chamber hands out excellence awards at annual gala held at The Oaks

Jersey Mike's District Manager Jacob Lunger and General Manager Kayden Morse accept the award for Business of the Year at the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Celebration held at The Oaks in Somersworth (Photos by HeartBeep Marketing N

SOMERSWORTH - The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce today announced the recipients honored during its Annual Awards Celebration, "A Night To Shine," held Wednesday at The Oaks Grandview Ballroom in Somersworth. The awards recognized excellence in the categories of Business, Nonprofit, Citizen and Educator of the year.

Business of the Year

The Business of the Year award recognizes a Chamber member business in good standing that has demonstrated leadership, excellence in business, and a strong commitment to supporting and strengthening the Rochester area.

At the Chamber's Annual Awards Celebration, the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce proudly presented the 8th Annual Business of the Year award to Jersey Mike's Subs.

Jersey Mike's Subs is guided by its mission "to make a difference one sub at a time.

The Rochester location has demonstrated strong and ongoing community engagement, including fund-raising support for local sports teams, schools, and community organizations. Their efforts have helped strengthen youth programs and local initiatives that directly benefit families throughout the region.

The team has also supported initiatives benefiting individuals with autism, further reflecting their commitment to inclusive community impact. In addition, Jersey Mike's Subs has provided donated lunches to Rochester first responders and has contributed food and support to Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) at Spaulding High School.

Beyond these efforts, the Rochester team has regularly donated food for Chamber events and community gatherings, consistently showing up in support of local organizations. Their work reflects a business model rooted in service, generosity, and community partnership.

In recognition of their operational excellence and leadership, the team was also honored with the Best Management Team in New England award in 2024, further underscoring their commitment to excellence both internally and externally.

For these reasons, the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce was proud to name Jersey Mike's Subs its 2026 Business of the Year.

Nonprofit of the Year
The Nonprofit of the Year award was presented to Great Bay Community College.

Since 1945, Great Bay Community College has served as a vital educational and workforce development institution across Strafford and Rockingham counties. With nearly 90,000 students educated over its history, the college has maintained a longstanding commitment to expanding access to affordable, high-quality education.

Cheryl Lesser, GBCC president, accepted on behalf of Great Bay Community College.

Great Bay Community College is the largest public provider of affordable workforce training in the region and plays a critical role in preparing individuals for in-demand careers. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, the college provides accessible, personalized instruction that supports student success and workforce readiness.

The college offers diverse academic and career pathways, including culinary arts, medical assisting, phlebotomy, analytics, and data-focused programs. These offerings are designed to meet evolving workforce needs while creating meaningful opportunities for students across the region.

Great Bay Community College has also strengthened its community impact through partnerships, including the Judy Mettee Institute and the Housing Authority Education Partnership. These collaborations reflect a commitment to removing barriers and expanding access to education for all learners.

At the core of its mission, Great Bay Community College believes in each student's potential. That belief continues to guide its work in education, workforce development, and community advancement.

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce was proud to recognize Great Bay Community College's impact and present it with the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year award.

Citizen of the Year
The Citizen of the Year award recognizing an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership, service, and citizenship within the community and makes significant contributions to the greater Rochester area.

At the Chamber's Annual Awards Celebration, the Chamber proudly announced the 61st Annual Citizen of the Year, Jes Bryant.

Jes Bryant

Bryant is a lifelong Rochester resident and graduate of Rochester schools who is deeply committed to the well-being of the community. Her leadership is most visible through her work with the Rochester Fellowship Kitchen, where she serves as a board member and active community leader.

Through her leadership, Jes has helped strengthen the organization's visibility and impact by expanding its social media presence, increasing awareness of programming, and improving communication about community needs. These efforts have contributed to increased volunteer engagement and broader community support.

Under her involvement, the Rochester Fellowship Kitchen served more than 12,000 meals in 2025. Jes has played a key role in coordinating volunteer teams and ensuring the organization continues to operate effectively while maintaining a welcoming and compassionate environment.

What began as a volunteer role has grown into a leadership position defined by service, organization, and impact. Jes has helped recruit and inspire volunteers across the community, encouraging broader participation and strengthening long-term engagement.

Her efforts extend beyond the kitchen, helping foster a stronger culture of service and connection throughout Rochester. She is widely recognized for her dedication, compassion, and commitment to improving the lives of others.

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce proudly recognized Jes Bryant's contributions and presented her with the 2026 Citizen of the Year award.

Educator of the Year
The Educator of the Year award, sponsored by Bernier Insurance Agency, recognizes an outstanding local educator who demonstrates excellence in teaching and makes a lasting impact on students and the community. The award honors dedication to education, innovation in instruction, student-centered learning, leadership, and community involvement.

Melissa-Lynn Wheeler

At the Chamber's Annual Awards Celebration, the Chamber proudly presented the 3rd Annual Educator of the Year award to Melissa-Lynn Wheeler, Kindergarten Teacher at Maple Street Magnet School.

Melissa-Lynn Wheeler has dedicated 16 years to teaching Kindergarten at Maple Street Magnet School and is widely recognized for her unwavering commitment to her students, her school, and the greater Rochester community. She is known for creating classroom environments that are both structured and nurturing, where young learners are supported in building confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Her educational philosophy centers on teaching children not only academic readiness, but also how to be students--helping them develop essential skills in responsibility, independence, collaboration, and accountability. She consistently balances high expectations with exceptional kindness, ensuring that each child is both challenged and supported as they grow.

In addition to her classroom excellence, Melissa brings a highly specialized and research-informed approach to early childhood education. She holds a degree in Early Childhood and Special Education, a Master's Degree earned while working full-time in the classroom, certification in Orton-Gillingham instruction, and additional training in play therapy. This combination of academic preparation and applied expertise allows her to meet the diverse cognitive, developmental, and emotional needs of her students with intentionality and care.

Melissa is also recognized for her leadership within the school community, where she serves as a collaborative and trusted colleague. Her work extends beyond instruction, as she contributes to shaping positive school culture, supporting colleagues, and engaging in initiatives that strengthen the overall learning environment at Maple Street Magnet School.

Those who work alongside her describe her as an educator who leads with both professionalism and heart--someone who not only teaches children, but helps shape their earliest understanding of school as a place of safety, growth, and possibility. Her long-term impact is reflected in the students she has guided, many of whom carry forward the foundational skills and confidence developed in her classroom.

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce proudly recognized Melissa-Lynn Wheeler's outstanding contributions to education and the community and was honored to present her with the 2026 Educator of the Year award.