The dawning of a New Year is full of symbolism. It is more than just the routine of hanging a new calendar on the wall. It provides us with a fresh start.

Much like Opening Day in baseball, where every team stands in first place with a clean slate and hopes for success, a new year offers all of us another chance to follow our dreams.

Restoring faith in the American Dream is one of the greatest challenges our country’s next commander-in-chief will face when he takes his oath as the 44th President of the United States of America on January 20th. It is a monumental task that might test the determination of the American people as never before.

The history of the Oval Office is well-documented. The story of NH’s highest office, however, is lesser-known. Our feature (“A Short Term with a Long History,” pg. 4) shines a light underneath the golden dome of the NH State House.

A true tale of overcoming adversity can be found in the story of Amy Nichols (“Troubadour Trumpets,” pg. 15), who has hurdled the obstacles in her path and dedicated herself to help others do the same.

It is the determination of folks like Nichols that will lead us to brighter days ahead. It is a spirit that lies within each of us. Our 30th President, Calvin Coolidge famously said, “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”