Executive Board

Lisa Bacon ~ Chair

Hi my name is Lisa Bacon and I am serving as Chair for the Class of 2024. What started out as wanting to volunteer for my oldest daughters graduating class (Sophia Class of 2020), has turned into an amazing and rewarding experience, and now I get to continue with my youngest daughter (Cecelia Class of 2024). I am no stranger to volunteering. I started my volunteering days when both my girls were in Ruth Chaffee where I formed Girl Scout Troop #10508. My volunteering continued with both school's PTAs, so it feels natural for me to be part of NHS Project Graduation. Volunteering has allowed me to meet great people in our town and I've made lasting friendships in our community. I've been in the hair industry for 30 years and am a proud military wife to Gary Bacon. My daughter Sophia is now a Senior at Roger Williams University, studying Criminal Justice, and my daughter Cecelia is a Senior at Newington High School (Class of 2024). I look forward to being a part of this amazing event. 

Jennifer Ahern ~ Co-Chair

Hi! my name is Jennifer Ahern and I am serving the Class of 2024 as appointed Co-Chair. I have officially been part of the Project Graduation committee for the last five years. I have lived in Newington since 1996 and graduated NHS with the class of 2000. I am a mom to five, my oldest Dylan graduated in 2020 and just completed his second year of Culinary Arts at MCC. My twins, Emma and Ethan are Seniors at the high school (Class of 2024) and I also have an 3 year old daughter Tessa in Pre-K, and a 2 year old son Toby, who both will be entering the Newington School system soon. I have always loved to help and give back by volunteering. I have been on many boards and committees over the years such as Chaffee and John Wallace PTA’s, Head of the 4th Grade Picnic and Family Fun Committees, 8th Grade Picnic committee and I was the VP of Cheerleading and Coordinator for 3 years with the Newington Knights. I have also volunteered many years as a Cheer Coach, Brownie Troop Leader and Cub Scout Den Mother. When I am not volunteering I am a stay at home mom and run a home décor and build and paint party small business of my own. I have always looked forward to being part of this fun filled night, I still remember my class party like it was yesterday. It was such an amazing night that created memories for a lifetime. 

Daniela James ~ Treasurer

My name is Daniela James, and I will be serving the Class of 2024 as the Treasurer of Project Graduation. This will mark the 4th year that I am officially involved with this amazing program that benefits our seniors, and keeps them safe on graduation night. Our family has lived in Newington for 17+ years. Our oldest son Domenick graduated from Newington High School in 2020 and is currently attending ECSU.  Our younger son Carter attends John Wallace Middle School. I look forward to volunteering in whatever capacity I can for years to come! Volunteering is in my blood. I truly love it! I currently also serve as the Secretary of Newington Little League, and have managed the league’s concession stand for 9 years. I helped expand our local chapter for Project Linus, and have volunteered with other boards and committees including PTO, Newington Knights, Newington High School Baseball and Football. When I am not volunteering, I work as a Paralegal for The Hartford, where I have been for the past 18 years. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and watching my sons play baseball. I take pride in being organized and working diligently to ensure that we keep our children’s best interests at the forefront of our volunteering efforts. I look forward to working with you all this year. 

Amy Berube - Secretary

Hello! I’m Amy Berube and I am the Secretary for Project Graduation. I’m very excited to continue in this position for the Class of 2024 after volunteering for the last three years with Project Graduation. I’m originally from Bristol, but Newington has been home to me & my family since 2009. I have two children; Class of 2021 and Class of 2028. We love living in Newington and have been involved in so many of the extra-curricular activities available here.  Over the years we've made many friends through t-ball, soccer, wrestling, karate, theater, scouts, swimming, chorus and camps. I was the Secretary of the Newington Swim club for two years and the President of the NHS Swimming Boosters Club during my son's senior year at NHS. I am currently self-employed as the owner of a dog daycare & boarding business. Being my own boss has given me the flexibility & time to be involved with my children’s passions and volunteer where help is needed.  Helping with Project Graduation has been so much fun & I can’t wait to help this years Senior Parents plan their amazing night!!