Alumni Stories: Leah Cosgrove ’11

“Life is made up of seasons. Every season has an assignment, and every assignment has significance.”

For Leah Cosgrove, that truth has shaped every chapter of her story. From starting in Kindergarten at PCA’s Portsmouth campus to now serving as a high school counselor, each season brought its own challenges, growth, and purpose. In this spotlight, Leah reflects on the teachers who poured into her, the lessons that carried her through unexpected turns after graduation, and how those early foundations continue to guide the way she loves and serves others today.

When did you begin at PCA?

I started in Kindergarten! My mom also started at PCA that same year. At the time PCA was still in the Portsmouth location. My older brother had started at PCA a few years prior so our family was already familiar with PCA once I started school.

What stands out when you think about your early years at PCA?

Honestly, all of my teachers. I was just telling someone the other day that what makes the Lower School so special is that the teachers genuinely care about you and it’s such a safe place. Mr Connell was my 8th grade teacher and I remember him being so passionate about teaching the Bible (especially Revelation). He made learning fun which in return made every rising 8th grader want him as a teacher. In the Spring he would take us outside to play softball. He’d pick the teams and pitch to us. It was such great class bonding time. He would do March Madness brackets as a homework assignment, taught us card games, and would attend our extra curricular activities too. You always knew he cared and loved his 8B students. Mrs. Willey (my 1st grade teacher) was also memorable. We hatched chicks in her class, did the egg drop science project, and to this day I still remember how to spell Mississippi because of her.

…what makes the Lower School so special is that the teachers genuinely care about you and it’s such a safe place.

How was the transition to Upper School?

Academically, it was a big jump. I ended up not playing soccer freshman year because I was nervous about being able to keep up with the academics. Socially, the jump seemed so easy..It may have been because my brother was a senior when I was a freshman so he was always looking out for me. The freshman/senior buddy program also helped to ease the transition. Going into freshman year everyone filled out a questionnaire and you would be matched with a senior that had similar interests as you. My senior buddy would bring me Aroma Joe’s frequently and just check in to make sure I was adjusting ok.

What are your favorite Upper School memories?

Hands down, basketball. Being a freshman and getting to play in a state championship was incredible. What made the memory even sweeter was that my uncle was our coach and my mom was his assistant. It was so special to share that memory with them. We had such a tight knit group of girls and alot of us had been playing together since 5th grade. Wednesday Girls with Mrs. Gamble was also memorable. It was a great time to be able to come together before school to pray and just share what was on your heart. A special shout out to Mr. Beal as well. I remember so many late nights being up writing papers for his class but, looking back now he prepared me more for college than anyone else.

Where did life take you after graduation and did PCA prepare you for what was to come?

Absolutely, college seemed easier than high school. Senior year of high school I didn’t really have a clear vision for what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go. I applied to one college and didn’t get in. I remember it being a very discouraging time because I was the only senior who not only didn’t get into college but, didn’t have a plan for my next 4 years. Looking back, it was all just part of God’s plan for my life. I ended up attending Great Bay Community College for 2 years and also simultaneously enrolled in Bible College. Those 2 years drastically changed my life and equipped me to be able to head out into the world knowing my purpose. Afterwards I moved out to Tulsa, Oklahoma and finished my bachelors degree in Psychology at Oral Roberts University. Go Eagles!

What did you do after graduation?

I moved back to New Hampshire reluctantly. I began working in higher education at Southern New Hampshire University. That season of life is one I’ll always look back on and smile. I made great connections, was able to build my professional skill set, and really just realized how much I enjoyed being a people person. When COVID hit my role switched to fully remote. After a couple of years of working remotely I knew I just needed a change and that’s when I found my current position at St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

What does that role look like at St. Thomas?

I am a school counselor for juniors and seniors. On top of just the day to day duties, I handle all of our college planning and am also our testing coordinator. So I oversee the PSAT, SAT, and all AP testing. No two days are ever the same and I truly love that about my role. My favorite week of the year is coming up: Winter Term. This is a week for out of classroom learning and activities. Every year I lead a community service group called “Serving the Seacoast”. It’s great for students to understand the importance of service and to know that it’s not just something they have to do but rather something they get to do.

You recently got married!

Yes! This past June in York, Maine. I met my husband through my old boss so a large part of me will always be grateful for that job. We recently bought our first home so we have been enjoying not only the newly wed stage but also the homeownership journey.

What is life like outside of work?

We are both homebodies and I love that. We spend alot of time with our families as well. My parents have a beach home in York so we practically move in with them for the summer. We also spend a good amount of time going to different sporting events to watch our nephews play as well as my students.

Whatever season you find yourself in…your assignment will never change. It will always be about people. Love them, serve them, and be the light wherever you are!

What advice would you give PCA students today?

I have this little frame on my desk at school. Students actually ask about it frequently. It says, “Life is made up of seasons, every season has an assignment, and every assignment has significance”. Whatever season you find yourself in whether it’s a challenging time or things are great, your assignment will never change. It will always be about people. Love them, serve them, and be the light wherever you are!