Lewiston Adult Education Assistant Director Razell Ward, left, receives the Gerald LeVasseur Award from Maine Adult Education Association Director David Watts.
Assistant Director of Lewiston Adult Education Razell Ward has been honored with the prestigious Gerald LeVasseur Distinguished Service Award, presented annually by the Maine Adult Education Association. Established in 1982 in memory of Gerald LeVasseur, the late Adult Education Director from Van Buren, Maine, the award honors Maine citizens whose exceptional service, leadership, and dedication have made a lasting difference in the field.
Ward was chosen for her outstanding contributions to adult and community education. She was presented with the award at the annual Maine Adult Education Association Symposium at Sebasco Harbor Resort in Phippsburg.
“Talent is equally distributed. Opportunity is not.” For Ward, these words are more than a motto—they are the mission that has guided more than 20 years of service to adult learners and communities throughout Maine.
Her career spans roles as an Adult Education Director, lead teacher, and social worker, giving her a unique understanding of the barriers people face and the opportunities that can change their lives. She is passionate about connecting education with workforce needs, building community partnerships, and creating pathways to employment and economic mobility.
With a commitment to expanding educational opportunities, she helps adult learners advance while strengthening the programs and communities that support them. She also generously shares her knowledge with colleagues, mentoring new adult education directors and helping them build successful programs.
As one nominator shared, Ward has devoted her adult life to improving the lives and opportunities of others, working to overcome the obstacles that prevent people from reaching their potential. Another praised her willingness to support new leaders, emphasizing how deeply she cares about the growth and success of adult education across Maine.
MAEA Executive Director David Watts stated, “Razell is passionate about connecting education with workforce needs, building community partnerships, and creating pathways to employment and economic mobility”.
This spirit of service, collaboration, and leadership reflects the award’s high standards: extraordinary achievement, long and distinguished service, innovative solutions to challenges, and a meaningful impact on adult education and the public good.
Away from work, Ward, with her husband Bentley, raises sheep, cattle, and a flock of chickens on their farm. Congratulations to Razell on this well-deserved honor and for making a lasting difference in the lives of Maine’s adult learners.
Information for this article was provided by Lewiston Adult Education. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.
