Eight Maine Students Awarded Martin Mackey Memorial Scholarship

The Alternative Education Association of Maine has selected eight students to receive this year’s Martin Mackey Memorial Scholarship.

The Martin Mackey Memorial Scholarship was established by the Alternative Education Association (AEA) of Maine in 2022 after the passing of Martin Mackey, beloved education colleague and champion. The scholarship recognizes Mackey’s dedication to education as a career and his passion for working with students on Alternative Education pathways. Each year, AEA aims to award as many funds as possible to support students.

Each student will be awarded $500 when they graduate. Each graduate’s inspirational story and passion for their education makes them more than deserving of this award.

Aidan Conley
Endeavor Program, Freeport High School

Aidan moved into the Endeavor Program at Freeport High School in the middle of 10th grade, after he was struggling with traditional high school classes. Endeavor gave him the confidence he needed to pursue further education. He has demonstrated immense growth over the course of the rest of his high school career. Aidan is currently a volunteer firefighter in Pownal and will be attending Southern Maine Community College to pursue Fire Science. The alternative education pathway changed his high school experience completely; he and his family are both very grateful. Congratulations to Aidan!

Alexis Foss
Machias Memorial High School Alternative Education Program

Alexis struggled with the traditional high school setting, but Machias Memorial High School offered her the chance to move to an alternative education program, where she made slow and steady improvements in attendance and academics. With these changes she consistently demonstrated a strong interest in art and in the field of Health/human services. She has recently been accepted to Southern Maine Community College to pursue a degree in liberal studies with a concentration in art. Alexis has worked through significant challenges to achieve her high school diploma. She is a kind, warm and thoughtful young woman who truly wants to succeed in her academics and make the world a better place.

Gavin Howie
Windham High School Katahdin Program

Gavin Howie is an alternative learner who, in just one year at the Windham High School’s Katahdin Program, has blossomed into a motivated leader with future aspirations. He has grown tremendously and developed his voice as a learner.  Gavin also shares Martin’s Mackey’s love of “human-powered transportation,” and can often be found on a bike, skateboard, pair of skis, or with a backpack on climbing up a mountain. He intends on enrolling at Kennebec Valley Community College to pursue licensure as an Electrical Line worker. Congratulations to Gavin!

Riley Tibbetts
Marti Stevens Learning Center, MSAD 54

Riley Tibbetts joined the alternative education program, Marti Stevens Learning Center in MSAD 54 halfway through her freshman year and has since grown into an amazing beekeeper and an extraordinary student. She has even earned a principal award through her former high school due to her welcoming nature, acceptance, and civic work.  She is not only the first in her family to graduate from high school, but she is also graduating with honors and has already completed three college courses.  Aside from challenging coursework, she works 25 hours a week at Dunkin. This fall, Riley will be living on campus at Southern Maine Community College and is working toward a career as a special education teacher. Congratulations to Riley!

Kai Voye, Brewer
Nu Program, Brewer School Department

Kai Voye is a part of the Nu program at Brewer. Kai is a driven student who has succeeded in 6 advanced placement courses, taken online. This year, Kai’s shined best as classroom volunteer, playing a vital role in building a middle school alternative education program. Kai is consistent, kind, knowledgeable, and students adore him. When the program grew from 9 to 24 students, Kai’s presence was a huge reason that the students continued to thrive and came to school excited to learn. Kai hopes to take college classes in the fall and pursue a career in a science field. Congratulations to Kai!

Ann Prickett
Waterville Alternative High School Program

Ann Prickett is a part of and a strong advocate for the Waterville Alternative High School Program. She is a passionate art student and has used her work to connect with the community and draw awareness to important issues. Ann has used the healing power of art to help her process trauma from her past. She has engaged in many extracurricular art programs and is respected by many outside her peer group in the local Central Maine Art Community. Ann’s dedication to her community is evident in her advocacy and volunteer work, as she would sell her art to raise funds for local families in need. She also was invited to speak at public events to support the Waterville Alternative High School Program. Ann has been accepted to the Maine College of Art B.A. program, where she will continue to share her talent with her community and advocate for alternative education. Congratulations to Ann!

Ayla Gayton
Gray-New Gloucester High School’s ExCEL Alternative Education Program

Ayla Gayton pursued an alternative education at Gray-New Gloucester High School’s ExCEL alternative education program during her sophomore year. She came into the program very low on credits, self-esteem, and was at a high risk of dropping out of high school. In this program, she quickly bonded with her peers, which allowed her to show her knowledge and feel successful. Ayla has an incredible work ethic and has had a job since she was able to get a job permit. She has worked very hard to balance home life and work life with her coursework and was able to earn 7.5 credits. This progress helped her get accepted into the Early Childcare program at Portland Arts & Technology High School (PATHS) for her junior & senior years. She has earned several accolades from PATHS: student of the month, admission to a summer program at the University of New England, and the completion of certifications and courses for a Behavior Health Professional (BHP). Ayla will be attending Central Maine Community College as part of the Liberal Studies program and hopes to become an early child educator. Congratulations to Ayla!

Kamdynn Hardgrove
Pathways Alternative Education Program, Presque Isle

Kamdynn Hardgrove has faced extreme adversity while trying to navigate his education. Despite these burdens, Kam has always had a passion for helping others especially since becoming part of the Pathways Alternative Education program in Presque Isle. He helps the community with many events, such as the Balloon Festival, food deliveries for those in need, and the Chamber of Commerce for the Holiday Light Parade. In 9th grade, he walked three miles to help build the Santa float in five-degree weather. Kam has also been an active member of Presque Isle High Band for four years. He will be attending Northern Maine Community College for Welding in the fall. Congratulations to Kamdynn!

To learn more about the Alternative Education Association of Maine visit their website or reach out to Alternative Education Association of Maine President Lenny Holmes at lholmes@bonnyeagle.org.

Belfast Alternative Ed Program Partners with Local Paper for Student Mentorship Experience

(Pictured: Emma Witham, a student at BCOPE, RSU 71’s alternative high school program)

Belfast Community Outreach Program in Education is RSU 71’s alternative high school program, which was funded by a grant from the Office of Substance in 1990.

The program began in a small rental space down the street from Belfast Area High School. In 2002, the district built the program their own building, which was designed by students. The campus includes a 4000 square foot building equipped with four classrooms, a full kitchen, a band room, an organic garden and a greenhouse. The program currently serves 33 students 16 of which have a parent or sibling who has attended there.

“Over the years, we have worked with many community partners,” said Helen M. Scipione, BCOPE Teaching Principal. “One of our most recent partnerships is with Village Soup, The Republican Journal, which is our local weekly newspaper. The editor, Jim Leonard, did an article on BCOPE last year and he was so impressed with what he experienced, he offered to mentor a student reporter. We quickly took him up on his offer.”

Emma Witham, one of BCOPE’s current students is a gifted writer and she accepted the challenge. Emma’s mother, Krystal, and her sister, Abby both graduated from BCOPE. Her twin sister, Ava, also attends BCOPE now.

Emma recently had her first article published and it is not only the history of BCOPE, it is her experiences with alternative learning.

“We are extremely proud of Emma and BCOPE and we’d like to share it with you,” said Scipione.

In Emma’s words, “I have been honored for who I am at BCOPE and it’s an experience I’ve never had before. I am extremely grateful for BCOPE.”

Read the full article here in the Village Soup.

“I can honestly say that we are eternally grateful for our community of learners that spans 34 years,” added Scipione.

This article was submitted by BCOPE. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, use our Good News Submission Form.

Register Now for Alternative Education Association of Maine Spring Conference

Information about the Alternative Education Association of Maine’s Spring Conference is now available. The theme of this year’s conference is Better Understanding the Alternative Education Learner.

Highlights and details for the conference include:

Conference Details– March 8th, 8:30-2:30, Thomas College, Waterville
Registration Process– Please note some of you registered and paid in the Fall for both dates, so you do not owe any money but PLEASE STILL use the Registration Link here for online registration. AEA of Maine Online Registration Form– ALL INDIVIDUALS need to register separately, even if you are from the same school. (Contact Dawn Matthews if you need to check on your payment)
Invoice and Conference Information– If you still need to submit a payment for the conference then please fill out the Invoice Registration Form here and submit it to the address on the form with your payment. The cost of the conference information is on this form.
Call for Presenters– We are asking Association members to volunteer to present a session of their choice. We will be accepting presentation proposals through February 29th, preference will be given to presentations that align with our theme of better understanding and working with the students in Alternative Ed. programs. However, please do not hesitate to submit any proposal, as we want to have some diverse opportunities for all members. Finally, if selected for a presentation, registration fees will be waived upon request (can be used in 2024/25 as well). You can submit proposals on the Conference Online Registration Form here.
Keynote Speaker – This year’s conference will include a Keynote Address by Debrajean Scheibel. Details are below but the crux of Debrajean’s address will be on alternate approaches to understanding how under-resourced learners learn and reach skill acquisition.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to Lenny Holmes at lholmes@bonnyeagle.org with any questions you might have. If you click on the Invoice and Conference Information Form and scroll down one page you will find a Complete Overview of the Conference. We are so excited to be able to offer this opportunity to all of you again this year.

Two Maine Educators Explore How Artificial Intelligence (AI) can Benefit Adult Learners on their Career Journey

(Pictured: Sierra Melanson, Turner Adult Education Program; Dr. Thea Ducrow, AI Expert; and Kate Points, York County Adult Education Program)

Sierra Melanson (College and Career Success Coordinator at Central Maine Community College) and Kate Points (York County Career Advancement and Navigation Specialist) attended a Maine Development Career Association (MCDA) conference about Artificial Intelligence (AI) hosted at BerryDunn early this month. Sierra and Kate work for two Adult Education programs that help adults on their career journeys; the College and Career Success Coordinators and Career Advancement and Navigation Specialists. As part of the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, the College and Career Success Coordinators are placed at each Maine Community College and help learners achieve their career goals related to workforce, certificate, and associate programs at the colleges. The Career Navigators help people in their communities to take the next step in their careers and they work with local employers.

Thea Ducrow, Ph.D., an expert in AI, presented Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work. She shared that the world is a fundamentally different place than it was in November, 2022. There were diverse opinions concerning AI in the room; some educators and professionals were concerned and worried about how AI would impact the workforce while others felt neutral or excited. What Dr. Ducrow shared was informative and practical for educators, career development professionals, as well as workers.

“There will be a critical point in time where the accumulation of AI capabilities will make certain roles obsolete while creating new ones,” said Dr. Ducrow. She encouraged the audience to take a “Creative AI Leadership Approach” by being proactive rather than reactive, to combine ideation and the science of data, and that AI can help career development professionals understand patterns and insights to drive innovation.

A few of the key points of guidance that Dr. Ducrow offered job seekers included “embrace digital proficiency –be an early adopter, understand data – learn data analytics regardless of one’s field, and gain practical real-world experience – anyway one can volunteer, pursue an internship, part-time jobs, etc.” Dr. Ducrow emphasized the importance of hands-on work experiences as they are foundationally relational and AI will not change the importance of relationships.

Fortunately, in Maine there are myriad opportunities for workers to gain meaningful work experiences; a few include workforce programs at Adult Education, Maine Department of Labor apprenticeships, and paid work experiences for young people through the Maine Career Exploration program. Resource experts like Sierra and Kate are available to help make those connections. The CMCC Success Coordinator, Sierra Melanson, notes that she plans to try ChatGPT to help learners in creating personalized career and academic plans based on what the student is studying or looking to study.

“The piece that struck me most from the conference was how ubiquitous AI will become in the next few years,” said Kate Points, York County Adult Education Career Navigator. “For my work with participants, it’s important to start addressing AI as a digital literacy skill as ‘regular folks’ will need proficiency with it, just like they currently need proficiency with word processing or spreadsheets. For my own work, helping adults take the next step in their career, I think it will be helpful in learning about career fields I might not be familiar with. I’m really interested in the possibilities!”

Across Maine, there are digital literacy classes available for learners looking to increase their digital knowledge and skills. Please contact your local Adult Education if you’d like to learn more.

Since the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan took effect in October 2021, the Mills Administration has delivered direct economic relief to nearly 1,000 Maine small businesses, supported more than 100 infrastructure projects around the state to create jobs and revitalize communities, and invested in workforce programs estimated to offer apprenticeship, career and education advancement, and job training opportunities to 22,000 Maine people. For more about Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, visit maine.gov/jobsplan.

To read the bios of Maine’s College and Career Success Coordinators, and learn more about the programs.

Register Now for Alternative Education Association Fall Conference

The Alternative Education Association (AEA) of Maine is excited to announce a Fall Conference on November 9th at the University of Maine Augusta from 9:30 am – 1:30 am with the theme, “Circle Up!”

The AEA Fall Conference will be based on circle discussions at tables with different themes, where you can sit and have conversations with your colleagues about those topics you are most interested in. This is an excellent opportunity for you to network with others who do the unique work we all do in alternative education in Maine.

Details –

Cost: The Fall Conference is $50 and the Spring Conference will once again be $125. You can register for them separately or you can register for both at the discounted cost of $150. (If for some reason you cannot attend the Spring Conference we will reimburse you the $100)
Date and Time: November 9th, 9:30-1:30 (Lunch will be provided and is included in the cost)
Location: University Maine Augusta, Fireside Lounge in Randall Hall

Click Here for the Registration Form

Click Here for Payment Form

The AEA of Maine recognizes there is frequent turnover in teachers. If you have an Alternative Educator in your district who would like to be included in Alternative Education news and updates, please forward their name and email address to Lenny Holmes at lholmes@bonnyeagle.org

Six Maine Students Awarded Martin Mackey Memorial Scholarship

The Alternative Education Association of Maine has selected six students to receive this year’s Martin Mackey Memorial Scholarship. As they graduate from their respective programs, these six individuals have each been awarded $500. With many trials and triumphs throughout their school experiences, each graduate has an inspirational story and passion for their education that makes them a perfect recipient of this award.

Recipient Ericka Dunn is graduating from Houlton’s Summit Academy and will continue her education at Southern Maine Community College with plans to become an elementary school teacher. As a second-year Early Childhood Education student, Dunn has been praised for the effort and care she puts into teaching her class. “Ericka is an honest, hard-working student who is one of the most responsible seniors I have ever met,” said her nominator.

Graduating from the Nu Program in Brewer, scholarship awardee Delany Adams has overcome adversity and excelled academically. Through her responsibility with her schoolwork and her impressive attendance record, Adams has been described by her nominator as “a model student for why this program was started.” Adams will be continuing her education at Unity College pursuing studies in animal sciences with hopes of starting an animal rescue one day.

McKayla Geroux is receiving the scholarship after graduating early from Orono High School’s CORE program. While balancing her regular course load, additional college courses, and her job at a local home for developmentally disabled humans, Geroux has been passionate about bringing positivity to her community. “I just want to give as much as I can to others,” said Geroux, who has started a positivity rock garden and created countless fun art projects for her work. After graduation, she plans on attending college to become a dental hygienist.

Awardee Leah Hashem is a graduating senior from Noble High School’s Multiple Pathways program. She will be attending the University of Southern Maine and plans on becoming an elementary school art teacher. While working extremely hard to improve her academic skills in her final years of high school, Hashem has been greatly admired by her peers and teachers for her enthusiastic energy and the effort she puts into her schoolwork. “Leah has an ability to experience joy that is one-of-a-kind,” said her nominator. “Her passion and enthusiasm for learning and life is contagious.”

Graduating from Brewer High School’s Alpha program, scholarship recipient Anna Puckett has been an honors student and a role model for other alternative education students. Puckett has overcome obstacles in her academics and personal life while still maintaining a high standard of grades and attendance. As described by her nominator, Puckett is “a young lady who comes from very humble beginnings and has a very selfless heart for others.” Puckett will be continuing her education at Eastern Maine Community College pursuing studies in social work, as she hopes to one day become a trauma counselor and work with children overcoming traumatic life events.

Dominic Ramirez is receiving the scholarship as he graduates from Sanford High School’s alternative education program. After spending many years transferring schools and feeling disengaged from his learning, Ramirez found an excitement and passion for his education when he began his alternative education program, saying it was the best change he has ever made. His time in the program inspired him to consider community college, and he will be attending York County Community College in the fall to study behavioral health.

The Martin Mackey Memorial Scholarship was established by the Alternative Education Association (AEA) of Maine in 2022 after the untimely passing of beloved education colleague and champion Martin Mackey. The scholarship recognizes Mackey’s dedication to education as a career and especially in remembrance of his passion for working with students on Alternative Education pathways. AEA aims to award as many funds as they can raise to as many students as they can each year. In 2022 they awarded $2,000 to one student and this year they decided to split the scholarships among 6 students because of the excellent applicant pool.

To learn more about the Alternative Education Association of Maine visit their website or reach out to Alternative Education Association of Maine President Lenny Holmes at lholmes@bonnyeagle.org.

Lewiston Culinary Class Set to Sharpen Workforce Skills

Photo caption: Pastry Instructor Rebecca Levesque shows off dinner rolls before getting them ready for a meal at Lewiston Regional Technical Center’s Restaurant, The Green Ladle.

A hands-on culinary training program can provide the recipe for adults looking for a successful transition to restaurant careers.

The Culinary Training with Kitchen Manager ServSafe Training is scheduled to begin on Jan. 17 at the Green Ladle in Lewiston. Chef Dan Caron of the Green Ladle said it is the second one offered to help restaurants and food service establishments in need of skilled workers. It will be free for eligible participants.

The program is being funded through federal job training funds as well as the Green Ladle’s “Community Serving Community” food truck. The Green Ladle is the culinary arts program for Lewiston Regional Technical Center.

During the previous training that ended on Nov. 17, representatives of seven local restaurants met with students to recruit them.

“It was really quite amazing,” Caron said.

He said of the 11 students in that session, seven had already been hired for jobs before the end of the training.

Students in the new session will learn about basic kitchen safety, knife skills and baking in the five-week class. The class will run Monday and Wednesday afternoons.

“It’s a win-win situation for the student,” Caron said. “This is a good way to get into the culinary field and to support our local restaurants and other food service establishments.”

In order to enroll, interested students must sign up to attend an informational session that is scheduled for December 16th. CASAS testing is also required. At the end of the training, students will receive a certificate of completion, will take the ServSafe manager exam, and will have the opportunity to meet with local employers.

The class is a partnership between the Green Ladle, Lewiston Adult Education, Eastern Maine Development Corporation/Community Concepts, Inc. with the support of the Lewiston-Auburn culinary community, including Bates College, DaVinci’s Italian Eatery, Fish Bones Grill, Gippers Sports Grill, and Campus Cuisine. Additional partners may join the program before the January start, Caron said.

To register for the informational session and to schedule testing, contact Lewiston Adult Education at 207-795-4141.

Adult Education Determination Leads to a Diploma

Struggling in high school because she was a teen mom with no childcare, Michelle B. dropped out her junior year. She first came to RSU #54 Adult Education in 2005. Initially, Michelle pursued her GED. Because she is not a strong test taker, however, she found the high-stakes high school equivalency exams an insurmountable obstacle.

In 2010, Michelle followed the advice of the Adult Ed director and opted to pursue an SAHS diploma. Despite her struggles in high school, Michelle had made good progress and was only a few classes shy of graduating, so she began the long process of earning her missing credits.

An English and history class were first in 2010. The pressures of marriage and raising children forced her to put academics on hold for a long while, but Michelle eventually returned to class in 2018, earning another English credit in 2019, American Government in 2020, and, lastly, science in 2021.

Despite working full time, raising two daughters as a single mom, grappling with the unexpected death of her own mother, and dealing with the disruption of a global pandemic, Michelle found time for her education. She proudly joined many other Adult Education graduates for our June 9 ceremony.

Michelle did it for herself, but—even more importantly—she did it for her daughters. In an essay written for her most recent English class, she explained that she wanted to show her children that if they are willing to work hard, anything is possible. She wrote:

“Even if their dreams change ten times, as their mother I’ll always tell them they can be anything they want. Always, forever, I believe in my kids.”

Congratulations, Michelle! Your experience testifies to the importance of diligence and determination as we pursue our goals.

This article was provided by RSU 54 as part of the Maine Schools Sharing Success Campaign. To submit a story or an idea email it to Rachel at rachel.paling@maine.gov

Belfast Teacher Named Alternative Educator of the Year

The Alternative Education Association (AEA) of Maine has announced that Lindsey Schortz of the Belfast Community Outreach Program in Education (BCOPE) has been named the 2021 Alternative Educator of the Year. Lindsey is the Lead Science and Math teacher in the program and has become integral to the success of the students while engaging them in their learning. The Maine Department of Education joins the AEA in recognizing the hard work and determination of Lindsey and all of alternative educators across Maine for everything they do to ensure that each and every student has the opportunity to learn.

“I love alternative education because it provides opportunities for students and teachers both,” said Lindsey Schortz. “For students who have not seen success in a traditional setting for whatever reason, it shows them that there is another way for them to learn. For teachers and students, it is an opportunity to be creative, study topics in depth and perhaps most importantly form real relationships. I feel fortunate to work at a school with such deep roots in the community and in a district that values alternative education and how it can transform a student’s educational experience.”

Colden Golann, Assistant Principal at Belfast High School, says “what separates Lindsey is her commitment to her students. She will stop at nothing to support kids and help them overcome the obstacles they are facing. Last year during school closures, Lindsey took it upon herself to visit any student who was not participating and often taught individualized lessons in driveways, porches or on breaks from student’s jobs.”

Daisy Bradney, a student in the BCOPE program described Ms. Schortz as a, “kind, caring, and very passionate about what she does….she has always been my go to person whenever something exciting happens, she is always so thrilled for our achievements…no matter how big or small.”

The AEA also recognized the other finalist for this award, Linda “Cookie” Dana of Bangor High School remarking that these great educators represent the level of excellence as determined by the National Alternative Education Standards.

The AEA will recognize both honorees and their achievements at their Annual Conference on May 28th.