Nominations are open for the 2026-2027 Maine School Nurse of the Year award, an annual recognition through the Maine Association of School Nurses (MASN). The application deadline is April 17, 2026.
This award recognizes an outstanding school nurse for their contributions to the school and community they serve. Nominees must demonstrate leadership in six areas of practice: care provision, program management, health education, professional development, community involvement, and research.
The selected individual will receive a $500 cash award and be recognized at the School Nurse Summer Institute in July.
To nominate someone for Maine School Nurse of the Year, please compile a nomination packet, including:
A completed nomination form (found on the MASN website linked below)
Three to five reference letters, with at least one from an administrator
The curriculum vitae/resume of the nominee
A written report addressing the aforementioned six areas of practice
Nomination packets must be submitted by April 17, 2026, to Maine School Nurse of the Year Coordinator Erin Taylor. Please either send your nomination packet via email to etaylor@capeelizabethschools.org or email Taylor to request thebest mailing address for submission of a physical packet. You may also contact Taylor with any additional questions.
If you know a school nurse who inspires you with their dedication to the school community, please consider nominating them for this prestigious award! Visit the MASN website to learn more.
On the evening of February 28, 2026, leaders from across Maine’s education community gathered at the Samoset Resort in Rockport to celebrate the dedication and impact of exceptional educators statewide. The 12th annual Education Gala honored Maine’s 2025 County Teachers of the Year, bringing together their families, colleagues, school and district administrators, community partners, state leaders, and corporate sponsors for an evening of recognition and gratitude. The event also celebrated Becky Hallowell, 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year, for her outstanding year representing Maine educators and formally introduced Julia Edwards, 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year, as she begins her year of service championing teachers and students across the state.
A highlight of the evening was remarks from Maine Department of Education (DOE) Commissioner Pender Makin, who shared a congratulatory letter from Governor Janet Mills with Edwards, a choral music teacher at Bruce Whittier Middle School and Poland Regional High School. Edwards also received several traditional and celebratory gifts, including a personalized vanity license plate from Maine Secretary of State Shanna Bellows, an iPad from the Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine (ACTEM), and a special surprise—tickets to see musician Jacob Collier, courtesy of StubHub.
The semifinalists and finalists for 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year received recognition at the gala, as well, as attendees celebrated their tireless commitment to fostering student growth and achievement. Members of the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association (MCSTOYA) were in attendance to welcome the 2025 Maine County Teacher of the Year cohort and celebrate the enduring legacy of teacher leadership in Maine.
Throughout the evening, sponsors, including Unum, Maine Spirits, Maine State Lottery, StubHub, and Geiger reflected on the vital role educators play in strengthening communities and shaping the future. Guests enjoyed dinner and time to connect with mentors, colleagues, and friends while celebrating the powerful impact of Maine teachers.
The Maine Teacher of the Year program is administered by Educate Maine, a business-led education advocacy organization, in partnership with the Maine DOE, Maine State Board of Education, and MCSTOYA.
A special thank-you goes to the 2026 Education Gala sponsors:
Lead Sponsors: Unum, Maine Spirits, Geiger
Golden Apple: Energy Efficient Investments, Inc.
County Sponsors: Energy Efficient Investments, Inc., Moody’s Collision Centers, University of New England Online, Dead River Company, MMG Insurance, University of Maine College of Education and Human Development
Supporters: Thomas College, Martin’s Point Health Care
In Kind: Skillins Greenhouses, ACTEM, Maine DOE, Thomas College, Geiger, Bangor Savings Bank, Belted Cow Company, Haven’s Candies, D.Cole Jewelers, Sea Bags, Dead River Company, Portland Ovations, Allagash Brewing Company, StubHub, Carrabassett Coffee Company, Après, University of Maine Presque Isle, University of Maine Augusta, Hotel Ursa, Coffee By Design, Collins Center for the Arts, and Live + Work in Maine
Educational technician Elizabeth Loiko and custodian Larry Plourde are Maine’s 2026 RISE Award recipients.
AUGUSTA and CARIBOU, Maine—The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is proud to honor the two outstanding school employees who were nominated for the 2026 National RISE (Recognizing Inspiring School Employees) Award: Elizabeth Loiko, an educational technician at Sylvio Gilbert Elementary School in Augusta, and Larry Plourde, a long-time custodian at Caribou High School.
The RISE Award was created by Congress in 2019 and is overseen by the U.S. Department of Education. This prestigious national award honors the often-unsung heroes in the education workforce who provide exemplary service behind the scenes, helping to foster safe, supportive, and effective pre-K through grade 12 schools. This includes school employees who provide a range of services, including, but not limited to, administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, health and student services, and technical services.
Annually, the Maine DOE, in coordination with the Office of Governor Janet T. Mills, selects two state-level honorees from a pool of dozens of nominations in Maine for the RISE Award.
“As the daughter of a longtime teacher, I understand the lasting impact that school employees have on their students, schools, and communities,” said Governor Mills. “Congratulations to Larry and Liz for receiving this well-deserved honor. Thank you for everything you do for Maine children and families each day.”
“The Maine Department of Education is privileged to honor and recognize two of the thousands of individuals across our state whose unwavering dedication to their schools ensures that children have access to safe and successful learning environments,” said Maine DOE Commissioner Pender Makin. “Without their commitment spanning the health, safety, nutritional, and academic needs of students, our schools and communities would falter. Thank you for everything that you do for the students, school staff, and families of Maine.”
Elizabeth (Liz) Loiko
Liz Loiko is originally from Gorham. She moved to Augusta in 2013 and began working at Hall-Dale Elementary School in Hallowell, where she says she gained a strong foundation in elementary education, including special education. In the fall of 2017, Loiko joined Sylvio Gilbert Elementary School as an educational technician based in kindergarten.
Those who nominated Liz said she continuously goes above and beyond to get to know her students, ensuring that their academic, behavioral, and emotional needs are met to help them succeed in the classroom and want to come to school. Nominators shared that Liz serves as a role model for other school staff through her care and creativity and demonstrates how essential educational technicians are to the success of Maine’s schools.
At the RISE Award announcement at Sylvio Gilbert Elementary School on Thursday, February 26, 2026, staff surprised Liz with a slideshow of pictures from her time at the school, as well as pre-recorded video messages from students and colleagues. Some students also shared their messages of thanks with Liz in front of the all-school assembly.
“Receiving this award is deeply meaningful to me, as it reflects appreciation for the vital work educational technicians do every day,” Loiko said. “I am truly grateful for the ongoing support of my colleagues and team, whose collaboration and encouragement make this work possible. Being recognized affirms the importance of the role ed techs play in supporting students in both general and special education settings and reinforces my commitment to serving students with care, dedication, and professionalism.”
Larry Plourde
Larry Plourde has worked in RSU 39 (Caribou and Stockholm) since 1998. Throughout his 27-year career, he has served as a custodian and bus driver—first, at the former Teague Park Elementary School and then at Caribou High School for the past 18 years.
Those who nominated Larry said he is a “jack of all trades” who makes Caribou High School feel like a true community and serves not only as a caretaker of the building but as a caretaker of people. Nominators shared that through small and thoughtful gestures, such as helping a teacher carry supplies, fixing broken items at the school before anyone else notices, or helping students pay for lunch, Larry has created a joyful and positive environment and is admired by staff and students alike.
At the RISE Award announcement at Caribou High School on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, students surprised Larry with a large glass jar overflowing with carved wooden hearts to represent that he is the “heart” of their school. On each of the hearts, students offered handwritten notes of appreciation and love for Larry.
“With more than 25 years of dedicated service, Larry consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our building is safe, welcoming, and ready for learning each day,” Caribou High School Principal Jamie Selfridge said. “His hard work and pride in his job make him a true RISE leader in every sense.”
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) joins the Maine School Counselor Association (MESCA) in congratulating Kathy McNamara, school counselor at Montello Elementary School in Lewiston, for being named 2026 Maine School Counselor of the Year.
This announcement occurred during National School Counseling Week, celebrated annually during the first full week of February, at an event held in the Hall of Flags at the Maine State Capitol. This year, MESCA hosted events from February 2-6, 2026, to recognize and celebrate the essential role that school counselors play in supporting student success.
Administered by MESCA, the Maine School Counselor of the Year Award is part of a national recognition program honoring school counselors who lead outstanding, comprehensive counseling programs at the elementary, middle, or high school level. McNamara was selected for her data-driven approach, strong leadership, and deep commitment to supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of all students.
McNamara delivers a comprehensive school counseling program, rooted in collaboration, inclusion, and evidence-based practices.
“Through collaborating with colleagues and participating in school activities, I help create inclusive spaces where everyone can contribute and succeed,” McNamara said.
McNamara’s partnerships with classroom teachers have helped students apply critical social-emotional skills learned during classroom lessons.
“Her insight, empathy, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable partner in supporting students’ social, emotional, and academic growth,” Montello Elementary School Multilingual Teacher Sharon Wood said.
McNamara earned her bachelor’s degree in communications and her master’s degree in counselor education from the University of Southern Maine. She has served as the school counselor at Montello Elementary School since 2016. Prior to that, she worked as a school counselor at Bonny Eagle High School in Standish and Elm Street School in Mechanic Falls.
“At the heart of Kathy’s work is a deep commitment to helping every member of our community feel safe, seen, and supported,” Montello Elementary School Principal Tiffany Sax said. “She builds trust through compassion, responsiveness, and genuine care. Families know they can turn to her for guidance and support, and students know they have a trusted adult who will listen, advocate, and help them navigate challenges.”
As the 2026 Maine School Counselor of the Year, McNamara will participate in several speaking engagements and professional events throughout the coming year. She will be honored at the American School Counselor Association annual conference in Columbus, Ohio, in July 2026, and invited to attend a formal gala in Washington, D.C., in winter 2027.
For more information, visit the Maine School Counselor Association website or contact MESCA Board Chair Kelly Wright at chair@maineschoolcounselor.org.
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is joining Volunteer Maine in encouraging schools across the state to submit nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism, which recognize outstanding individuals, teams, and organizations that are making a meaningful impact through volunteer service. Nominations are open now through March 9, 2026.
Since 1987, the Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism have celebrated and recognized the role of citizen volunteers in the success and vitality of Maine communities. School leaders are encouraged to help identify and recognize students, educators, staff members, families, volunteers, and community partners who step up to serve when and where they are needed. Sharing this opportunity within your school community can help to ensure that Maine’s dedicated volunteers receive the recognition they deserve.
Several award categories are available, including opportunities specifically well-suited for school communities:
Youth Roll of Honor (non-competitive)
Nominees must be 18 years old or younger.
Nominees must have volunteered at least 50 hours in the prior year.
Maine Volunteer of the Year: Recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving lives and communities through volunteer service in Maine.
Young Maine Volunteer of the Year: Recognizes a volunteer under the age of 20 who exemplifies active citizenship and community leadership.
Outstanding Volunteer Team: Recognizes a team of volunteers that has made a significant community impact. (Please note: Fundraising activities are not eligible.)
Outstanding Business Volunteer Program: Recognizes employers that foster strong workplace volunteer programs and cultures of service. (Please note: Fundraising activities and donations are not eligible.)
Outstanding Non-Profit Volunteer Program: Recognizes volunteer programs operated by non-profits, schools, municipalities, or government units that have driven meaningful community improvements.
The Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism provide an opportunity to shine a light on the individuals and groups who strengthen communities across Maine. School leaders are encouraged to submit nominations and share this opportunity widely to help ensure that deserving volunteers are recognized.
The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Camp Chamberlain, Maine National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, located at 23 Blue Star Avenue in Augusta.
The Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (Maine AHPERD) has announced the recipients of its 2025 Teacher of the Year awards, as well as recognition awards for Individual and Community Partner Organizations and Outstanding Future Professionals in the areas of Health Education and Physical Education.
These awards recognize exemplary health education, physical education, and adapted physical education teachers, professionals, and students who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their students and/or the profession. Find more information about the awards here.
The 2025 Maine AHPERD award recipients are as follows:
Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year Rose Prest-Morrison Sacopee Valley Elementary School
Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year Bryan Shaw Easton Elementary School
Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year Matthew Downs Ellsworth Elementary/Middle School
Middle School Health Education Teacher of the Year Karyn Bussell Skowhegan Area Middle School
High School Health Education Teacher of the Year Sarah Rose Poland Regional High School
In addition to providing Teacher of the Year awards, Maine AHPERD also recognizes individuals and community partner organizations who serve as strong supporters of the Maine AHPERD mission.
The 2025 honorees include:
Recreation Professional Award Aimee Vlachos University of New England
Dance Professional Award Emma Campbell Thornton Academy
Community Award Lee Anne Dodge Drug-Free Community Coalition: SoPo Unite
This year, Maine AHPERD also honored twelve distinguished students hailing from five Maine institutions of higher learning as 2025 Outstanding Future Professionals in health education and physical education:
Jacob Chovinard, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Brandon Sadowski, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Logan Welch, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Joelle Daigneault, University of Maine at Farmington
Brynn Dzengelewski, University of Maine Orono
Brianna Harriman, University of Maine Orono
Allie Hull, University of Maine Orono
Jeremy Miller, University of Maine Orono
Kennen Bean, University of Maine at Presque Isle
Jackman Daigle, University of Maine at Presque Isle
Aidan Curran, University of New England
Fritz Van Winkle, University of New England
Photo Caption: Left to right in the front row: Brandon Sadowski, Allie Hull, Joelle Daigneault, and Kennan Bean. Left to right in the back row: Logan Welch, Jackman Daigle, Jacob Chovinard, Jeremy Miller, Brianna Harriman, and Aidan Curran.
Please note that Brynn Dzengelewski and Fritz Van Winkle are not present in this photo.
Visit the Maine AHPERD website for highlights and resources from the Maine AHPERD 80th Annual Conference that was held from November 2-4, 2025.
Do you know an outstanding early childhood professional who works with children from birth through age eight (8) in a childcare program, public school, private school, or home-visiting setting? If so, please consider nominating them for the 2026 Week of the Young Child® Outstanding Early Childhood Professionals Spotlight. The nomination deadline is February 13, 2026.
Established in 1971 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Week of the Young Child® highlights the importance of early childhood education and the foundational role it plays in a child’s success. It is also a chance to celebrate the early care and education professionals who nurture and support children and families during this critical stage of growth and development.
This annual recognition program, offered through collaboration between the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Early Learning Team and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Child and Family Services’ Early Care and Education Division, honors dedicated professionals who make a meaningful impact on young children and families. Last year’s inaugural Early Childhood Professionals Spotlight received more than 280 nominations! Those individuals were celebrated at the 2025 annual Early Childhood Education Conference in Portland.
Recognize an outstanding early childhood professional by submitting a nomination through the 2026 Week of the Young Child® spotlight nomination form. The submission deadline is Friday, February 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Nominees will be contacted prior to the Week of the Young Child®, which will take place from April 11-17, 2026.
Gorham School District Superintendent Heather Perry has been named one of four finalists for the AASA National Superintendent of the Year® Award, a prestigious honor administered by The School Superintendents Association (AASA), which recognizes exceptional leadership, professionalism, communication, and community engagement among school leaders nationwide.
“I am deeply honored to be named a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year,” Perry said. “This recognition reflects the extraordinary work of our students, staff, families, and community in Gorham. Public education is truly a team effort, and I am proud to serve alongside educators and leaders who are so deeply committed to creating meaningful opportunities for every child.”
In October, the Maine School Superintendents Association (MSSA) named Perry the 2026 Maine Superintendent of the Year, citing her work to improve student achievement, address Maine’s educator shortage, and partner with local businesses to expand students’ career aspirations. On Monday, December 15, 2025, Perry was announced as a finalist for the national award—marking the first time a Maine superintendent has reached finalist status since the award’s inception in 1988.
“We are beyond thrilled that Heather Perry has been named a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year,” Eileen King, Executive Director of MSSA, said. “Heather is a true beacon of educational leadership, and I am so pleased that she is being recognized on the national level for her extraordinary commitment to students and families in Gorham and across our state. She is a role model, a problem-solver, a collaborator, and a steadfast advocate for public education.”
Perry has served as superintendent of the Gorham School District for the past decade. Under her leadership, the district has focused on reaching every student—particularly those who have been historically underserved. Through partnerships with businesses and community organizations, Gorham has expanded career pathways and aspirations, resulting in significant growth in student participation in internships, career mentorships, and career and technical education (CTE) programs. The district now reports a graduation rate exceeding 96 percent.
Perry has also played a key role in addressing Maine’s educator workforce shortage. In 2022, Gorham piloted an innovative educator apprenticeship program designed to recruit and retain school staff while supporting career advancement through a combination of coursework and on-the-job training. The program has since expanded to dozens of school districts across Maine.
Prior to her tenure in Gorham, Perry worked as a teacher and administrator in the Machias area and served as superintendent in RSU 3 and the Greenville School Department. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of MSSA and previously served on AASA’s executive committee. Perry is also a nationally respected voice on school leadership, with published work regularly featured by AASA.
The National Superintendent of the Year® Award will be announced live during AASA’s National Conference on Education, held February 12-14, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee.
This story was submitted by the Maine School Management Association (MSMA). To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.
Nominations for the Maine Teacher of the Year program are open through Friday, January 30, 2026.
STATEWIDE, Maine—Nominations are now open for the Maine Teacher of the Year program, which celebrates excellence in teaching and elevates the importance of the teaching profession. Traditionally, Maine selects a County Teacher of the Year from each of Maine’s 16 counties. One of those educators is later named State Teacher of the Year and also becomes Maine’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year.
Maine’s State and County Teachers of the Year serve as ambassadors of the teaching profession and advocate for the quality education of Maine students. Throughout their year of service, these teachers have the opportunity to create a greater public awareness about the inspiring work happening in Maine schools, amplify the voices of fellow educators, and assist in ongoing efforts to strengthen Maine’s educator workforce. They receive ongoing professional learning and participate in county-, state-, and nation-wide leadership opportunities.
Anyone—from students, to parents, to school administrators and colleagues, to community members—is encouraged to nominate an educator for the Maine Teacher of the Year program! Nominations are open now through Friday, January 30, 2026, at 5 p.m. To nominate, please fill out this form. Self-nominations and nominations from family members will not be accepted.
Becky Hallowell, 2025 Maine State Teacher of the Year, said her journey began with a nomination for 2024 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year. She shared the impact that the past year has had on her life:
“The experiences I have had as Maine Teacher of the Year have been transformative. I made connections throughout our state and nation with astounding educators, supportive community members, and cutting-edge business leaders. I encourage everyone to nominate an influential teacher for Maine County Teacher of the Year recognition. The nomination itself tells teachers that they are seen and appreciated. Additionally, every County Teacher of the Year joins a collaborative cohort that works to bring out the best in all teachers across the state.”
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Educate Maine, a business-led organization with a mission of championing college and career readiness, work collaboratively to manage and administer the Maine Teacher of the Year program. Funding is provided by Bangor Savings Bank, Geiger, Maine State Lottery, and Unum, with support from the Maine State Board of Education and the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association. Through the generous support of these businesses, there is no cost to the local school district when the Maine Teacher of the Year is out of the classroom on their official duties.
“The Maine Department of Education proudly supports the Maine Teacher of the Year program, an excellent opportunity every year to celebrate the dedicated, talented educators in our state whose hard work often goes unrecognized,” Maine DOE Commissioner Pender Makin said. “We encourage all Mainers to consider nominating a teacher who has made a positive impact on their local community.”
“We are thrilled that nominations are now open for 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year,” Jason Judd, Ed.D, Executive Director of Educate Maine, said. “Maine has wonderful educators across all 16 counties, and we hope you will consider nominating an educator in your community for this important recognition.”
Teachers who are nominated for the Maine Teacher of the Year program must:
Hold the appropriate professional certification for their teaching position;
Be a certified, in-good-standing, pre-K—grade 12 teacher in a state-accredited public school—including career and technical education and adult education centers, public charter schools, or publicly supported secondary schools (i.e., private schools that enroll 60 percent or more publicly funded students, sometimes referred to as “town academies”);
Be actively teaching students at least 50 percent of the workday at the time of nomination and during their year of recognition;
Maintain their teaching position and remain in the county for which they are selected throughout their year of recognition;
Have a minimum of five years of teaching, three of which are in Maine.
The 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year will be announced in May. Through a selection process designed by educators, that pool will then be narrowed to semi-finalists and state finalists before the 2027 Maine State Teacher of the Year is announced in the fall.
The Maine Teacher of the Year program is committed to a nomination and selection process that ensures people of all backgrounds are represented. Educate Maine and the Maine DOE champion that commitment by encouraging the nomination of educators from culturally diverse experiences and backgrounds.
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce that Katarina Ousback of Scarborough High School and WanTing Huo of the Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM) have been selected as Maine’s delegates to the 2026 United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). They will join 102 exceptional student leaders from across the nation for Washington Week this spring, where they will engage directly with U.S. Senators, Supreme Court Justices, Cabinet officials, and other national leaders. Each delegate will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation.
The USSYP, founded in 1962 and supported annually by the U.S. Senate, recognizes high school students who demonstrate a strong commitment to leadership, public service, and civic engagement. More than 6,000 students nationwide have participated in the program, including Maine’s own U.S. Senator Susan Collins, who often credits her USSYP experience and meeting Senator Margaret Chase Smith as a defining moment in her decision to pursue public service.
About Maine’s 2026 USSYP Delegates
Katarina Ousback, a senior at Scarborough High School, is a student leader with a deep passion for government and service. She serves as Student Council President and has held numerous leadership roles, including District Governor for the New England and Bermuda District of Key Club International and a U.S. Senate Page for Senator Susan Collins. Katarina has testified on legislation, participated in National History Day at both the state and national levels, and completed more than 350 hours of community service. Her teachers and school leaders describe her as mature, thoughtful, and deeply committed to strengthening her community through civic action.
Left to right: Halsey Frank, a representative from Senator Susan Collins’ office; Katarina Ousback; Karen Fox, a representative from Senator Angus King’s Office; and Dan Chuhta, Deputy Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education.
WanTing Huo, a junior at MSSM, currently serves as the Youth Council Representative for the League of Women Voters of Maine. She is an active advocate for youth civic engagement and a leader across several statewide and community organizations. WanTing has served as a Lieutenant Governor for Key Club International, a 4-H Agriculture Ambassador, and a member of the Maine Youth Action Network’s Youth Grantmaking Council. She is also the co-founder of SpeechSphere, a nonprofit that provides free language education to underserved youth in multiple countries. Her nominators describe her as curious, dedicated, and a natural connector of people and ideas.
Left to right: Rob Constantine, MSSM Principal; Trisha House, a representative from Susan Collins’ office; WanTing Huo; Beth Lambert, Maine DOE Chief Teaching and Learning Officer; and Jordyn Madore, a representative from Senator Angus King’s Office.
A Strong Cohort of Maine Finalists
This year’s applicant pool was among the strongest the state has seen, with students demonstrating exceptional academic achievement, leadership experience, and commitment to public service. Ten finalists were invited to participate in the state interview process, representing high schools from across Maine.
“Each one of these students reflects the best of Maine. They are thoughtful, engaged, community-minded young leaders,” said Beth Lambert, Chief Teaching and Learning Officer at the Maine DOE “Katarina and WanTing bring a remarkable combination of talent, service, and purpose, and we are proud to have them represent our state on the national stage.”
About the United States Senate Youth Program
During Washington Week, delegates will participate in policy discussions, attend briefings with key federal agencies, and hear directly from Senators, congressional staff members, and national policymakers. The program aims to encourage students to pursue careers in public service and to deepen their understanding of the democratic process. The $10,000 scholarship awarded to each delegate supports undergraduate studies and is intended to help prepare the next generation of civic leaders.
The Maine DOE congratulates Katarina Ousback and WanTing Huo on this extraordinary achievement and looks forward to celebrating their continued leadership at the state and national levels.
Maine DOE Newsroom 