Kathy McNamara of Montello Elementary School in Lewiston Named 2026 Maine School Counselor of the Year

Credit: Maine School Counselor Association

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.

Nominations Open for 2026 Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism

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.

Submit a nomination for the Youth Roll of Honor category here.

Adult Roll of Honor (non-competitive)

Nominees must be 19 years old or older.
Nominees must have volunteered at least 500 hours in the prior year.

Submit a nomination for the Adult Roll of Honor category here.

Individual and Group Categories (Competitive)

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.)

Submit a nomination for the Individual and Group Categories here.

Organization Categories (Competitive)

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.

Submit a nomination for the Organization Categories here.

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.

For more information, visit VolunteerMaine.gov.

Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Announces 2025 Awardees

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.

Nominations Open for 2026 Outstanding Early Childhood Professionals Spotlight

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.

For more information, please contact Michelle Belanger, Maine DOE Pre-K Partnership Specialist, at michelle.belanger@maine.gov or Meg Swanson, Program Manager, at megan.swanson@maine.gov.

Gorham Superintendent Heather Perry Named Finalist for AASA National Superintendent of the Year Award

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.

MEDIA RELEASE: Mainers Encouraged to Nominate an Educator for State/County Teacher of the Year

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.

For more information about the Maine Teacher of the Year program, please visit the Maine Teacher of the Year website.

Becky Hallowell, 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year, has used her platform to promote outdoor education.

The 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year cohort poses with Governor Janet Mills.

Julia Edwards, a choral music teacher in RSU 16, was named 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year.

Maine DOE Announces 2026 United States Senate Youth Program State Delegates

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 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. — 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. — 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.

To learn more about the USSYP, visit https://ussenateyouth.org/.

Maine DOE Announces Nominees for 2026 RISE Award

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce the nominees and top 10 finalists for the 2026 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award.

Created by Congress in 2019 and overseen by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), the prestigious RISE Award honors classified employees in the education workforce who provide exemplary service. The Maine DOE, in coordination with the Office of Governor Janet T. Mills, has selected 10 finalists from a pool of 32 exceptional nominees from across Maine, submitted by school administrators, teachers, professional associations, nonprofits, parents/caregivers, students, and community members.

Classified employees include those who work in a pre-K—grade 12 setting in any of the following occupational specialties: paraprofessional, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades. RISE nominees must demonstrate excellence in work performance, school and community involvement, leadership and commitment, local support (from co-workers, school administrators, community members, etc., who speak to the nominee’s exemplary work), and enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the community and schools.

Of the 10 finalists, two individuals will be selected and announced in February of 2026. These two honorees will be submitted to ED to represent Maine for consideration in the national RISE Award. ED will announce one national honoree and present that individual with an award in the spring.

Maine’s Top 10 RISE Nominees

Finalists:

Jana Bechard
Kitchen Manager
Farrington Elementary School, Augusta School Department

Linda Cloutier
Lead Custodian
Tripp Middle School, MSAD 52

Nicholas Dare
Custodian
Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough Public Schools

Monique Gilbert
Administrative Assistant
Capital Area Technical Center, Augusta School Department

Ryan Hewins
School Security
Nokomis Regional Middle and High Schools, RSU 19

Elizabeth Loiko
Educational Technician
Sylvio Gilbert Elementary School, Augusta School Department

Elizabeth Meahl
Lead Administrative Assistant
Casco Bay High School, Portland Public Schools

Larry Plourde
Custodian
Caribou High School, RSU 39

Renee Quattrucci
Lead Custodian
Ocean Avenue Elementary School, Portland Public Schools

Neisha Strom
Educational Technician
Elm Street School, RSU 16

Maine’s Additional RISE Nominees:

Christina Aguair
Educational Technician Interventionist
Sebasticook Valley Elementary School, RSU 19

Megan Bell
Educational Technician
Jonesboro Elementary School, AOS 96

Pauline Bowie
Lead Custodian
James W. Russell School, MSAD 15

Susan Cabana
Educational Technician
Westbrook High School, Westbrook School Department

Gloria Carter
Secretary for Student Services
Bonny Eagle Middle School, MSAD 6

Reinette Chenard
District Data Manager
RSU 10

Carrie Coffren
Educational Technician
Gray-New Gloucester Middle School, MSAD 15

Jane Dunne
Educational Technician
Saccarappa School, Westbrook School Department

Valerie Dyer
Administrative Assistant
Hancock Grammar School, Hancock Public Schools

Shamso Farah
Family and Community Engagement Specialist
Multilingual and Multicultural Center, Portland Public Schools

Nicole Fyfe
Special Education Administrative Assistant
RSU 38

Greg Hatt
Educational Technician, Student Support Services
Belgrade Central School, RSU 18

Ashley Maguire
Food Service
Bucksport Middle School, RSU 25

Deidre Mooney
Pre-K Educational Technician
Dirigo Elementary School, RSU 56

Lauren Ostis
Community Partnership Coordinator
East End Community School, Portland Public Schools

Susan Russell
Educational Technician
Fort Fairfield Elementary School, MSAD 20/RSU 86

Lisa Sanborn
Administrative Assistant
T. W. Kelly Dirigo Middle School, RSU 56

Suzanne Sherman
Administrative Assistant
Boothbay Region High School, AOS 98

Teena Thibodeau
Educational Technician
Orono Middle School, RSU 26

Melissa West
Administrative Assistant
Ocean Avenue Elementary School, Portland Public Schools

Tamara Whitehurst
Administrative Assistant
Dayton Consolidated School, Dayton School Department

Nicole Witas
Educational Technician
Dirigo Elementary School, RSU 56

For more information about the RISE Award, visit ED | Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. To learn more about Maine’s RISE Award process, visit Maine DOE | Educator Recognition.

Nominations Open for Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL) Awards

Nominations are now open for the Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL) Walter J. Taranko School Librarian of the Year, Support Staff Educator of the Year, and Administrator of the Year Awards. All nominations are due February 15, 2026.

The Walter J. Taranko School Librarian of the Year Award honors 071-certified librarians who have made exceptional contributions to the profession at the local or state level. Recipients receive an engraved plaque and a cash donation to their school library media program.
Learn more.

The MASL Library Support Staff Educator of the Year Award recognizes educational technicians who have significantly strengthened their school library media programs. Recipients also receive an engraved plaque and a cash donation to their school library.
Learn more.

The MASL School Administrator of the Year Award honors administrators whose leadership and support have advanced effective school library media services.
Learn more.

For full details and requirements, please visit maslibraries.org. Please submit all nominations to Heather Perkinson at awards@maslibraries.org by February 15, 2026.

Janneke Strickland of RSU 9 Named the 2025-2026 Maine School Nurse of the Year

The Maine Association of School Nurses (MASN) is proud to recognize Janneke Strickland of RSU 9’s Cascade Brook School as the 2025-2026 Maine School Nurse of the Year.

This annual award recognizes an outstanding Maine school nurse for their contributions to the school and community that they serve. This honor is awarded to an individual who demonstrates leadership in six areas of practice: care provision, program management, health education, professional development, community involvement, and research.

Janneke Strickland began her nursing career as a clinical nurse at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland, where she provided direct, evidence-based patient care to pediatric patients ranging in age from newborn to 20 years old. She then transitioned to labor, postpartum, and delivery nursing at Redington-Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan, where she provided nursing care and education to her patients, including one-to-one support for laboring mothers.

After 18 years of working in the hospital setting, Strickland made the transition to school nursing and joined the Mount Blue Regional School District (RSU 9). Since becoming a school nurse, she has made a remarkable impact on both her school and the wider district. Her colleagues describe her as “exemplifying the heart of school nursing in every aspect of her work,” and as someone whose “outstanding work ethic is evident in her consistent willingness to go above and beyond in her role.”

As a result of her strong clinical skills and leadership, Strickland became District Nurse Coordinator just two years after joining RSU 9. In this role, she oversees health services across seven schools, supporting more than 2,000 students and mentoring a team of school nurses. Her superintendent praises her “forward thinking in policy development, health procedures, and maintenance and safety,” adding that her dedication ensures that “our health-related policies and services are current, comprehensive, and aligned with best practices in school nursing.”

Strickland’s work with students is equally impactful. She helps to teach health education classes at Cascade Brook School, offers interactive lessons on germs and illness prevention for third graders, and supported the development of an updated Human Growth and Development curriculum for fifth-grade students. Her efforts ensure consistent, age-appropriate health education across the district.

Strickland’s leadership extends beyond the classroom through major programs and policy initiatives. She co-wrote the successful grant application for the district’s electronic health record system, bringing valuable technology and efficiency to school health offices. She also collaborated on policies to train middle and high school students in CPR/AED use and Narcan administration, empowering students to respond in emergencies.

Strickland’s care for students reaches deep into the community. She has established partnerships with local organizations to provide essential items, such as clothing and weekend meals, to families in need. As her principal noted: “She is the driving force behind our weekend backpack program, tirelessly organizing the provision of nutritious meals for students who may face food insecurity outside of school hours.” Strickland also works with the Healthy Community Coalition to implement the CATCH My Breath anti-tobacco vaping program in elementary schools, addressing a growing health concern among youth.

Whether developing district policy, teaching students, or connecting families to community resources, Strickland’s unwavering commitment to health and learning shines through in everything she does. In the words of her principal: “She embodies the true spirit of school nursing.”

For more information about the award, visit the MASN website. With questions about the Maine School Nurse of the Year award, please contact MASN.