Category: Awards and Honors

Biddeford Regional Center of Technology Honors Matthew Laflamme as CTE Student of the Year

Biddeford Regional Center of Technology has annouced that Matthew Laflamme a senior at Biddeford High School as CTE student of the year.

As a member of the Business Leadership program, Matt is described as:

Matt is easily one of the most determined and motivated students I know.  While the detail to his assignment submissions are well thought-out and thorough, it’s the in-depth thought behind his questions and responses in class that are impressive. 

Matt Laflamme
Matt Laflamme

During his time at Biddeford Regional Center of Technology he created an app allowing businesses to tell customers how many people are in their facility before customers decide to enter (pandemic-focused). Matt initiated a meeting with the Executive Director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce to network with local businesses. This led to Matt working with the local public library who showed interest in utilizing the app.

Matt has not let the pandemic serve as an excuse to slow his passion for learning. As Matt said, “it’s been pretty challenging for me to stay positive and keep my head high. Even so, I’m proud to say that I bring my best effort to class every day, and strive to immerse myself in learning as much as possible as to not waste the opportunity I have to take great business classes through BRCOT.”

Along with his work at Biddeford Regional Center of Technology, he also participates in other extracurricular activates as a Youth-Led Research Team Leader, SMAA All-Academic Team Member, Model UN Team Member, achieved High Honors 2020/2021 School Year, and participated in  Varsity Golf, Varsity Track & Field, NTHS Member, Volunteer Computer Programmer, and was a Journalist Intern for the Biddeford School District newsletter.

Matt will graduate with 15 college credits through YCCC in Business Studies and his future plans are to attend UNH to pursue a double major in General Business and Computer Science. He envisions himself working at a startup that’s doing something bold/innovative where he can, in his words, “wake up excited to contribute to.”

Learn more about Biddeford Regional Center of Technology by visiting their website, learn more about the Career and Technical Education Sites in Maine by visiting the MACTE website to see a listing by location. To learn more about Career and Technical Education, watch this short video:

Bath Tech Honors Nathan Crossley as CTE Student of The Year

Bath Regional Career and Technical Center is pleased to announce that Nathan Crossley has been selected as our for Student of the Year. Nathan is a senior at Lincoln Academy and enrolled in the Electricity program at Bath Tech.

From the very first day at our school, Nathan has always put his best foot forward with the drive to succeed. He carries himself with an approachable personality, and he completes top notch electrical work. When he finishes one task, he is always proactive to find more that he can learn from, often asking “What’s next?” His unyielding enthusiasm for the field is contagious to those around him.

Besides Nathan’s personality and professional skills, he is a solid academic performer and a member of National Technical Honor Society. While in high school he has participated in baseball, track, cross country, and lacrosse.

Next year Nathan will be pursuing training in the Electrical Technology program at Washington County Community College.

Nathan along with 25 other students across Maine are all being honored this year as CTE Students of the Year. Their individual profiles are being highlighted this month in Maine DOE’s Newsroom.

Learn more about Bath Regional Career and Technical Center by visiting their website, learn more about the Career and Technical Education Sites in Maine by visiting the MACTE website to see a listing by location. To learn more about Career and Technical Education, watch this short video:

MEDIA RELEASE: Maine DOE Joins MACTE in Honoring 2020/2021 CTE Students of the Year 

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the Maine Administrators of Career and Technical Education (MACTE) would like to congratulate the recently announced 2020/2021 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Students of the Year.

Maine’s CTE Sites and Centers recognize an outstanding graduating senior annually. Students who are recognized participate in one of a multitude of CTE programs in regions across Maine including electrical, culinary arts, multimedia, heavy equipment operations, advanced communications, certified nursing programs, early childhood education, law enforcement, building trades, agriculture, and plumbing and heating, to name a few. Many of these students are graduating high school with college credits and/or certifications that will allow them to begin working on the frontlines immediately while others have obtained advanced training and experience that will enable them to make informed choices about their future career path and education journey.

“Maine’s Career and Technical Education programs provide some of the most innovative, project-based learning opportunities available in our state,” said Education Commissioner Pender Makin. “I commend these distinguished seniors on their dedication and determination in following their passions through experiential learning. I wish each and every one of them the very the best as they write the next chapter of their future!”

To honor these students individually, Maine DOE will be highlighting each of the CTE Students of the Year with an individual profile in the Maine DOE Newsroom and on its social media sites (Facebook and Twitter) showcasing their work as CTE students and future plans as graduating seniors, including positive words from the educators who guided them on their journey.

“The Maine Administrators of Career and Technical Education are incredibly proud to honor these exceptional students,” said MACTE President Rob Callahan.  “Their hard work, professionalism and personal character have distinguished them in rigorous programs of study.  They are surely the leaders of tomorrow both in their chosen professional area and in Maine. Congratulations all!”

2021 CTE Students of the Year:

Students are listed in alphabetical order by CTE Site/Center

Nathan Crossley
Electricity Program
Bath Regional Career and Technical Center, Bath
Matthew Laflamme
Business Leadership Program
Biddeford Regional Center of Technology, Biddeford
Everett Blair
Law Enforcement Program
Capital Area Technical Center, Augusta
Brendan Blackstone
Agriculture & Welding Programs
Caribou Regional Technology Center, Caribou
Dymond Dake
Welding Program
Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology, Machias
Elaine Perkins
Early Childhood Education
Croix Regional Technical Center, Calais
Haley Walsh
CNA & Biotechnology
Foster Technology Center, Farmington
Bryce Carter
Biomedical Science Program
Hancock County Technical Center, Ellsworth
Omar Elalam
Advanced Computer Technologies II program
Lake Region Vocational Center, Naples
Colin Merritt
Plumbing & Heating
Lewiston Regional Technical Center, Lewiston
Wyatt Shepard
Building Trades program
Maine Region Ten Technical High School, Brunswick
Emily Miller
Design/Technology Program
Mid-Coast School of Technology, Rockland
Paige Dudley
Outdoor Leadership program
Mid-Maine Technical Center, Waterville
Alexis Violette
Machine Tool and Business Programs
MSAD #24, Van Buren
Katahdin Javner
Construction Technology, Information Technology, and Automotive Technology
Northern Penobscot Tech, Lincoln
Culiandra Nero
Graphic Design
Oxford Hills Technical School, Norway
Christiana Rae Gannon (Anna)
Carpentry Program
Portland Arts and Technology High School, Portland
Brandon Dubie
Agriscience Program
Presque Isle Regional Technology Center, Presque Isle
Mary T Lombardi
Engineering & Architectural Design
Sanford Regional Technical Center, Sanford
Jasmine Dixon
Building Construction
School of Applied Technology, Mexico
Emma Huntley
Early Childhood Education Program
Somerset Career and Technical Center, Skowhegan
Alyssa Drake
Nursing Program
Southern Aroostook County, Houlton
Anthony Pelletier
Allied Health Pathway
St. John Valley Technology Center, Frenchville
Ann Gerardi
Criminal Justice Program
Tri-County Technical Center, Dexter
Mackenzie Stepp
Medical Assisting Program
United Technologies Center, Bangor
Daisy Bradney
Culinary Arts Program
Waldo County Technical Center, Waldo

MEDIA RELEASE: Two Maine Students Named 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars

U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona today announced the 57th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields.

The Maine scholars include (hometown, scholar, school, location):

  • ME – Orrington – Devon Michael Hunter, John Bapst Memorial High School, Veazie, Maine.
  • ME – Springvale – Aislynn K Worden, Sanford High School, Sanford, Maine.

“The 2021 Presidential Scholars represent extraordinary achievements for our extraordinary times,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “I am delighted to join President Biden in saluting these outstanding young people for their achievements, service, character and continued pursuit of excellence. Their examples make me proud and hopeful about the future. Honoring them can remind us all of the great potential in each new generation and renew our commitment to helping them achieve their dreams.”

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 6,000 candidates qualified for the 2021 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by Chief State School Officers, other partner recognition organizations and the National YoungArts Foundation’s nationwide YoungArts™ program.

As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 Scholars in the arts and 20 Scholars in career and technical education.

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 7,600 of the nation’s top-performing students. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

The Presidential Scholars Class of 2021 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer.

A complete list of 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars is also available at http://www.ed.gov/psp.

MEDIA RELEASE: All Maine School Nurses Named 2020/2021 School Nurses of the Year

Since 1972, National School Nurses Day has been set aside to celebrate this unique and specialized division of nursing.  This year Governor Janet Mills and the Maine Department of Education join the Maine Association of School Nurses (MASN) to celebrate and honor school nurses on May 12th, recognizing ALL Maine school nurses as the 2020-2021 “School Nurses of the Year.”

“This past year, unlike any other, school nurses in particular across the State of Maine have helped adapt with grace and grit to protect the health of our children,” said Governor Mills in her video message to Maine school nurses.

Traditionally, school nurses have been charged with ensuring students are safe, healthy, and ready to learn. They are responsible for bridging the gap between healthcare and education.  However, since last March, the COVID-19 pandemic has exhausted school district resources and launched school nurses into new and uncharted territory.  It has redefined the role both in school buildings and communities.   

School nurses serve as a critical health hub for students, ensuring that students are ready for learning by managing complex chronic conditions; identifying and addressing mental health issues; leveling the field on health disparities and promoting healthy behaviors; enrolling children in health insurance and connecting families to healthcare providers; handling medical emergencies and now, navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic by testing, tracking and educating students and school personnel. 

In a pandemic, nursing requires a focus on individual patient care, as well as a larger perspective of public health.  Nursing skill, knowledge, intuition, and practice does not stop at the four walls of a school, but must encompass the community at large.  There is a constant awareness of how decisions affect others inside and outside of school. Students’ lives don’t end when the last bell rings and they board the bus home. These same students go to work, volunteer, visit family, and play sports.  School nurses shoulder a responsibility to keep children healthy so that the community remains healthy. 

Generally (in a non-pandemic year) school nurses operate behind the scenes in “stealth mode”, providing care, comfort and pain relief. This year however, school nurses have navigated insurmountable pressure to explain and defend community health measures and promote health and safety for all school community members. This year, school nurses have been working especially hard to facilitate students’ return to in-person learning. This means putting all the recommended mitigation measures in place while supporting teaching staff as they meet educational needs of all students. 

And so, as we approach May 12th, please remember to thank your school nurse with an elbow bump and congratulate them on being named Maine School Nurse of the Year 2021.  

 

Maine Association of School Libraries Announces Annual Awardees

During School Library Month in April, the Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL) announced the recipients of the 2021 Awards. MASL’s annual awards recognize exemplary school library support staff, administrators, and library media specialists.

The 2021 Support Staff Award winner is Annette Thompson of Fort Fairfield Elementary School. Betsy York, MSAD20 School Library Consultant, described Ms. Thompson as a highly dedicated and “integral part of her school community.” 

The 2021 Administrator Award winner is Jay Dufour of Lewiston High School. Lewiston High School Librarian Marissa Deku nominated Mr. Dufour because he gives “200% of his heart to the advancement of his students and to making the school a better place.” 

The 2021 Walter J. Taranko School Librarian Award winner is Jennifer Stanbro of Skillin Elementary School in South Portland. Megan Welter, SPSD Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, credited Ms. Stanbro’s vision and leadership for evolving the South Portland school libraries into “dynamic learning commons where students discover, think, and create.” 

Award winners were announced on April 15th at the virtual closing ceremony of MASL’s Spring Symposium. Each winner has been presented with a commemorative plaque and a $500 donation to their school library from MASL. Marking the 20th anniversary of Walter J. Taranko’s passing, his wife Donna Taranko-Moulton spoke about her late husband’s work advocating for Maine school libraries. Walter’s son Andrew Taranko was also in attendance.

The MASL Awards committee welcomes nominations from teachers, colleagues, and administrators by February 15th of each year. While Support Staff and School Librarian award nominees must be MASL members, non-members are encouraged to nominate their exemplary school library staff.

2021 Awards Committee Chair is Amanda Kozaka, and the 2021 Awards Committee Members are: Amy Denecker (Treasurer), Amy Roberson (PD Chair), Michelle Wyler (At-Large), Nancy Grant (Ex-Officio).

For more information about MASL Awards visit maslibraries.org/award_scholarships.

 

Camden Hills Regional HS Teacher Named a Finalist for 2021 Presidential Award in Mathematics

The Maine Department of Education is pleased to announce the Maine State Selection Committee for the 2021 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Program has selected as the state-level finalist for 7-12th grade, teacher of mathematics Lora Levenseler from Camden Hills Regional High School.

Ms. Levenseler will be honored at state ceremonies as soon as COVID-19 protocols allow.

State-level finalists are forwarded to a national selection committee comprised of mathematics and/or science educators, researchers, district officials, and past awardees who will meet to select the PAEMST awardees at the national level. The teachers chosen to be Presidential Awardees will be notified by the White House, honored at various ceremonies in Washington, D.C., and will receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation.

Join us in congratulating the 2021 PAEMST State Finalist Lora Levenseler and wishing her luck in the national selection process.

Nominations will open in the early fall for the 2022 PAEMST Awards. This round of awards will honor mathematics, science and engineering (including computer science) teachers working in grades K-6. Consider a great teacher you know for nomination this fall or nominate yourself! Learn more about how to Nominate a teacher!

If you have any questions about the PAEMST program feel free to contact:

Michele Mailhot – PAEMST Mathematics State Coordinator (michele.mailhot@maine.gov)  or Shari Templeton – PAEMST Science State Coordinator (shari.templeton@maine.gov)

 

A Letter to America’s Teachers from Secretary Cardona

I never could predict what might happen in Mr. O’Neil’s art classes; I just knew I couldn’t wait for the next assignment.  Back then I didn’t realize all the ways this dynamic educator, a rare man of color leading our diverse classroom of second graders, was serving as a pioneer and role model for me and my peers in John Barry Elementary School.  But I’ll never forget how his teaching made me feel.  As a second grader, I remember looking up — watching him encourage, challenge and guide us – and thinking: “I want to be like him.”

In the years since embracing that calling and starting my career as a classroom teacher, I’ve kept that sense of purpose and wonder.  And my goal in all the administrative roles I’ve held is to facilitate great teaching and learning: to support and expand the transformative impact that skilled, caring classroom teachers have for students, schools, and communities.

Every day America’s teachers change lives, and every day those lives change the world.

Now, this truth can seem to recede as you rush to keep up with the day’s intense pace, and your students’ needs and opportunities.  Yet, from the first bell on the first day of the school year, you build a relationship with each of them.  You learn their strengths and struggles, laugh with them, cry with them, worry over them, cheer for them – and at the end of the school year, help them transition to their next grade level adventure.  You know all those experiences – both the academic and life lessons – have changed both you and them for the better.  You empower them to grow in skill and character — expand their understanding of the world and how to shape it — explore their interests and decide where to make their mark.

Teaching is not a job anyone just falls into.  It is mastery of a craft: in fact, the craft that enables all the others. In my experience, great teachers are also quintessential lifelong learners.  You use your command of learning science, your insights into your students’ unique needs and aptitudes, as well as the lessons of the past, the realities of the present and the inspiration, innovation and ingenuity of the future to help each new generation become leaders for today and tomorrow.  Throughout the year you support your fellow educators, add to your tools through professional development, provide feedback on assignments, sponsor sports, service learning, clubs and other extracurricular activities, collaborate with parents — in addition to everything you pour into your students during class.

Even in this unprecedented year, you rallied, finding new ways to engage with students.  In the face of tragedy, you learned new technologies and built virtual classroom communities, all while caring for yourselves and your own families.  As we heal, recover, and rebuild, this pandemic presents a chance to forge opportunity from crisis and reimagine education on every level.  We will use this time to address inequities in our education system, and your contributions will be invaluable.  The work won’t be easy, but the impact of your success will be profound, for students and communities.  I urge state, local, and elected officials to make sure classroom teachers have a voice in your plans and efforts to reimagine education; second to parents, they know our students best.

I look forward to learning and listening from you in the days ahead.  And, from all of us at the Department of Education: Happy Teacher Appreciation Week. There’s a reason teacher like Mr. O’Neil – and all of you – are memorable.  There’s a reason student in America’s classrooms watch you share your curiosity, energy and passion for ideas and think, “I want to be like them.”

You are embodiments of possibility, champions of your students’ potential and stewards of their success.

Dr. Miguel A. Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Education

MEDIA ADVISORY: Maine DOE to Announce the 2021 Maine County Teachers of the Year in Live Virtual Announcement on May 12 at 2pm 

What: 16 Maine teachers will be announced and honored as part of the Maine Department of Education’s Maine Teacher of the Year Program, which includes annual County Teachers of the Year awards and honors.

Who: 16 Maine teachers, representing each county in Maine; Maine Department of Education Commissioner Pender Makin; Educate Maine Executive Director Jason Judd; State Board of Education Peter Geiger; and 2021 Maine Teacher of the Year Cindy Soule.

Where: The announcement will take place on a virtual platform and be streamed live on the Maine Department of Education’s YouTube Channel at: https://youtu.be/pmqxe5LL6zk. A recording of the video will be available at this link after the announcement.

When: Wednesday, May 12, 2021 from 2:00pm – 3:30pm

Background Information:
As part of the Maine Teacher of the Year Program, hundreds of teachers across Maine are nominated by a member of their school community. Through a rigorous application process, one teacher from each county is selected as the County Teacher of the Year by a panel of teachers, principals, and business community members within the county.

After being named, Maine County Teachers of the Year serve as ambassadors for teachers, students, and quality education state-wide throughout the year. The Maine County Teachers of the Year are available to make presentations to local and regional organizations. Throughout the summer, they will continue to participate in an intensive Maine State Teacher of the Year selection process.

The Maine Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year Program is administered through a collaborative partnership with Educate Maine. To learn more about the Teacher of the Year Program visit: https://www.mainetoy.org/

For more information contact Rachel Paling (Maine DOE) at rachel.paling@maine.gov or Dolly Sullivan (Educate Maine) at dolly@educatemaine.org.

MEDIA RELEASE: Commissioner Makin Thanks Education Workforce for Teacher Appreciation Week

Today Commissioner Makin released a special video acknowledging the courage, selflessness, and dedication, especially over the past year, of educators and school staff across Maine. Her message was created in recognition of  National Teacher Appreciation Week,

“Unlike in many states across the nation, Maine schools opened their doors to students at the beginning of the school year and have continued to provide high quality education through multiple modalities thanks to the hard work, courage, resilience, and creativity of Maine teachers.”  

The Maine Department of Education has been celebrating Maine’s education workforce all week through a number of activities:

  • Gorham High School Senior and Maine’s 2021 Poetry Out Loud State Champion, Emily Paruk released an original poem capturing the magnitude of impact educators have on students
  • Maine DOE staff are sharing shout-outs to Maine educators on our social media pages, Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #Thanks4TeachingME and #TeacherAppreciationWeek.
  • Maine’s 2020 County Teachers of the Year have shared an important message welcoming pre-service educators to their team!

Check it out on our Teacher Appreciation Week Website for ideas to celebrate all school staff this week and find discounts and deals from companies who offer educator discounts during Teacher Appreciation Week and some who provide discounts year-round.