A once-plain hallway at Waterboro Elementary School has been transformed into a vibrant mural, thanks to the creativity and teamwork of LearningWorks students. What began as a request from school administration to “add some color” quickly evolved into a full-scale art project that reflects the spirit of the entire school community.

From the start, students approached the project with purpose. After learning about the power of public art and its ability to communicate without words, they understood their mural needed to speak to everyone, no matter their age or language. A visit to the mural’s future site—a hallway connecting the gym and cafeteria—sparked the realization that this space was the perfect place to celebrate everything that makes Waterboro Elementary School special.

Students decided on a theme of community, highlighting art, music, reading, healthy food, friendship, and the school’s core values. Drawing inspiration from artists like Keith Haring and Romare Britto, they blended ideas and styles to make sure every student’s voice was reflected. When it came time to present their plan to school leaders, they created visuals, practiced their roles, and walked in with confidence—and a few nerves.

The administration was impressed by their preparation and passion, offering full support for the project.

Painting the mural was a journey filled with memorable moments: spilled paint, sock prints, ladder adventures, and plenty of laughter. While there were challenges—like balancing individual ideas and learning how to compromise—the students grew as artists, teammates, and leaders.

Now, the mural stands as a lasting symbol of student voice, creativity, and connection. Staff, students, and families have praised the work, and the hallway has become a place where kids pause to admire, or even pose with, the art.

Although the paint has dried, the inspiration has not. These young artists are already dreaming about what wall they might paint next.

This story was written in collaboration with Waterboro Elementary School. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

In a stirring display of patriotism, tradition, and student leadership, the cadets of Sacopee Valley High School’s Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program proudly led a moving “Two Lights” ceremony and historical reenactment to honor the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Held on April 17, 2025, the event captivated an audience of approximately 550 students, educators, and community members, transforming the school grounds into a living tribute to a pivotal moment in American history.

At the heart of the ceremony was a reenactment of Paul Revere’s legendary midnight ride. In a scene that transported the crowd back to April of 1775, one of Sacopee Valley’s own teachers rode on horseback, passionately portraying Revere’s urgent mission to warn the colonists of the advancing British forces. The moment was brought to life by the dedication and planning of the JROTC cadets, whose attention to historical detail—from colonial costumes to lantern displays—created an unforgettable experience.

The ceremony was part of the “Two Lights for Tomorrow” curriculum, a nationwide initiative developed by America250 to mark this significant anniversary and inspire a deeper understanding of America’s fight for independence. The students honored tradition by reading Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s iconic poem, “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere,” infusing the event with a sense of reverence and historical significance.

The primary architect behind the event’s success was Major Dan Bartlett, U.S. Army (ret.), senior JROTC instructor at Sacopee Valley High School. His leadership and dedication, alongside the tireless efforts of the cadets, ensured the ceremony not only educated but also profoundly moved all who attended.

“This was more than a reenactment; it was a community celebration of our shared history,” Major Bartlett said. “Our cadets worked hard to make this an immersive and meaningful event, and they did it with pride and precision.”

The powerful gathering at Sacopee Valley High School served as a vibrant reminder that the echoes of Paul Revere’s ride still resonate today, reminding new generations of the courage, urgency, and unity that helped shape a nation.

“We all had a wonderful time planning and executing this event. It was awesome to have the opportunity to perform this in front of our middle school and high school. I was told by many children there that it was a really cool event, and they were glad they got to come—especially because of the real horse that we had for Paul Revere to ride,” Cadet Gage Wilson said.

Information for this story was provided by Sacopee Valley High School. To submit a good news story to the Maine Department of Education, please fill out the good news submission form. 

Photo courtesy of Edmunds Consolidated School, one of the four Life Happens Outside® Challenge-winning schools

To promote mental health awareness and build lifelong habits of outdoor time, Teens to Trails hosted its second-ever Spring Life Happens Outside® Challenge for Maine middle and elementary schools (grades 5-8). The Challenge ran from May 9-16, 2025, and encouraged students, staff members, and teachers from across the state to get outside, as research shows that spending time outdoors significantly benefits both mental and physical health.

This year’s Challenge was a tremendous success, with 30 schools from 12 counties and one Maine Indian Education school participating and collectively recording nearly 5 million minutes of outdoor time. That equals more than 82,000 hours–or nearly 9.5 years spent outside in just one week!

During the Challenge, 6,454 students enjoyed outdoor classes, playing sports, spending time with friends and pets, riding bikes, and simply taking moments of quiet in nature. Here’s what some students shared about their experiences:

“I like outside.” – 6th grader, Saco Middle School

“Stepping away from screens and routines gives my brain a reset.” – 8th grader, Marshwood Middle School

“I now know that even short moments outdoors make a big difference in how I handle stress and stay focused.” – 8th grader, Boothbay Region Elementary School

“Spending time outside made me more happy and focused.” – 8th grader, Messalonskee Middle School

Thanks to the generous support of lead sponsor Unum and legacy sponsor First National Bank, the four schools with the most outdoor minutes per student were awarded $1,000 each to invest in future outdoor programming.

The winning schools are:

• Sipayik Elementary School, Pleasant Point
• Washburn District Elementary School, Washburn
• Edmunds Consolidated School, Dennysville
• The Ecology Learning Center Bridge Program, Unity–recognized by Teens to Trails as a Trailblazer in Alternative Education for logging more than 4,000 minutes of outdoor time per student during Challenge week!

“We’re incredibly proud of these schools and all the students who participated,” Alicia Heyburn, Executive Director of Teens to Trails, said. “The stories we heard about feeling refreshed, happier, and more relaxed confirm what research tells us: Time outdoors is essential to mental and physical wellbeing. We hope these students continue to embrace the outdoors long after the Challenge.”

Teens to Trails would like to extend a special thanks to everyone who made this event possible and who helped foster a culture of outdoor time in schools across Maine.

To learn more about the Challenge or winning schools in your area, please reach out to Connor Huggins, Teens to Trails Outreach and Communications Manager, at connor@teenstotrails.org.

The original Maine DOE Newsroom article for the Challenge can be found here.