Maine Adult Education Educator Julie Berube Honored with National Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy Grant

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is proud to recognize Julie Berube, Coordinator of the First Teachers Family Literacy Program at Biddeford Adult Education, as a recipient of a $10,000 national grant from the newly established Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy, an initiative of the George and Barbara Bush Foundation.

Berube’s program was selected as one of only three grant recipients nationwide in the Fund’s inaugural year, alongside organizations in Washington, D.C., and Florida. Announced in November 2025, the Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy builds on First Lady Barbara Bush’s decades-long commitment to literacy by supporting proven, community-based family literacy programs and elevating effective practices across the country.

For Berube, the recognition was both unexpected and deeply meaningful.

“When I initially found out my program was selected for the $10,000 grant, I was shocked,” Berube shared. “Pam Cote, Senior Director for the Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy, called me one evening in October. I was working late and happened to be the one answering the phone. I truly thought she had been gathering information for a national directory.”

Berube noted that after nearly six months of conversations with the Foundation, she never imagined her program would be among the first funded.

“I am profoundly grateful and humbled to be among the first recipients recognized by the newly launched George and Barbara Bush Foundation. After 26 years coordinating the First Teachers Family Literacy Program, this recognition serves as a powerful affirmation of my enduring commitment to family literacy.”

Berube’s connection to Barbara Bush’s literacy legacy runs deep. Berube joined Biddeford Adult Education in 1999 as a Child Care Coordinator and was soon encouraged by then-Director Anita Kramer to step into the role of Family Literacy Coordinator.

“I was hesitant at first—it was a big endeavor,” Berube recalled. “But Anita believed in me, and that made all the difference.”

With Kramer’s support, Biddeford Adult Education applied for and received a Maine Family Literacy Initiative (MEFLI) grant—funded through the original Barbara Bush Foundation. The program was named First Teachers, reflecting Barbara Bush’s belief that parents are a child’s first and best teachers.

Biddeford became the only program in Maine at the time to receive two consecutive MEFLI grants, and Berube noted that Barbara Bush herself had a strong personal connection to the region, spending summers in nearby Kennebunkport.

When MEFLI funding ended, Berube was determined to keep the program alive.

“I ran a penny auction fundraiser for four years to keep First Teachers going,” she said. “I wrote letters to local businesses six months in advance, and we were fortunate to have interns from the University of New England. It took a lot of time and energy, but I wasn’t willing to let the program end.”

In 2009, family literacy funding was formalized and became a permanent part of the local school budget—a testament to the program’s impact, longevity, and strong outcomes.

“Receiving funding now from the George and Barbara Bush Foundation feels like a full-circle moment,” Berube shared. “I started this program with a Barbara Bush Foundation grant, and more than two decades later, I’ve received a grant from the newly launched Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy.”

The First Teachers Family Literacy Program empowers parents and caregivers to build their own literacy skills while learning alongside their children. By engaging families together, the program strengthens early literacy, builds confidence, and helps break cycles of low literacy across generations.

Families in Berube’s Creative Play Class are participating in an Intergenerational Literacy Activity (ILA).

David Durkee, Program Director at Biddeford Adult Education, emphasized the program’s importance within the broader adult education mission.

“Julie has strengthened our adult education program by engaging parents and children together, building foundational reading and language skills, and fostering lifelong learning,” Durkee said. “Her work benefits individual families and the broader community.”

Durkee described Biddeford Adult Education as a leader in accessible, high-quality adult education, offering flexible programming, workforce development, and strong community partnerships.

“Julie has expanded family literacy significantly through partnerships with organizations like Head Start and continually offers new learning opportunities for students and families,” Durkee added.

The new grant will allow Biddeford Adult Education to further its family literacy efforts.

“This funding will enable us to expand parent-child literacy events, increase early childhood reading activities, offer more parent education workshops, and strengthen partnerships,” Durkee said. “These funds will broaden the program’s reach and provide more families with the resources they need to build strong literacy foundations.”

The Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy aims not only to provide funding but also to serve as a national thought leader, amplifying effective programs that address one of the country’s most pressing educational challenges. By awarding this grant, the George and Barbara Bush Foundation is honoring Berube’s decades of dedication, while investing in a vision that spans generations.

The Maine DOE congratulates Julie Berube and Biddeford Adult Education on this well-deserved national recognition and applauds their leadership in adult education and family literacy in Maine.

This story was a collaboration between the Maine DOE and Biddeford Adult Education Program. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

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.

Saco Celebrates Groundbreaking for New Pre-K–Grade 5 School Campus After 20-Year Wait

Pictured: Saco School Department’s New Elementary School Assistant Principal (Grades 1-5) Tom Partridge, Fairfield School student Caroline Libby, Fairfield School student Maris Posey, Young School student Nathan Smith, Young School student Olivea Desmarais, New Elementary School Principal (Grades 1-5) April Noble, Young School student Anna Broaddus, Fairfield School student Alex Hadiaris, New Primary School Principal (PreK-K) Wendy LeBlanc, Young School student Cameron Blunt, Fairfield School student Nathan Kupresanin, New Primary School Assistant Principal (pre-K–kindergarten) J’Aime Walker, and New Elementary School Assistant Principal (Grades 1-5) Jeff Mears. Photo Credit: Maureen Grandmaison Photography

The Saco School Department and City of Saco marked a historic milestone on December 4, 2025, as families, city officials, students, educators, and construction partners gathered for the official groundbreaking of the district’s transformative new pre-K–grade 5 school campus, representing the long-awaited transformation of the district’s elementary learning environments.

Following more than two decades of planning, the community-backed bond and state funding—covering approximately 72% of the total $140 million project—have paved the way for this exciting initiative to move from vision to reality. The campus will consist of two new elementary schools on a shared site to serve all pre-K through grade 5 students in a unified and equitable setting.

“This project has been years in the making, and today’s groundbreaking represents far more than bricks and mortar; it’s about creating opportunity, equity, and excellence for every child in Saco,” Jeremy Ray, Saco Superintendent of Schools, said. “Our students will learn in spaces designed to spark curiosity, collaboration, and creativity. They will thrive together in facilities built for their success.”

The new campus will feature two climate-controlled buildings: a primary building for pre-K through kindergarten students and an elementary building for grades 1-5 students—with flexible classroom spaces to adapt to evolving teaching methods, enhanced safety and security systems, a dedicated unified arts wing, and expanded outdoor learning opportunities, ensuring that every elementary student has access to the same high-quality facilities. The two buildings being located on one campus will allow the district’s youngest learners to have fewer transitions, providing for more stability—and educators will have access to the resources and environment necessary to inspire students.

Saco School Department’s Chief of Operations Chris Indorf, Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray, Assistant Superintendent Margaret Parkhurst, New Elementary School Principal (Grades 1-5) April Noble, and New Primary School Principal (pre-K–kindergarten) Wendy LeBlanc Photo Credit: Maureen Grandmaison Photography

Maine Department of Education Deputy Commissioner Megan Welter, State Architect Scott Brown, Saco Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray, Maine State Board of Education Chair Paulette Bonneau, Maine State Board of Education Member Ed Morin, and Assistant Superintendent Margaret Parkhurst Photo Credit: Maureen Grandmaison Photography

Saco School Department Assistant Superintendent Meg Parkhurst, City of Saco’s City Council member Jeffrey Onnen, Council Member Douglas Edwards, Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray, City of Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail, Council Member Joshua D. Parks, Council Member Nathan D. Johnston, and Council Member Tricia Huot Photo Credit: Maureen Grandmaison Photography

A project of this scale requires strong leadership. At the December 4 event, Superintendent Ray highlighted the administrators who will lead the new schools forward. The new grades 1-5 Saco Elementary School will be led by current C.K. Burns School Principal April Noble, supported by Assistant Principals Jeff Mears and Tom Partridge. The new pre-K through Kindergarten Saco Primary School will be led by current Fairfield School Principal Wendy LeBlanc, supported by Assistant Principal J’Aime Walker. These individuals provide strong instructional leadership, a collaborative spirit, and a dedication to student success that will help define the culture and identity of the schools. By naming these leaders early, the administration can engage deeply in the design and preparation of the buildings, help shape the educational programs, collaborate with staff, and begin establishing a vision for each school.

City of Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail added, “This major investment reflects the values of Saco’s families in our shared future when they supported the bond and the state’s strong commitment when it covered more than $100 million of the cost. For 20 years, Saco has waited for this opportunity—and together, we are building a brighter future for every student who calls this city home.”

Assistant Superintendent Meg Parkhurst thanked the community for their support, the students and staff for providing feedback on the design, and the project architect for their work. Rob Tillotson, president and owner of Oak Point Associates, also spoke, sharing insight into the design process and expressing excitement about the project’s positive impact on the community and its students.

“As we build these schools for the future, we are also entering a transformative new era for the Saco School Department,” added Ray. “The construction of this pre-K–grade 5 campus will consolidate our current elementary schools—Young, Fairfield, C.K. Burns, and our dedicated pre-K program—into one unified system. We honor the proud history of these schools, and we recognize the deep memories they hold for generations of families. But we also know that what we are creating here today will offer even greater opportunities, designed for the way students learn now and the way they will learn tomorrow.”

Following the ceremony, attendees gathered at Saco Public Works for light refreshments and a community conversation about the construction timeline, projected opening dates, and the long-term vision for the campus. Construction is expected to be completed by Fall 2028, at which time a community-wide open house will be scheduled.

This story was submitted by Saco School Department. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

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/.

From Maine to the Main Stage: Maine FFA Members Receive National Recognition in Indianapolis

Pictured from left to right: Maine State FFA Officers Jillian McLaughlin (L)and Callie Cullins (R) , with Poland FFA Members Sierra Hemond, Lea Marchesseault, Lachlan Newell, and Nolan Davis.

In October, the Maine FFA was proudly represented by five amazing chapters at the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo, held in Indianapolis, Indiana. The National FFA Convention brings in thousands of FFA members from across the country, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While at the convention, members and advisors have an opportunity to attend outstanding workshops facilitated by national staff, visit the ever-growing career expo, and network with agribusiness professionals from all industry sectors.

Members of the Mars Hill FFA Chapter celebrate Ryder Brewer (Center), recipient of the American Degree.

Maine State FFA Officers (from left to right) Hannah Shaw, Jillian McLaughlin, Callie Cullins, and Lane Carmichael attend the National FFA Convention rodeo.

Maine State Officers participate in the National Day of Service in Indianapolis.

At the National FFA Convention, a select group of members also participates in the National FFA Career Development Events (CDEs) and Leadership Development Events (LDEs). To participate, students must win their respective competitions at the state level. This year, following months of hard work and dedication, Maine was proudly represented in seven different CDEs and LDEs by members of various chapters:

Peyton Hallet of the Easton FFA Chapter competed in the National FFA Creed Speaking LDE. This event challenges first-year members to memorize and recite the five paragraphs of the FFA Creed, as well as to answer questions from a panel of judges about their interpretation of the piece. Hallet received a bronze placement in this year’s national competition.
Members of the Caribou FFA Chapter traveled to Indianapolis to represent Maine in both the National FFA Nursery and Landscape CDE and Farm Business Management LDE. Both teams, supported by advisor Scott Moir, worked diligently to prepare over the summer months. The Nursery and Landscape CDE challenges team members to correctly identify plants, aid in plant propagation, and correctly estimate mock landscaping inquiries by customers. The Farm Business Management LDE challenges students by simulating a real management scenario for an agricultural business. Competitors learn how to properly manage a company, read business reports, and establish consumer relations. Desirae Oullette, Simon Disy, Tait Margeson, and Ian Russel received bronze recognition as a team in the national Nursery and Landscape CDE. George Solomon, Lexus Botting, Megan Martin, and Kayden Guerrette received bronze placement in the national Farm Business Management LDE. Individually, Solomon placed silver.
Julia Deitrick of the Lincoln Academy FFA Chapter proudly represented Maine in the National FFA Prepared Public Speaking LDE. This LDE required competitors to write and memorize a speech about an agricultural topic of their choice. For this year’s competition, Deitrick wrote and delivered her speech about farm income instability on the coast of Maine. Deitrick received bronze placement at the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo.
Members of the newly established Poland FFA Chapter made the journey to Indianapolis to compete in the National FFA Livestock Evaluation CDE. This event tasks teams with evaluating a variety of different livestock breeds and ranking them accordingly, from most desirable to least desirable. Team members must be knowledgeable about livestock anatomy and able to easily identify desirable traits amongst breeds. Members of Poland’s team included Sierra Hemond, Lachlan Newell, Lea Marchessault, and Nolan Davis. Newell, Marchessault, and Davis placed bronze individually, and Hemond placed silver.
Students from the Tri-County Technical Center FFA Chapter competed in this year’s National FFA Environment and Natural Resources CDE. This CDE fosters student engagement with natural resource concepts and helps students understand how agriculture and the Earth’s environment intersect. Members of the Tri-County team included Burleigh Rowe, Lily Geary, Christopher McGuinness, and Autumn Picard. Rowe and McGuinness earned bronze individually, and Picard and Geary placed silver.
The final member who represented Maine at the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo was Maine FFA state officer Jillian McLaughlin from the Lincoln Academy FFA Chapter. This year, McLaughlin competed in the National FFA Employability Skills LDE, having won first place in the state preliminary competition back in May of 2025. This event requires competitors to create a job for which they currently feel qualified and complete all necessary paperwork for applying to the position. After completing the paperwork—including a job description, resume, and cover letter—the competitors undergo an initial virtual interview prior to arriving in Indianapolis. Once the convention begins, competitors participate in a single face-to-face interview with a panel of judges. The group of 50 students is then cut down to the top 12 for the semifinal round. For the first time in Maine FFA history, McLaughlin represented Maine not only as a top 12 semifinalist but as a top eight finalist. McLaughlin received gold placement in the national competition, finishing seventh in the nation.

The Maine FFA is proud of all members who challenged themselves by competing at the national level. Each one of them demonstrated hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn as they carried the state to incredible recognition. Congratulations to all individuals and teams!

This article was written by Jillian McLaughlin, Maine FFA State Reporter. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

Lewiston Public Schools Expands Access to Music for All Students Through Title IV, Part A Funding

Lewiston Public Schools (LPS) is striking a new chord in terms of student engagement and equity. Through a strategic Title IV, Part A investment, the district has transformed its instrumental music program, ensuring that every student—regardless of financial circumstances—has access to the joy and opportunity of music education.

Title IV, Part A of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides funding through the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program to help schools boost student success by expanding access to quality educational tools, enriching learning experiences, and supportive conditions—especially for vulnerable learners.

LPS has long recognized the power of music to inspire, connect, and engage students. Music education offers more than just technical skill; it provides a creative outlet for self-expression, supports emotional well-being, and fosters a sense of community through collaboration and shared performance. These benefits have made music a key part of Lewiston’s broader effort to foster student engagement and belonging across all grade levels.

For many years, however, access to instruments stood in the way. Even as interest in band and orchestra grew among students, limited resources for purchasing, repairing, and maintaining instruments meant that many students simply couldn’t participate. The COVID-19 pandemic further strained participation, creating inequities that risked shrinking music programs across the district.

To meet this challenge, LPS launched a districtwide initiative, supported with federal Title IV, Part A funding administered through the Maine Department of Education (DOE), to expand and enhance instrumental music opportunities. The $131,000 investment provided new instruments and supplies, effectively eliminating waitlists and making it possible for every interested student to participate. The result has been a dramatic and joyful increase in participation.

Zach Lampron, LPS elementary band program director, shared the impact: “I always knew that Lewiston students were hungry for music, and at the same time, I understood that access to instruments has become increasingly challenging each passing year. After just one year with the new instruments, our middle school band has grown from fewer than 20 players to just over 50 players! Our elementary band has just over 150 students involved, using every last instrument I’m able to loan out. The elementary strings program has about 300 students signed up this fall! It’s absolutely amazing to see so many of our students, who once thought this activity out of reach, making music this year.”

The numbers tell a powerful story. Band participation has more than doubled—rising from 65 students to 135, while string participation has increased from 90 to 161 students. Parent and family engagement has also grown significantly, with record attendance at concerts and performances, creating a stronger sense of community pride.

Through this initiative, LPS has removed longstanding barriers to participation and opened new pathways for students to discover their talents and build confidence. By investing in equitable access to music, the district is investing in the whole child—supporting creativity, connection, and lifelong learning.

Every student deserves the chance to make music—and in Lewiston, that dream is now a reality.

This story was submitted by Lewiston Public Schools. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

Portland High School Senior Becomes Published Author Through The Telling Room

Portland High School senior Ramona Rowe will head to college next year with an extraordinary achievement already under her belt: She’s a published novelist.

Rowe’s debut novel, Factory Town, was recently published through The Telling Room’s Young Emerging Authors program, a rigorous 15-month writing and publishing experience for Maine students. Her science-fiction story is set in Worcester, Massachusetts—where her family has roots—and follows Jordie, an android whose routine of stealing from the human world for an underground factory is upended by a rogue android with a dangerous new vision for the future. The novel, described as humorous, honest, and filled with clever references, offers a playful yet thoughtful look at humanity through the eyes of its android characters.

A Portland Public Schools student since kindergarten, Rowe said that her education has played a central role in her success as a writer.

“At Reiche Elementary School, King Middle School, and now Portland High School, I’ve had several teachers who encouraged me toward writing over the years,” Rowe said. She also credited the district’s Remote Academy creative writing club for nurturing her early interest and providing a supportive community.

Rowe’s involvement with The Telling Room, a Portland-based literary arts education organization, has been especially impactful.

“The Telling Room’s programs over the past couple of years have given me a chance to get feedback and advice from teachers and peers, as well as being really fun and helpful for inspiration,” Rowe said.

The Telling Room partners closely with Portland Public Schools to support young writers.

“We consider the Portland Public Schools an important partner,” Jude Marx, The Telling Room’s lead teacher for publications, said. “We have done many workshops and programs in the elementary, middle, and high schools, and we collaborate with Portland Public Schools teachers and staff to support students in accessing and thriving in our after-school programs.”

Rowe was one of only four students selected statewide for the 2024-2025 Young Emerging Authors cohort, which also included Casco Bay High School graduate Ruby Van Dyk, now a Stanford University student and newly published poet.

Beyond the publication of Factory Town, Rowe continues to create. She is already working on another science-fiction novel—this one, about parallel dimensions—and one of her short stories will appear in an upcoming The Telling Room climate anthology.

Rowe’s author bio sums up her creative spirit: She loves “bad sci-fi, ridiculous fantasy, and her irritating cats,” and when she’s not writing, she’s drawing supervillains, sketching space aliens, or diving deep into obscure Wikipedia pages.

As she prepares for graduation in June and considers her college choices, Rowe is already well on her way as a young Maine author with a bright literary future.

This story was submitted by Portland Public Schools. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

Medomak Valley High School Student Wins Logo Design Contest for Maine Attendance Campaign

The Maine Engagement and Attendance Center (MEAC), a cross-departmental collaborative within the Maine Department of Education (DOE), is excited to announce the winner of its logo design contest, launched earlier this fall as part of Attendance Awareness Month in September.

This initiative invited schools across the state to host their own logo design contests based on the slogan, “Rooted in Learning, Growing Every Day: Be Pine Tree Present!”, which was established earlier this year through a separate MEAC contest, aimed at garnering excitement and participation in Maine’s attendance efforts. Schools that chose to participate in the logo design contest determined the parameters of the contests within their own school communities. Following the local-level contests, winning logos from participating schools were submitted to the Maine DOE for selection of a state-level winner.

Eleven schools, representing grades K-12 in regions from across the state, participated in the logo design contest. The winning logo was designed by Madison, a senior at Medomak Valley High School. Madison’s design will be used to accompany MEAC resources, as the Maine DOE continues to promote attendance and engagement in Maine’s schools. Congratulations, Madison, and thank you for sharing your talent with us!

Winning logo design created by Medomak Valley High School senior Madison.

The Maine DOE would like to thank all participants and the educators who organized the local-level contests, allowing students to participate in this initiative. “Rooted in Learning, Growing Every Day: Be Pine Tree Present!” has become an integral part of Maine’s attendance celebration, highlighting how educators and staff are supporting their learning communities through increased attendance and engagement. The Maine DOE is hopeful that schools across the state will use these words in their own local contexts when supporting students and families with school attendance.

Coming up, please mark your calendar for December 18 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. for the next MEAC Office Hours. These Office Hours are offered in a year-long series of monthly virtual meetings focused on evidence-based practices positively impacting attendance. These Office Hours take place on the third Thursday of each month. The session on December 18 will focus on Tier 1, the foundational practice of using consistent, growth-focused attendance messaging. Please register here to attend.

MEAC is a cross-office collaborative initiative of the Maine DOE. For further information and with questions, please contact Sarah Nelson, Maine DOE Student Engagement Specialist, at Sarah.Nelson@maine.gov or visit the MEAC webpage.

Cape Elizabeth and Greely High School Students Named 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars

The Maine Department of Education is proud to announce that Sage Evans of Cape Elizabeth High School and Christopher Gilbert of Greely High School have been named 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars—one of the nation’s highest honors for graduating high school seniors. They are among just 161 students selected nationwide from a pool of more than 3.9 million graduating seniors.

Established in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program honors students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, artistic excellence, technical expertise, leadership, and service to their communities. Only two students from each state earn this prestigious distinction each year.

Sage Evans – Cape Elizabeth High School

A graduate of Cape Elizabeth High School (CEHS), Sage Evans was selected as a 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholar for her academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to music and community service. At CEHS, Evans served as captain of the debate ream, sailing team, and ski team, and excelled as a musician—serving as first flute at Maine’s All-State Band Competition and principal flute for both the Portland Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Evans was also a National Merit Finalist, a Coca-Cola Scholar Semifinalist, and a recipient of the John Philip Sousa Band Award. She earned honorable mention in the Bangor Symphony Orchestra’s High School Concerto Competition and placed third in Maine’s C420 Sailing State Championships two years in a row.

In 2021, Evans founded Maine Music Mentors, a student-led mentoring program created to rebuild and strengthen band programs following pandemic-related disruptions. Since its founding, the program has reached 140 students across three school districts.

Evans, now studying Public Policy at Dartmouth College on a pre-law track and competing as a walk-on for the Division I sailing team, credited Cape Elizabeth educator Mr. Matthew Clements as her most influential teacher. Through the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, he will receive a national letter of recognition from the U.S. Secretary of Education.

In her reflection on Mr. Clements’ impact on her, Evans wrote:

“Mr. Clements, through his never-ending thoughtfulness and enthusiasm for the topics we explored in class, showed me what could be achieved through my writing… I learned that my writing was a powerful tool for the advocacy and policy that I was so passionate about. Most importantly, in Mr. Clements’ class, I learned to love learning—something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”

“Sage has always stood out for her rare combination of intellectual curiosity, kindness, and determination,” Cape Elizabeth High School English Teacher Matt Clements said. “She brought a depth of thought to every class and a genuine desire to use her learning in service of others. Watching her grow as a writer and leader was a privilege, and I have no doubt she will continue to make an extraordinary impact.”

Christopher Gilbert – Greely High School

Christopher Gilbert, a graduate of Greely High School and a current undergraduate student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), was selected as a 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholar, earning recognition for his achievements in physics, mathematics, computer science, history, and music.

At just 12 years old, Gilbert wrote the award-winning book Quantum Mechanics for Kids, and he has continued to teach and inspire younger learners through presentations, classroom talks, and student-friendly science videos. He has pursued advanced studies in quantum information science through programs such as the Quantum Computing School for Young Students, the MIT Beaver Works Quantum Software Course, and the Wolfram Summer High School Research Program.

Gilbert’s accomplishments include: first place in Maine for the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Challenge, first place in Maine for the 3M Young Scientists Lab Competition, three-time first-place winner in Maine for National History Day, Rise for the World global finalist, and recipient of the Kotzschmar Memorial Trust Music Scholarship.

A dedicated musician, Gilbert plays piano and pipe organ, sings tenor in the Psalterium Institute Chamber Choir, and composes extensively—including “For Lewiston, Maine,” a piece written to honor the victims of the 2023 Lewiston mass shooting.

Gilbert shared his gratitude for this recognition:

“It is a tremendous honor to be able to call myself a Presidential Scholar and to be among a group of such incredible peers. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities it will afford me and for the recognition of my accomplishments throughout high school,” Gilbert said. “Throughout my whole time at school, I’ve had incredible teachers and counselors who gave me opportunities, support, and flexibility to learn more and pursue my interests. I always knew my teachers were looking out for me.”

Educators reflect on Gilbert’s accomplishments, sharing:

“Christopher embodies the hard-working nature of Maine people and the quality of education offered to Maine students. His greatest accomplishments are still ahead of him,” Greely High School Principal Karl Francis said. “He enjoys challenging himself and others around him. His presence, attitude, and impact on others were felt on a daily basis. We are so proud of him and can’t wait to see where his ambition, kindness, and intelligence will bring him.”
“Christopher didn’t just get selected to be a U.S. Presidential Scholar—he earned it,” School Counselor Johnna Mulligan said. “His willingness to think outside the box and work collaboratively made him an incredible student to support. I am so proud that he is from Maine and proud to have been part of his journey.”

Evans and Gilbert join more than 8,600 students who have been recognized nationally since the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program began. Their achievements highlight the dedication of Maine students, the support of their families, and the commitment of Maine educators who nurture curiosity, creativity, and leadership.

A full list of 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available on the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

Nokomis Regional High School Students Lead Technology Learning Across Maine Through MLTI SLAM Program

This story was written by Nokomis Regional High School student Makennah Jura.

Students like myself from Nokomis Regional High School are using their technology skills for good as a part of the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) SLAM program, a statewide effort sponsored by the Maine Department of Education (DOE). I have had the amazing opportunity of participating in this program for the past three years. Short for Student Leadership Ambassadors of Maine, this program gives students hands-on experience in digital creativity, leadership, and education. Each week, our team takes center stage in producing the SLAM Show, a live broadcast that explores creative digital tools and tech-based learning. Then, once a month, we bring that energy on the road for the SLAM Showcase through events hosted at schools across Maine.

Our advisor, Mr. Kern Kelley, explained it perfectly: “The showcases are a chance for students and teachers to learn new tools together. Everything we use is free and web-based, so anyone can keep using it after we leave.”

Kern Kelley, RSU 19 Technology Integrator and Nokomis High School Educator — *Kern Kelley, RSU 19 Technology Integrator and Nokomis Regional High School Educator*

Mr. Kelley, said the SLAM program began in the 2021-2022 school year during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way for students to connect virtually after school when after-school programs weren’t happening. Now, just a few years later, it has grown into something much larger. According to Mr. Kelley, Nokomis has done more than 60 showcases across Maine, from Fort Kent to Noble. The idea is for students to learn, create, and share.

First-Hand SLAM Experience

At Nokomis Regional High School, we are lucky to be able to help the SLAM program run statewide. Each one of us has a role in something that is bigger than ourselves. We practice each week during the SLAM Show, which helps us to prepare for the SLAM Showcase. Personally, I have helped to set up for live events, present to students, and handle logistics like dinner reservations when our team is on the road. Doing so has taught me organization, communication, and leadership in ways that I didn’t expect.

Annie Nyce interviewing a student from Pemetic Elementary School

I’m not the only one at Nokomis who has learned a lot from the SLAM program:

“Being able to travel around and teach other people about what I know has helped me build communication skills and confidence when presenting,” said member Maddie Ervin.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to grow as a public speaker and teach other kids. You also learn problem-solving, especially when helping younger students with technology,” said host Hallie Coots.
Member Mallory Smith said that what she loves the most about the program is meeting new people and seeing new parts of the state. She said that she has learned the importance of time management and patience, especially when working with students who are just learning to use a laptop for the first time.

During Nokomis’ most-recent showcase at Pemetic Elementary School on Mount Desert Island, I met with Stephanie McGruder, an MLTI ambassador for the Maine DOE, who was teaching Canva to students. She shared: “What fascinates me about SLAM is watching high school students do things most adults can’t even do. You’re creative, genuine, and willing to teach others. It’s incredible to see.”

Why Does This Matter?

Being a part of the SLAM program has shown me that leadership doesn’t just mean being in charge; it means sharing what you know, helping others to learn, and finding your voice. Whether coding virtually or hosting live shows, we’re building skills that will stick with us far beyond high school. As Mr. Kelley explained: “It’s a great chance to travel, learn, and give back to the community while having fun with technology.” I couldn’t agree more.

Hartford Sumner Elementary School Slam Show

Students are interviewed for the SLAM Show that will air on the MLTI YouTube channel.

SLAM Show host Mia interviews MSAD11 students about their favorite parts of the day.

benton-elementary-schools-lynn-hamlin-providing-support-for-students-at-this-years-third-slam-showcase

As technology continues to shape the world around us, the work we are doing through SLAM will become more important. Programs like SLAM show how powerful technology can be when students take the lead in teaching and learning. The experience gives us confidence in teaching these technology tools and innovating with them. As the next generation, we’re not just keeping up with technology; we’re helping to shape how it’s used in the classrooms and communities across Maine and beyond.

This story was submitted by Nokomis Regional High School. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.