Old Town High School

OTHS Social Studies teacher, Michael May, recently had the opportunity to participate in the Penobscot Nation Summer Intensive. This two-day learning experience included teachers from all across Maine. It featured educational and adventure opportunities such as a canoe journey down the Penobscot River, swimming, camping, and hiking on Sugar Island. Educational opportunities were provided by members of the Wabanaki Alliance and covered a wide range of topics. Teachers learned about Wabanaki music, naturalism, history, and current issues facing Native Americans. The overall focus of the Penobscot Nation Summer Intensive was to aid teachers in better incorporating Wabanaki studies in their classrooms. Michael left this training with a renewed focus on teaching the history of the Wabanaki people and strategies to use in his classroom.

The opening pitch for our "Where Are They Now?" series this summer belongs to Kendra Hayward. Kendra is a member of the Class of 2013; she graduated with highest honors and was a captain and pitcher for our 2012 state championship softball team. This was the first in school history. During that historic playoff run, she allowed our opponents only 3 runs over 28 innings, while striking out 38 batters, including 15 Fryeburg Academy batters in the state final. Kendra speaks highly of her OTHS teachers who inspired her love of science and the coaches who taught the value of teamwork. She adds her education at OTHS helped prepare her for her acceptance to Husson University, where she graduated in 2020 with a Doctorate in Pharmacy (PharmD). Kendra was inducted into the Old Town High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022. After graduation, Kendra moved to New Hampshire and began a career in cancer clinical research. She worked at Dana Farber Cancer Institute as a Clinical Research Coordinator in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology. Recently, she transitioned to a new role at Dartmouth College, where she works with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to study high levels of kidney cancer in southern New Hampshire. Since leaving the area, Kendra says she has grown even fonder of the Old Town community and looks forward to visiting as often as possible. Kendra adds that she is thankful for the opportunities she had at OTHS and remains excited to see Old Town continue to educate and inspire future generations of students. Congratulations Kendra! We are Proud of You!

Class of 2028.... Be on the lookout, your schedule for the 2024-2025 school year is in the mail!

On Saturday, JROTC Cadets were back at it - visiting the "Wings and Wheels" show at Dewitt Field in Old Town to help VFW Post 3381 with their shoe sale fundraiser. Go Coyotes!

Rhiannon Bousquet returned home from "Dirigo State" on Friday. She spent the week at Colby College joining representatives from other high schools all over the state of Maine learning how state government operates. What is "Dirigo State," you ask? The American Legion, Department of Maine Dirigo State is a comprehensive, experiential learning, youth leadership program. It is designed after the Maine State government, where all students come together to create their own town, county, and state governing bodies. Students learn by being immersed in this realistic simulation of Maine State government. Shout out to Orono-Old Town Kiwanis Club for sponsoring Rhi! She had a great time and has already signed up to return next year to work at the event! Go Coyotes.

JCLC wrapped up this morning. Thursday evening Brigadier General (Promotable) Diane Dunn visited the cadets. General Dunn is The Adjutant General (TAG) for the State of Maine. The TAG is the Governor’s senior military advisor responsible for both the Army and Air National Guard. As a life long Mainer and UMaine ROTC grad, General Dunn shared experiences and advice in a round table format. She also recognized one student from each school for their leadership potential. The OTHS instructors selected Killian Pottle to represent the Coyotes for his demonstrated growth and developing leadership skills. General Dunn also joined the instructor’s volleyball team as they successfully defended their JCLC Championship title against the cadet’s top team from the week’s tournament. Other cadets attending JCLC were Anna Parsons, Austin Beal, Buddy Thurston, Cooper Neely, Kevin Murray, Miles Felcman, and Zach Wilson. Go Coyotes.

Today was JCLC Day 4- our JROTC Cadets battled another hot day today. Taking advantage of the “cooler” morning they sharpened their marksmanship skills and were introduced to basic land navigation techniques. They also received instruction in boating skills and safety. With the high heat index, they spent the afternoon in the water. Go Coyotes.

Day 3 for JROTC at JCLC- cadets got up at 5 AM to beat the heat and conquer Tunk Mountain. After the hike they enjoyed a well deserved ice cream at Jordan’s in Ellsworth then cooled off in Little Fitts Pond. Go Coyotes.

Tuesday was Day 2 at JCLC. Cadets negotiated the high ropes course and climbing wall and were treated to a refreshing swim. Go Coyotes.

On Monday, Cadets from OTHS joined Nokomis, Bangor, Hermon, and Brewer JROTC programs at Camp Roosevelt for the annual JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC). Cadets will spend the week physically and mentally challenging themselves while building leadership skills and making new friends. Go Coyotes.

Last Friday morning, eight students from our National Honor Society volunteered to help out with Special Olympics at the University of Maine. Go Coyotes.

Our Seniors are enjoying breakfast this morning! Thanks So Much to Old Town Fire and Rescue as well as Old Town PD! This Friday morning Graduation day breakfast has become "a tradition like no other!" Go Coyotes.

The hottest ticket in town tonight. Our Class of 2024 Graduation exercises begin at 7:30pm. If you cannot secure a ticket at this point, here is your link to view online: https://youtube.com/live/yPg8FFzLwGk?feature=share Go Coyotes.

Tonight is the Class of 2024 "Scholarship and Awards Night." This is a non-ticketed event. Here is the link to watch online: https://youtube.com/live/JrXvQShBhEs?feature=share Go Coyotes!

The OT Jazz Band rocked Minsky Recital Hall at U-Maine last night for the final concert of the year. Go Coyotes!

On Thursday, Cadets from OTHS JROTC worked with the Old Town VFW Post #3381 to place American flags on Veterans’ graves at two local cemeteries. This is the second year we have done this and it’s rewarding to see our Cadets taking an interest in honoring the veterans of our community. The next time you pass a local cemetery, it’s worth a glance to notice just how many members of our town have served in the armed forces. The shear volume of flags tells a proud story! As you go through your day, please take a moment to remember the fallen soldiers who are no longer with us.

On Thursday night, the Maine Music Educators Association held their annual awards banquet. Old Town High School's very own Jeff Priest was inducted into their Music Hall of Fame for his years of dedication to thousands of young musicians. It all started back in the fall of 1989, when OT hired the Sangerville native to take over the music program. The rest is history, as Jeff went on to create a dynasty of musical excellence that has spanned more than three decades and put OTHS on the map with a music program that is recognized statewide and beyond. Jeff's impact reaches far beyond the walls of OTHS, through the student teachers and others who have benefitted from his expertise and gone on to become outstanding Music Educators. Congratulations Jeff, for an honor that is well deserved. We are proud and grateful for all that you have done for our students and for our school.

Because he won't post it, the Assistants will take over - Happy National School Principal Day to our leader, the one who puts students first no matter what! Hope Principal Gordon enjoyed his day of celebration!

This Saturday, April 27th, Hirundo is offering a free "Meet a Scientist" event to celebrate Earth Day! This will be at Binette Park in Old Town from 10 AM - 1 PM. Join Hirundo Wildlife Refuge in celebrating Earth Day at Binette Park in Old Town! Meet scientists from around Maine, who will showcase some of the equipment they use and what projects they are working on right now! Peer through lenses and activate your brain by asking questions and discovering more about the world around you. Tables will be stationed around the park featuring topics ranging from golden eagles and bird banding, to DNA extraction, to archaeology! Meet A Scientist will be your one-stop shop to learn about all the local science being conducted. Learn the basics of what scientists do and how you can become a citizen scientist! This celebration of learning will be fun for everyone, so bring the whole family or come on your own. Pick up a stamp card at the Hirundo table, visit at least 7 tables, and get a free nature-themed poster of your choice (first come first serve)! Directions ~ Binette Park 434 Main Street, Old Town, ME 04468 (44.937288, -68.647140) Located on Main Street in Old Town, along the Penobscot River, between Pepper's Landing and The Rock Church.

Congratulations to Vasia Markides, OTHS "Staff of the Month" for the month of March! Vasia is passionate about what she teaches and does her best to make sure students feel the same by being an amazing teacher. Vasia is an Old Town High School graduate, class of 1997. She also does a tremendous job of displaying student work in our halls! Thank You Vasia for all that you do for our school and for our students! Go Coyotes.