Individual(s) being recognized

Recognition

Jessup Henderson & Amanda Marquis

Each year the school Holiday Concert is a special event. This year, Amanda and Jessup really created a wonderful experience for our students. From the music selection to the student speakers, the concert was amazing!

Heidi Gifford

Heidi is the definition of going above and beyond! She works so hard at both of her jobs, as a secretary and her other job as an after school daycare provider. She always plans fun activities for the children and loves to create positive experiences for all the students she sees. She is wonderful at both of her jobs and truly goes above and beyond each and every day!

Mackenzie Beaton

Mrs. Beaton is a wonderful teacher! She is very dedicated to her job and truly goes above and beyond. She teaches her students about kindness and always has a smile on her face. She is great about communicating with parents and always has the students' best interest at heart. She takes the time to check in with students and makes sure their needs are being met. She always adds fun projects to the day and is very upbeat and positive!

Christina Lannan & Jennifer Goodwin

The Bright Lights effort at OTES was outstanding this year and the community enjoyed the holiday spirit!

Brianna Trimm

Brianna works endlessly when it comes to her school work, sports and home life. Works hard with all semesters with a placement on the honor roll. She is a used in every stunt group on the cheering squad as her willingness to be powerful is needed. Outside of school she spends weekends not only doing cheering competitions on Saturdays now, but Sundays include catching for two catchers on different travel teams, ones of which she isn't a part of but steps up to make sure she is being supportive to her friends and former teammates. She also travels to Waterville area for practice with her travel softball team for the upcoming season. Her ability to continuously show support and be a leading example of a hard worker, I think this is enough to say she deserves this award!

Sandy Daniel

Sandy is amazing. Sandy always goes above and beyond to help her colleagues. She works hard everyday to provide incredible support for staff and students. She always enters the classroom with a smile and encouragement. She is wise and a voice of reason. I can't thank her enough for all she has does for us and our students.

Rachel Beckwith

Rachel earned her doctorate through the University of Northern Colorado. She is committed to learning and constant improvement of her practice, pushing students toward high levels of thinking and achieving.

Ciera Colvin and Doretta Callahan

These teachers have brought our Student Council to a new level, with events and community service and connections throughout the year.

Melissa Zabierek and Maija Overturf

These two UA teachers have brought back and are building up our Robotics program at LMS.

Jantha Henry, River Marie

Our library/media specialists have breathed life into our library. It is a place where students are welcomed, to engage in a wide variety of activities and academic pursuits.

Nicki Daigle

Nicki has taken a leadership role in supporting and acknowledging students. She has sought learning and support to help create a system of supports for all students.

Jacob Young

Jacob is a second grade student at OTES. He is a shining example of tenacity! In class, Jacob is a hardworking student with a high interest in everything STEAM! Jacob is also a champion for the Earth. He doesn't hesitate to let others know what they could do and should do to help the Earth. Jacob has first hand experience speaking up for people as well. Last Summer, he attended the AFFM & Kinship Care Conference in Washington DC with his Grandmother, Bette who is also the Manager of the Central and Northern Maine branch of Kinship Care. At this conference, Jacob read a poem and presented a poster that he made. He did this in front of a very large crowd of people! Even though Jacob was very nervous about standing and speaking in front of all of these strangers, he still took a moment to let them know that their river was too polluted and they needed to clean it up! I am proud to nominate Jacob Young for this Spotlight Award

Michelle Reesman

Michelle continues to find ways to positive impact our school. She has recently organized a Parents' Night Out experience for our students on a Saturday! The money raised with go towards our Inclusive Learning Playground Space. As a staff member and a parent, Michelle continues to bring such great ideas and experiences to our school.

Jay Baines

Jay Baines is the new Old Town High School Pep Band director, and he has done an outstanding job! He’s on top of everything and always wants the best for everybody in the band. Without him, none of it would be possible.

David May & Justin York -- IT Department

David and Justin are daily difference makers in RSU 34! They are friendly, positive, patient, and responsive. It seems as if they have anticipated and planned for issues they know could arise, helping prevent so many unecessary hiccups. When there is an issue, they are responsive and quick. I can't think of a time when I have had to check on the status of an IT issue or ask a second time for anything. On top of that, all interactions I have had with them are friendly and positive. Even when my questions are due to lack of technology knowledge or are not urgent, they are patient and understanding. I am not able to put into words what a difference this makes in the daily function of our district, schools, and classrooms! Much of their work happens behind the scenes, but the smooth operation of technology day-to-day, is certainly because of their hard work! Interacting with them makes my job easier and more fun! I'm so thankful to have them both!

Jess Gilbert

Organizing a STEM night for the elementary Schools.

Candy Ouellette

Candy has been amazing with challenging students and maintains unconditional positive regard for the students that she works with, even in very tough situations. Very grateful to have her with these students!

Michael May

Michael May is a social studies teacher at Old Town High School who deserves the biggest shout out. He leads his classes with questions, never judgment. He encourages, in subtle ways, that those around him consider the other “side” of any issue. Michael teaches every person who enters his sphere to be better and to do better, through both his teaching and his actions. He is, as described by a former student, “someone who values the thoughts, ideas, and feelings of everyone regardless of hierarchy or personal experience.” Michael is the kind of teacher, leader, and person the world needs more of.

Heidi Gifford

Mrs. Gifford goes above and beyond our staff, students, and their families. She is a huge part of what makes Viola Rand special.

Jenn Vafiades

Jenn has been working tirelessly with the students on new gardens after maintenance removed all the trees and shrubs. Lots of vegetable plants have been planted.

Dakota Wright and Eric Dewley

Dakota and Eric have breathed new life into the theatre program at OTHS. They foster creativity among cast and crew in every production. Most notably, this year they facilitated a student written one-act play for competition. Bravo!