Nichole Lee promoted at BHBT

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Nichole Lee

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust has announced the promotion of Nichole Lee to Branch Relationship Manager II. With this promotion comes the added responsibility of managing two branch locations: 245 Camden Street, Rockland and 368 Route 3, South China.

Nichole joined Bar Harbor Bank & Trust in 2013 as a customer service representative. Working from the South China office, Nichole has risen quickly through the ranks acquiring the knowledge and skills to assume her new position as Branch Relationship Manager II. In the community, Nichole serves on the board of the South China Public Library, volunteers at China Middle School through Junior Achievement programs with JMG, and teaches financial education at Erskine Academy, where she is an alumna.

OPINION: China firemen do not endorse town’s plans for new emergency services building

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Respectfully submitted by,
Chief Dick Morse, South China Volunteer Fire Department,
Chief Tim Theriault, China Village Volunteer Fire Department,
Chief Bill Van Wickler, Weeks Mills Volunteer Fire Department.

To the people of the town of China:

First and foremost thank you all for your continued support. At the June 11, 2019, municipal and RSU #18 election, you will be asked on question 2 to vote on whether or not you want the town to spend $25,000 for an engineering and cost study for an emergency services building and a community building.

The way this proposed project has been presented to the town by the town manager and the select board, by presenting drawings at town meeting and by placing this item on the ballot, has given the impression that this project has been well thought through, and by implication, has the backing of the volunteer fire departments.

This could not be further from the truth. We feel it important to make the residents aware that during several discussions with the town manager and the select board and at two public hearings on the subject, China’s three fire departments have stated unequivocally that they neither need nor want such a building and feel that it would be a waste of the $25,000 to contract for the study since there is absolutely no demonstrated need for an emergency services building.

The China Village VFD has no current plans to move from their station, and if they did they would want to move into a building that they own, not a town-owned building. As we have stated many times, China’s Volunteer Fire Departments are all separate and individual, private nonprofit corporations organized under Maine law and we have no plans to make any changes. As demonstrated by their recent words and actions, the town manager and some members of the current select board appear to want to make changes to this system that has been working very well since at least 1947 and have suggested changes that we cannot agree with. The system we have works very well for the town and there is no need to fix something that is not broken.

By presenting this project in this manner, the town manager and the select board give the impression that we need to start down the road to consolidation or to becoming a municipal fire department. Having had discussions on this topic with the volunteers at each station, we assure you that is the last thing that we would recommend for the town at this time. Such a move would not be a positive change, it would negatively affect membership and would be enormously expensive. Please understand and rest assured that should we have a real need for any major change, the VFDs will not hesitate to come to the town and make it very clear what that change is. This is not that time.

Although supported by the town manager and select board, there was a unanimous vote of ought not to pass by the budget committee and recommendations from the three VFDs not to proceed with this at the budget hearing and budget committee meeting.

We urge you to vote no on this question, thereby telling the town manager and select board that they are not listening and have once again overstepped by putting this on the ballot regardless of the facts.

Obituaries for Thursday, June 6, 2019

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JULIETTE M. POTELLE

WINSLOW – Juliette M. (Michaud) Potelle, 87, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2019, at Inland Hospital, in Waterville. She was born November 18, 1931, in Frenchville, the daughter of Wilfred and Delia (Caron) Michaud.

She was employed for 39 years at Keyes Fibre (now Huhtamaki), in Waterville.

Juliette is survived by two daughters, Linda Anderson and husband Charles, of Benton, Judy Libby and wife Carmen Welch, of Skowhegan; son, Jeffrey Potelle and wife Susan, of Rago, Kansas.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Juliette’s memory to an animal shelter of their choice.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

MARRIANNE POTTER

SOMERVILLE – Marrianne (Anne) Potter, 60, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2019. She was born in Somerville on November 12, 1958, the youngest daughter of Forest and Delia (Smith) Peaslee.

Anne, attended Erskine Academy, in South China, where she met the love of her life, Richard. The two just celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary last fall. Anne attended the University of Maine at Augusta, where she majored in childhood education. She loved working with children and in her later years, she spent her days working as an Ed Tech at Jefferson Village School.

Anne was a gifted quilter and seamstress. Creating curtains, quilts, and other home furnishing. An avid baker and cook, she was often trying new recipes and sharing with others. During the holidays, she would create gift baskets with homemade fudge, jams and relishes, that she and Richard made together. She was a creative, sentimental and giving person. For several years, she and Richard enjoyed a seasonal campsite at Green Valley Campground, in Vassalboro. Anne enjoyed the themed weekends of decorating the camper and campsite. She volunteered for various community events, which included story telling and arts and crafts. Reading and coloring were a favorite past time of hers too.

Anne had many accomplishments that she was proud of. Keeping a well-kept home, preparing meals, sharing conversations at the dinner table, spending time with Richard on the road for work and keeping his gardens in top shape when he was away. Her “grandbabies” were her pride and joy

Anne was predeceased by her husband Richard, in January, a daughter, Tarasa Potter; her father and mother, Forest and Delia Peaslee, her brothers, Frank, Frederick, and Peter.

She is survived by her two daughters: Angimarie and her husband Lewie, Karrianne and her husband Jason; two sons: Zeb and his wife Danica, Smitty and his wife Kim; her mother-in-law, Ramona; five grandchildren: Connor, Logan, Audrey, Bradley and Matthew; brothers Kenny, Forest, Larry, Neil, Dannie, Hunter and her sisters, Jane, Bunny and Ceceil, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

At her request, there will be no public visiting hours. Following cremation, a memorial will be held early this summer.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations in Anne’s name can be made to MaineGeneral Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Arrangements are under the care of Mid-Maine Cremation, in Waterville.

WOODROW W. MCLELLAN JR.

SIDNEY – Woodrow W. McLellan Jr., of Sidney, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2019, following a long illness. He was born on May 19, 1945, the son of Woodrow William McLellan and Gladys June McLellan.

Woodrow graduated from Williams High School, in Oakland. Following his schooling he joined the Army in September of 1963, serving for three years. He spent 30 months in Germany.

He was very proud of the fact that he had many truck driving jobs with no accidents.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Chandra McLellan; his sons, Woodrow William McLellan III and his spouse Townley “Chip” Baker McLellan, David Allen McLellan and his wife Laurie McLellan, and David Lee Rossignol; his daughters, Tina Rodrigue and her husband Jeremy, and Samantha Tims and her husband Kevin; his seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Katherine Hamlin and her husband Phil, and Lulu “Cookie” Luce and her husband Floyd; two brothers, Frank McLellan and his wife Tina, and Clifton McLellan and his significant other Constance; his sister-in-law, Germaine McLellan; a multitude of nieces and nephews; and in-laws.

Woodrow was predeceased by his brother, Thomas McLellan.

An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the: American Lung Association of Maine, 122 State St., Augusta ME 04330-5615.

RICHARD GRENIER

WINSLOW – Richard Eugene Grenier, 83, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2019, at Goudreau’s Retirement Inn, in Winslow. He was born March 9, 1936, in Waterville, the son of Wilbrod and Cecile (Libby) Grenier.

He was educated in Waterville and Winslow schools. He was a veteran who proudly served his country in the US Marine Corps from 1955 to his honorable discharge in 1957.

Dick was employed by Keyes Fibre, in Waterville, for 32 years. He was a member of the American Legion Bourque-Lanigan Post #5, in Waterville. He enjoyed camping at Cathedral Pines for 50 years where he met many new friends who became his camp family and even naming a road to honor him. He loved driving the back roads and going to Big Jim. In his younger days he was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing hunting, snowmobiling, and other outdoor activities. He enjoyed spending time with his families and was very proud of his two granddaughters, Stasha and Tia. who enlisted and graduated as Master Sargent from the Young Marines.

He is survived by his sister, RaeJean (Grenier) Beane and her partner Dickie Pullen and three nephews, Richard, Rusty and Roger, all of the Bingham area; two stepsisters, Theresa and George Savage, of Sidney, and Alice and Skip Sherburne, of Milfred; one uncle, Raymond Grenier, of Winslow; his five daughters Dawn Bilodeau, of Boynton Beach, Florida, Tammy and Buster Hopkins, of Plymouth, Catherine Nelson, of Canaan, Connie and Red Laliberte, of Sidney, and Lori Barnard, of Winslow; his nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife of 38 years, Dianne; his parents, Wilbrod and Cecile; his stepfather, Lionel (Ned) Betit; a daughter, Cynthia; and his son-in-laws Paul Bilodeau and Ronald Nelson.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 13, 2019, at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott Cremation & Funeral Services, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to, may make a donation in Dick’s name to: MaineGeneral Hospice, PO Box 828, Waterville ME 04903-0828.

TIMOTHY J. BECK

VASSALBORO – Timothy James Beck, 44, formerly of Palermo, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2019, in Whitefield. He was born in Waterville on June 21, 1974, the son of Gary and Gloria (Scates) Beck.

He lived most of his life in Palermo, attended Palermo elementary schools, then graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta.

Tim loved the outdoors–hunting, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, and riding his motorcycle. He was an excellent stone mason. Tim was also a very talented musician, who loved writing songs and performing with friends. He will be remembered for his big heart and willingness to help others.

Tim is survived by his parents, Gary and Gloria Beck, of Sun City, Arizona; his sister Trisha Beck, of North Vassalboro; his niece Samantha Decker and great-nephew Noah Paul Wood, both of North Vassalboro.

A Celebration of Life will be held later in the summer. Meanwhile, always remember Tim with good thoughts, a smile, and Rock On!

OTHERS DEPARTED

GREGORY V. HAYDEN, 55, of Skowhegan, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 26, 2019, at his home. Locally, he is survived by a daughter Alissa Hayden and companion, Caleb Morin, of Winslow.

DANIEL G. NADEAU, of Vernon, Connecticut, passed away on Tuesday, February 26, 2019. Daniel was born in Waterville on March 23, 1942, the son of the late Eariel and Fernande Nadeau. He attended St. John the Baptist Regional Catholic School, in Winslow, and graduated from Winslow High School in 1960, where he was a member of the football team and was captain all four years.

HELENE N. VIGUE, 98, formerly of Fairfield Center, passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at Harshwood Center, in Lewiston. Helene is the former executive director of the Waterville chapter of the American Red Cross. She previously worked at the C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville.

NANCY L. AKERS, 72, of Waterville, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2019, at her home. Locally, she is survived by her husband of 54 years, David J. Akers Sr., of Waterville; two daughters, Alice Fletcher and husband John, of China, and Melissa Fletcher and husband Mark, of Albion, and son David J. Akers Jr. and wife Rachel, of Albion.

JEANNETTE M. AuCLAIR, 89, of Waterville, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2019,at her home. Locally, she is survived by sons James AuClair, of Fairfield and glenn “Bud” AuClair, of Waterville; brother Lee Couturier, of Winslow; niece Diane Drapeau, of Winslow, and nephew David Couturier, of Fairfield, and Lee Couturier and Daniel Couturier, both of Skowhegan.

COMMUNITY COMMENTARY: An opinion on emergency building

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by Wayne Chadwick
China resident

I would like to offer up some insight on the proposed warrant articles for the upcoming June 11, 2019 Municipal and RSU #18 election.

You will be asked to vote on whether or not you want the town to spend $25,000 for an engineering and cost study for an emergency services building and a community building. Where is the justification for such an expense? There appears to be a “build it and they will come” mentality with our present town leadership. The town manager stated that there is no town building to meet in that holds 200 people. When asked how often there was such a requirement he gave the annual town meeting and voting as an example. This has historically been done at the school which your tax dollars already pay to maintain. So why do we need another building for a few occurrences per year at best.

Everything we build, even if it is originally provided fully or in part by grant money, still has a tax dollar requirement for maintaining it. You are being asked to pay for an engineering study without being given any estimated cost for maintaining it after the fact. Consider the cost of plowing, mowing, heating, cooling, repairs and preventative maintenance and utilities.

You will also be asked to approve the purchase of land for a potential beach/swimming area and boat ramp. The parcel in question is located slightly north of and opposite the town office. This site is steep, steep enough that it has to be protected by guardrail for the entire length of its road frontage. Here are some potential issues to consider: It was stated at the May 26 select board meeting that DOT did not want to issue a permit for a driveway for the property. The Four Seasons Club has agreed to discuss potentially allowing access across their property for the sole purpose of accessing a boat launch, no swimming area. Additionally, to my knowledge, to date there has been no discussion with the DEP to determine if this site meets requirements for permitting. And last but certainly not least, there is the cost. The extreme grade to this property is unequivocally going to increase the cost of development and maintenance. Issues such as erosion, storm water, etc. These are continuous maintenance requirements that will never decrease in cost.

Here again we are looking at the purchase separate from the potential cost.

I offer this in hope that it will provide a more informed voting public.

China selectmen review bids for outdoor summer work

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by Mary Grow

China selectmen spent most of their May 28 meeting reviewing bids for outdoor summer work, with mixed results. Their decisions annoyed a resident with a personal interest in the matter.

The bid requests were in three categories, each subdivided: materials, equipment to be rented (with an operator) and mowing.

Two contractors bid on materials, mostly different types of gravel. Public Works Foreman Shawn Reed recommended rejecting all bids and buying materials as needed. Contractor (and budget committee member) Wayne Chadwick agreed from the audience, saying he thought the bid prices were high. The four selectmen present (Board Chairman Robert MacFarland was absent; Ronald Breton was elected temporary chairman) accepted the advice.

Three contractors bid to provide equipment, with Hagar Enterprises offering to provide up to 16 items (backhoe, excavators, dump trucks, loaders, bulldozer) as needed and the other two bidding on three or four items. Selectmen and Reed agreed it would be easier for the public works crew to have a single contract.

However, selectmen realized that the bidders had not been asked to supply delivery charges for moving machines to China. Despite Chadwick and Reed warning that time is getting short to line up equipment and start work, they postponed a decision to their next meeting, scheduled for June 10.

Bidders for the summer mowing contract were asked to submit prices for ballfields, cemeteries and town properties (the town office lot, the adjoining lot where the red barn stands and the former Weeks Mills Schoolhouse lot). They were also asked for labor and equipment prices per hour for work done outside the contract, an addition that several selectmen found confusing.

Danforth Lawncare was the only company to bid on all three categories; William Danforth said he has done China’s mowing for many years. The job includes cleaning up the properties spring and fall and mowing and trimming in the summer, he said.

Ace Home and Camp Care bid only on town properties, and was the highest bidder. Rumpf’s Backyard Services was the low bidder on the ballfields and the town properties. On the ballfields, Danforth’s bid was $5,700, Rumpf’s $2,800; on town properties, Danforth’s bid was $4,175 and Rumpf’s $3,500.

Informed that Colby Rumpf is 16 years old and just starting his business, selectmen unanimously awarded the entire mowing contract to Danforth, based on his experience and history of reliability.

Later in the meeting, Tom Rumpf, Four Seasons Club president and Colby Rumpf’s father, talked about possible cooperation between the Four Seasons Club and the town to provide an access road to a public landing on the Hall property, if voters approve buying it on June 11 and if selectmen then develop it. (See The Town Line, May 2, and May 30.)

Before his presentation, Tom Rumpf rebuked selectmen for “somewhat wasting the town’s money” on the summer mowing. There were people in the audience who would have given references for his son, he said, if Breton had recognized them so they could speak. Breton later apologized.

Tom Rumpf said the Four Seasons Club board authorized negotiations with town officials to share the club’s driveway for a boat launch only, not a swimming beach. The Hall property has a rocky shore, he said; the club has the only sandy beach suitable for swimming.

Redesigning the road and agreeing on maintenance might be difficult, Rumpf said. “It needs to go slow right now.”

Selectman Jeffrey LaVerdiere has suggested the town buy and distribute to residents Four Seasons Club memberships, to gauge the level of interest in public lake access. Rumpf said the club would consider discounting prices for a reasonable number of memberships if selectmen adopt the idea.

In other business May 28:

  • Selectmen unanimously approved Town Manager Dennis Heath’s request to spend $5,025 to switch to LED lights at the transfer station, to be partly offset by a $1,400 state rebate. The change has already been made in the town office and the nearby former portable classroom, Heath said. He expects to save money on electricity, but could not estimate how much money.
  • On Heath’s recommendation, selectmen unanimously approved a settlement with Three-Level Solar Farm on Vassalboro Road (Route 32 North), resolving a dispute over depreciation and resultant future tax value that started in 2018.
  • Heath said China’s property valuation is far enough out of line with the state’s that the town should raise its valuation. He expects Assessor William Van Tuinen to explain the problem at the selectmen’s June 10 meeting. LaVerdiere objected strongly to anything that would raise taxes, saying they are already so high as to discourage local business, including his general store outside China Village.

The May 28 meeting was governed more strictly than in the past by Robert’s Rules of Order, which selectmen adopt annually. Heath purchased a podium (for $88 at Marden’s, he wrote in a May 23 email) and Breton expected everyone, including Heath and selectmen, to be recognized before speaking and audience members to come to the podium.

Town Clerk Rebecca Hapgood had the honor of christening the podium. Asked about one of the expenditures selectmen approved early in the meeting, she left her seat in the back row, walked to the podium, said “Yes” loudly and distinctly as required, and returned to her seat.

An executive session to discuss personnel issues followed the open selectmen’s meeting. Afterward, Heath emailed that board members directed him to poll the public about closing the China Town Office on Saturdays. Currently it is open Saturdays from 8 to 11 a.m.

THE MONEY MINUTE: Who will inherit your money?

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by Jac M. Arbour CFP®, ChFC®
President, J.M. Arbour Wealth Management

When you pass, who will inherit your assets? Will your assets be distributed via the probate process? (And will information about your estate therefore become public record?) What if someone should challenge your Last Will and Testament? Will the probate of your assets be an extended and costly process for your estate?

Truth be told, most of the pitfalls of estate distribution can be avoided. Your estate can be distributed to whomever you want, as efficiently as you want, and as privately as you want. What is the secret to making this happen? It’s what I call Proper Prior Planning.

When you choose your beneficiaries, think multigenerational: If the primary beneficiary you have listed should pass before you, whom do you want to be next in line? The answer to this question is your contingent beneficiary/beneficiaries. Have you listed one or more contingent beneficiaries as well?

Some of the questions involving beneficiaries can be difficult to think about, but answering them yourself and making your choices clear are gifts you can give your survivors.

What if you have listed two or more of your children as equal beneficiaries and one of them should pass before you? Do you want the surviving child (or children) to receive the deceased child’s share, or do you want the children of that deceased child to receive that percentage? Potential situations like this and many others must be spelled out in your Will or beneficiary designations on insurance contracts and financial accounts.

One of the common errors we see people make is leaving retirement accounts to children without educating them with regard to the tax ramifications. This is when accounts such as IRAs degrade into what I call “IOUs to the IRS.” The good news is, this too is avoidable.

To be prepared, ask yourself all the pertinent questions about estate distribution and develop a thorough plan. The pros at JMA will be happy to help you. And after you choose your beneficiaries, be sure to educate them about what they stand to inherit, people they will need to contact, and your personal preferences about how they will handle your assets.

Here is what I promise: If you do Proper Prior Planning, you will decrease the chances of Potentially Poor Performance!

See you all next month.

Jac Arbour, CFP®, ChFC®

Jac Arbour is the President of J.M. Arbour Wealth Management. He can be reached at 207-248-6767.

Investment advisory services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser.

Erskine Academy announces top 10 seniors for 2019

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Front row, from left to right, Valedictorian Braden Soule, Salutatorian Willow Throckmorton-Hansford, Hagen Wallace, Elizabeth Sugg, and Jacob Praul. Back, Conor Skehan, Olivia Kunesh, Samantha Heath, Caitlin Labbe, and Kassidy Wade. (contributed photo)

Erskine Academy has announced the Class of 2019 Top Ten Seniors. Valedictorian is Braden Soule, son of Amanda and Jamie Soule, of Fairfield. Throughout his four years at Erskine, Braden has participated in such activities as National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, the EA Leadership Team, Basketball, and Baseball and he has completed nearly 300 hours of community service projects. Braden is a Maine Principals Association Award recipient and a four-year honor roll recipient. Braden plans to attend the University of Maine to study business management.

Salutatorian is Willow Throckmorton-Hansford, daughter of Mary Throckmorton, of Somerville. Willow is a member of National Honor Society and she has participated in such activities as the LEO Club, and Track & Field. A student who has received high honor roll distinction every trimester, Willow has received awards of excellence in the areas of English, Spanish, and Physical Education, she was the recipient of the Phi Beta Kappa award, and she has received Renaissance Recognition and Senior of the Trimester awards. Willow plans to attend the University of Maine where she will major in biology.

Third in academic standing is Hagen Joki Wallace, son of Andrea Ando-Albert, of Manchester and James Wallace, of Augusta. Hagen is a member of National Honor Society and he has participated in such activities as Student Council, Drama Club, Math Team, Future Business Leaders of America, the Debate team, Indoor Track, Baseball, and he has completed over 200 hours of community service projects. Hagen has received high honor roll distinction every trimester, awards of excellence in the areas of English and Latin, and he has received a Renaissance Senior of the Trimester award. Hagen plans to attend Bowdoin College with a major in biochemistry.

Fourth in academic standing is Elizabeth Sugg, daughter of Heather Spaulding Sugg and William Sugg, of Palermo. Elizabeth is a member of National Honor Society and she has participated in such activities as the LEO Club, American Field Service (AFS), Prom Committee, Soccer, Basketball, and Lacrosse, and she has served as Class President for three of four years. Elizabeth is a four year high honor roll student, she has completed 250 hours of community service projects, and she has received a Renaissance Recognition award. Elizabeth plans to attend Wellesley College to pursue studies in the area of neuroscience.

Fifth in academic standing is Jacob Praul, son of Erika and Darryl Praul, of China. Jacob is a member of National Honor Society and he has been a participant of the LEO Club, Soccer, Basketball, and Tennis. Jacob was a recipient of the Rensselaer Award, he has received high honor roll distinction every trimester, and he has received awards of excellence in Algebra, PreCalculus, Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics. Jacob plans to attend the University of Maine with a major in civil engineering.

Sixth in academic standing is Conor Skehan, son of Michelle and Robert Skehan, of Vassalboro. Conor is a member of National Honor Society and he has participated in such activities as Math Team, Debate Team, and Robotics. Conor has received high honor roll distinction every trimester, awards of excellence in Social Studies, English, US History, and Animation, and he has received a Renaissance Recognition award. Conor plans to attend Trinity College with a major in English.

Seventh in academic standing is Olivia Kunesh, daughter of Hollie Kunesh and Jason Thomas, of China. Olivia is a member of National Honor Society and she has participated in such activities as LEO Club, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, and she has completed a variety of community service projects. Olivia was a recipient of the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award, she has received awards of excellence in Health, Spanish, and Statistics, and she has received a Renaissance Recognition award. Olivia plans to major in environmental science at the University of Maine at Farmington.

Eighth in academic standing is Samantha Heath, daughter of Jessica and Jonathan Heath, of Vassalboro. Samantha is a member of National Honor Society and she has been a participant of the Drama Club, LEO Club, American Field Service (AFS), the EA Leadership Team, Soccer, Tennis, and she has completed over 125 hours of community service projects. Samantha has been a recipient of the Society of Women Engineers award and the Smith Book award, she has received high honor roll distinction every trimester, and she has received an award of excellence in German. Samantha plans to attend the University of New England with a major in nursing.

Ninth in academic standing is Caitlin Labbe, daughter of Michelle Joler-Labbe and Richard Labbe, of Vassalboro. Caitlin is a member of National Honor Society, she has participated in such activities as LEO Club, American Field Service (AFS), Future Business Leaders of America, Prom Committee, Soccer, Lacrosse, and she has completed over 100 hours of community service projects. Caitlin has received high honor roll distinction every trimester. Caitlin plans to major in business administration at Thomas College, in Waterville.

Tenth in academic standing is Kassidy Wade, daughter of Robert and Jamie Wade, of Vassalboro, and Storm and Bradley Kelso, of Vassalboro. Kassidy has participated in such activities as EA Leadership, Future Business Leaders of America, American Field Service (AFS), Soccer, Basketball, Lacrosse, and she has completed nearly 500 hours of community service projects. Kassidy has earned honor roll status every trimester, and she has received Renaissance Recognition and Senior of the Trimester awards. Kassidy plans to major in neurobiology at the University of California San Diego.