Erskine presents Renaissance awards (2025)

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Seniors of the Trimester, from left to right, Kammie Thompson, William “Billy” Ellsey Jr., Nathan Choate, and William Choate. (contributed photo)

On Friday, December 12, 2025, Erskine Academy students and staff attended a Renaissance Assembly to honor their peers with Renaissance Awards.

Tenure awards were presented to five faculty members: Jessica Haskell and Scott Minzy for 20 years of service; Gilberto Ortiz and Michael Soule for 25 years of service; and Heather Shute for 30 years of service.

Renaissance Recognition Awards were presented to the following students: Jaycee Smith, Ryker Adams, Emma Wooley, Hunter Baird, Ben Theberge, Maddie Oxley, Addison Witham, Brynna Rodrigue, and Owen Robichaud.

In addition to Recognition Awards, Senior of the Trimester Awards were also presented to four members of the senior class: William Choate, son of Elizabeth Choate, of Windsor, and Mike Choate, of Liberty; Nathan Choate, son of Stephanie and Mike Choate, of China; Kammie Thompson, daughter of Laura Thompson, of Jefferson; and William “Billy” Ellsey Jr., son of Jennifer Ellsey and Phil Smith, of Windsor, and William Ellsey Sr., of Deerfield, New Hampshire. Seniors of the Trimester are recognized as individuals who have gone above and beyond in all aspects of their high school careers.

In appreciation of his dedication and service to Erskine Academy, a Faculty of the Trimester award was presented to Michael Soule, Science Instructor and Dean of Students.

Faculty of the Trimester Michael Soule. (contributed photo)

Leaving behind a legacy of KIND: the back story

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Remy Pettingill

Rémy Joel Pettengill is the amazing soul behind the saying, Leaving Behind a Legacy of KIND. On December 30, 2022, the day after Rémy’s 17th birthday, his family was forever changed. Tragically, the vehicle he was a passenger in, was hit from behind at highway speed. While his three friends were released from the hospital, Rémy remained in the neuro-ICU. On January 7, 2023, he left this world a hero, with his family by his side, by saving the lives of four people via organ donation – a choice he had made when he earned his driver’s license.

At a very young age, Rémy showed his heart of gold. He was always looking out for fellow students and even wrote a letter to Santa asking for warm blankets and camping stoves for the unhoused. He also had a keen sense of when a person needed a little extra. Rémy shared his kindness in a variety of ways and within a variety of settings. Rémy was active in the local scout group, Troop #479, in China. He became an Eagle Scout at 13 years old after completing a service project to benefit the local veterans. Rémy was passionate about helping others.

Rémy was a natural born leader. He completed National Youth Leadership Training and became a member of Order of the Arrow – Madockawanda Lodge (scouting’s honor society). He became the troop’s senior patrol. leader and mentored younger scouts, always looking out fot those who needed a little more. He worked at Camp Bomazeen and volunteered with the Bomazeen Old Timers to help run summer camp for Cub Scouts and Scouts. Rémy’s compassion for others and the desire “to make a difference” (his words) led him. to Pine Tree Camp, in Rome. He was an overnight counselor, lifeguard, and adaptive archery instructor. Rémy thrived there, becoming even more of a leader, developing a greater sense of self and ways to celebrate those who had varying abilities.

The scouting Eagle Scout Mentor pin is given by a scout at their Eagle ceremony to a person that has had a significant impact on helping them achieve this honorable rank. In the over 15 years the family has been involved in scouting (all three of the sons are Eagle Scouts), the family has only seen two of these pins presented to another active Scout. Generally they are given to an adult who has provided guidance along the way. Rémy was the scout who received both of these. An official Boy Scouts of America uniform patch was even created in his memory.

Rémy was a student at Erskine Academy, in South China,class of 2024. He was a member of the track team and was inducted into the National Honor Society at Erskine Academy. He also attended the Capital Area Technical Center’s law enforcement program. In addition, he helped coach his younger brother’s middle school track team. A community initiated scholarship was established in 2023 to honor Rémy. This scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating Erskine Academy senior pursuing high er education at a two or four-year degree program, trade school or apprenticeship. The award is not based on academics or financial need but rather is awarded to a good all-around person who exemplifies Rémy’s qualities of kindness, friendship and helpfulness to others.

Along with his giving spirit, Rémy was a typical child and young man. He loved to joke, laugh, create joy around him – even with some mischief thrown in. He loved music, reading, Legos, and spending time with friends. School was often a social event for Rémy. He was always up for an adventure and fun time which often took precedence over chores or homework. There were many late nights spent ensuring Rémy had completed his school assignments.

Those who knew him will remember his abundance for fun and “crazy” socks. He wore them to school, during track meets, and in the community. In keeping with Rémy’s giving spirit, the family decided to collect some “crazy socks” at this celebration of life thinking they would collect a hundred or so pairs that they would. then donate. Hundreds of people arrive, most wearing crazy socks, and over 7,500 pairs of socks were collected. These socks were donated to various organizations (including community food pantries, community outreach programs, school/community college student clothing pantries, veterans’ organizations, homeless/emergency shelters, etc.) in his memory so he can continue to do what he has always done since he was a very young child – care for and help those in need.

The family decided to carry on the tradition in Rémy’s honor each October and in 2023 joined energies with JMG locally for “Socktober”. Rémy’ had experienced JMG firsthand at China Middle School. Recognizing that socks are a necessary item that is not often donated, Socktober is a community outreach and awareness project filled with compassion that collects new pairs of socks tobe donated to local and statewide organizations. JMG students are learning about community engagement, outreach, advertising, organizational skills, and most of all, the importance of supporting one’s community.

Each day Rémy walked this Earth, he greeted friends and strangers with a smile. He was a voice for those who could not find their own, he protected the weak, he championed the underdog, and he helped those in need. Leaving Behind a Legacy of KIND is more than a slogan or a title. It represented a life lost too soon, a soul who cares deeply about others, and a youngman who gave with all his heart. The hands in the logo were actually made from a picture of Rémy. In his short 17 years of life, he encouraged others, made others feel values, lived life to its fullest, and ensured everyone he met had a least one friend. He was a beacon of kindness and a selfless giver.

The family hopes you can assist in collecting socks for those who need them this October or assist by sharing his initiative. Socktober is a meaningful way to pass Rémy’s torch forward and strengthen Maine communities. Every pair of socks donated or every smile shared is a step towards making a positive impact impact on the world around us – each step starts with us. Please help to continue Rémy’s legacy of kindness. Share a smile with those you know and those you don’t, hold the door open for. someone, lend a helping hand, look out for those who don’t have the courage to stand tall and give to those in need. Live life to its fullest, love with all your heat, and wear crazy socks.

Presented by Danielle Pettengill, (Aiden, Rémy and Bryson’s mom).

EVENTS: Erskine Academy Parent/Teacher Conferences slated

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Erskine Academy

Parents and guardians of Erskine Academy students are warmly invited to attend Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, October 8, and Thursday, October 9, from 3:00–7:00 p.m.

To help minimize wait times:

Families with students whose last names begin A – K are encouraged to attend on Wednesday, October 8.

Families with students whose last names begin L – Z are encouraged to attend on Thursday, October 9.

No appointments are necessary – teachers will be available in their classrooms to meet with parents throughout the evening.

Please contact the Guidance Office at 445-2964 with any questions.

EVENTS: Erskine Academy to host new student orientation (2025)

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Erskine Academy

All incoming freshmen or new students and their parents are invited to attend the Erskine Academy New Student Orientation on Tuesday, August 26, at 6:30 p.m., in the gym. The administration strongly encourages all incoming students to attend this event as it is an opportunity to become better acquainted with the faculty, facilities, and programs at Erskine. The first day of school for freshmen only will be Wednesday, August 27.

Please contact the school at 445-2962 with any questions.

Erskine Academy named one of the best places to work in Maine for second consecutive year

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Erskine Academy

Erskine Academy is proud to announce that it has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Maine for both 2024 and 2025. This marks the second year in a row the school has earned this distinction, making it the only independent high school in Maine to receive the honor.

The Best Places to Work in Maine program recognizes the state’s top employers across small, medium, and large business categories. Now in its 20th year, the list is compiled by the Maine State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management, Best Companies Group, and BridgeTower Media.

To be eligible for the award, organizations must be at least one year old, have a physical location in Maine, employ at least 15 full- or part-time workers in the state, and operate as a for-profit, not-for-profit, or government entity.

Earning this recognition two years in a row reflects the strong, supportive culture Erskine has built – one where faculty and staff feel valued, encouraged, and inspired to do their best work every day. The school believes that when employees thrive, students thrive, and this connection is evident across campus in both the learning environment and student outcomes.

For more information about the Best Places to Work in Maine program, visit: https://maineshrm.org/best-places-to-work/.

Palermo’s Riley Reitchel earns All-American status at nationals

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Riley Reitchel

University of Southern Maine Junior Riley Reitchel, of Palermo, a graduate of Erskine Acedemy, in South China, earned All-American honors at the 2025 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships, in Geneva, Ohio. Reitchel placed fourth in the javelin to earn First Team All-American status.

Reitchel recorded a throw of 41.23m to place fourth. The distance came on her second throw of the day. Reitchel, who placed 22nd at the 2023 National Championship meet as a freshman, is the fourth athlete in program history to earn All-American honors in the javelin.

CAREER RESULTS

2025: Earned First Team All-American honors by placing fourth in the javelin at the NCAA DIII National Championships with a throw of 41.32m* … LEC champion in the javelin with a distance of 41.48m … DIII New England champion in the javelin with a mark of 41.09m … Placed second in the pole vault at the LEC championships with a height of 2.95m … Member of a 4×100 relay team that placed third at the LEC Championships … Earned USTFCCCA All-Region honors in the javelin.

2024: Com­peted in three meets … Set a season-best mark of 3.10m to tie for third in the pole vault at the Coast Guard Spring Invite … Had a season-best javelin throw to 36.95m to place fifth at the SNHU Penmen Relays … Named College Sports Communicators Academic All-District.

2023: Placed 22nd in the javelin at the NCAA Division III Track & Field National Championships with a throw of 32.97m … Named the LEC Field Rookie of the Year after winning the javelin at the conference championships with a throw of 38.52m … Placed third in the pole vault (2.95m) and eighth in the 200m (27.90) at the LEC Championships … Placed second in the javelin at the DIII New England Championships at 38.52m … Won the NEICAAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships with a throw of 45.49m that ranks as the second-best in program history … Earned USTFCCCA All-Region honors in the javelin.

Indoor Season Awards and Honors: 2024 LEC champion in the pole vault … Member of a 4×200 relay team that placed second at the 2024 LEC Championships … Member of the 2023 LEC champion 4×400 relay team … Earned All-Rookie honors in the pole vault after tying for second place in 2023.

Academic Awards and Honors: Earned USTFCCCA All-Academic Athlete honors in 2023 … Named College Sports Communicators Academic All-District.

Before USM: Varsity soccer and varsity track went to state freshmen year/Rookies Award … Varsity soccer, coaches award, varsity track went to state and coaches award sophomore year … Varsity soccer, coaches award, All-state, varsity track coaches award and went to state junior year … Varsity soccer, coaches award, All-state, Senior Bowl, Varsity track, coaches award KVAC All-Academic, All-star, State champions, Eagle award senior year … KVAC All academic, Top Ten, National Board Award … Student council, Girl-up, AFS, AFS, International outreach

Personal: Majoring in Linguistics … Attended Erskine Academy, in South China, … Daughter of Richard and Daniellle Reitchel … Has one sibling, Alexander … Also a member of the USM women’s soccer team and has earned All-Region and All-LEC honors on the pitch.

* A meter is equal to 3.28 feet.

Erskine Academy third trimester honor roll (2025)

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Erskine Academy

Grade 12

High Honors: Emmett Appel, Emily Bailey, Bryana Barrett, Noah Bechard, Octavia Berto, Jayda Bickford, Lauryn Black, Brooke Blais, Olivia Brann, Carter Brockway, Madison Cochran, Lauren Cowing, Lillian Crommett, Gabrielle Daggett, Aydan Desjardins, Aidan Durgin, John Edwards, Ryan Farnsworth, Hailey Garate, Brandon Hanscom, Serena Hotham, Kailynn Houle, Alivia Jackson, Ava Kelso, Sophia Knapp, Chase Larrabee, Brooke Lee, Jack Lucier, D’andre Marable, Eleanor Maranda, Jade McCollett, Abigail McDonough, Shannon McDonough, Lilas Moles, Addison Mort, Makayla Oxley, Gavyn Paradis, Noah Pelletier, Elsa Redmond, Lillian Rispoli, Nathan Robinson, Laney Robitaille, Carlee Sanborn, Joslyn Sandoval, Aislynn Savage, Achiva Seigars, Jordyn Smith, and Clara Waldrop.

Honors: Geneva Beckim, Kaleb Bishop, Dylan Cooley, Andra Cowing, Trinity DeGreenia, Josiah Fitzgerald, Kenneth Fredette, Kaylene Glidden, Rion Kesel, Shelby Lincoln, Owen Lucier, Madison McNeff, Thomas Mullens, Sadie Pierce, Victoria Rancourt, Carter Rau, Kyle Scott, Zoey Smith, Emily Sprague, Parker Studholme, Katherine Swift, Grant Taker, David Thompson III, and Kaleigh Voyles.

Grade 11

High Honors: Connor Alcott, Emily Almeida, Brock Bowden, Addyson Briggs, London Castle, MacKenzie Chase, Nathan Choate, William Choate, Madeline Clement-Cargill, Claire Davis, Joshua Denis, Audryanna DeRaps, Charles DeSchamp, Lauren Dufour, William Ellsey Jr., Ethan Frost, Madison Gagnon, Stephen Gould, Madison Griffiths, Evan Heron, Mia Hersom, Alexus Jackson, Halle Jones, Kasen Kelley, Timothy Kiralis, Jacob Lavallee, Ava Lemelin, Jaden Mizera, Jack Murray, Elijah Nelson, Ruby Pearson, Elijah Pelkey, Isabelle Pelotte, Emily Piecewicz, Taisen Pilotte, Hannah Polley, Desirae Proctor, Jackie Sasse, Edward Schmidt, Benjamin Severy, Kathryn Shaw, Madelynn Spencer, Kayla Stred, Abigail Studholme, Donovan Thompson, Kammie Thompson, Addison Turner, Oryanna Winchenbach, Addison Witham.

Honors: Faiza Afrin, Savannah Baker, Gavin Bartlett, Anders Bassett, Landon Boynton, Logan Breton, Benjamin Carle, Saunders Chase, Lillian Clark, Timothy Clavette, Sylvia Davis, Mason Decker, Riley Dixon, Jacob Faucher, Kolby Griatzky, Aiden Hamlin, Willow Haschalk, Cadence Homstead, Aidan Huff, Kayle Lappin, Nathaniel Levesque, Kloie Magoon, Brayden McLean, Paige McNeff, Bayley Nickles, Phoebe Padgett, Jordyn Parise, Jacoby Peaslee, Abigail Peil, Jackson Pelotte, Chase Pierce, Logan Poulin, Owen Robichaud, Leahna Rocque, Kameron Rossignol, Trenton Smith, Benjamin Sullivan, Leah Targett, Phoebe Taylor, Charles Uleau, Ella Winn, Brody Worth, and Maddilyn York.

Grade 10

High Honors: Isaac Audette, Olivia Austin, Jeremiah Bailey, Jackson Blake, Silas Bolitho, Hailey Boone, Madeline Boynton, Cassidy Brann, Delaney Brown, Liam Burgess, Olivia Childs, Hunter Christiansen, Landon Clements, Jilian Desjardins, Ryley Desmond, Robin Dmitrieff, Bella Dutilly, Isabella Farrington, Danica Ferris, Gianna Figucia, Audrey Fortin, Aina Garcia Cardona, Adalyn Glidden, Cody Grondin, Madison Harris, Lilly Hutchinson, Johanna Jacobs, Ivy Johns, Callianne Jordan, Maverick Knapp, Sawyer Livingstone, Jasai Marable, Annie Miragliuolo, Alexis Mitton, Kienna-May Morse, Jacoby Mort, Bryson Pettengill, Caylee Putek, Sovie Rau, Lailah Sher, Bryson Stratton, Gabriel Studholme, Sabrina Studholme, Hellena Swift, Kaleb Tolentino, and Eryn Young.

Honors: William Adamson IV, Ariana Armstrong, Ashton Bailey, Delia Bailey, Linnea Bassett, Benjamin Beale, Lucas Beale, Luke Blair, Seth Bridgforth, Emma Casey, Khloe Clark, Collin Clifford, Owen Couture, Slayde Crocker, Connor Crommett, Logan Dow, Kelsie Dunn, Delaney Dupuis, Tesla Every-Blanchard, Madison Field, Nicholas Gould, Kaylee Grierson, Addison Hall, Eva Hayden, Auburn Horn, Reid Jackson, Evan James, Chantz Klaft, Mason Lagasse, Bryson Lanphier, Jack Malcolm, Gage Miller, Gaven Miller, MacKenzie Oxley, Madeline Oxley, Molly Oxley, Layla Peaslee, Noah Pooler, Dylan Proctor, Gabriel Ratcliff, Samuel Richardson, Colton Ryan, Lucas Short, Ian Smith, Braeden Temple, Cayden Turner, Carter Ulmer, and Tyler Waldrop.

Grade 9

High Honors: Joshua Bailey, Madeline Berry, Ella Beyea, Dominic Brann, Ryan Carle, Lily Chamberlain, Ryleigh French, Shelby Gidney, Kolby Glidden, Katherine Granger, Christina Haskell, Bristol Jewett, Bella Lefferts, Dylan Maguire, Mason Marable, Stella Martinelli, Skyler McCollett, Ayla McCurdy, Ava Miragliuolo, Grant Munsey, Paige Perry, Brandon Piper, Jakobe Sandoval, Parker Smith, Khloe Soucy, Maxine Spencer, Ethan Studholme, Reid Sutter, Benjamin Theberge, Audrey Tibbetts, Hannah Tobey, Kayleigh Trask, Kallie Turner, Kinsey Ulmer, Sorrel Vinci, Mackenzie Waldron, and Leah Watson.

Honors: Clifton Adams IV, Landon Alexander, Megan Bailey, Hunter Baird, Brooke Borja, Mackenzie Bowden, Aiden Brann, Nicholas Carle, Jack Coutts, Daegan Creamer, Zoey DeMerchant, Dylan Dodge, Heleana-Marie Doyon, Trevor French, Taylor Gagnon, Tyler Gagnon, Jasmine Garey, Riley Gould, Myla Gower, Chase Grant, Rachel Grant, Amiah Graves, Bruce Grosjean, Micah Hartley, Jackson Hussey, Baylee Jackson, Landon Larochelle, Marlin Lawrence, Dorothy Leeman, Mason Mattingly, Alexander Mayo, Orin McCaw, Max McKenlogue, Annaleysha McNeil, Annabella Morris, Grace Oxley, Carter Peterson, Nolan Pierce, Kevin Robinson, George Roderick, Thomas Roe, Jacob Rogers, Jacob Shanholtzer, Hunter Small, Jaylynn St. Amand, Landon Sullivan, Leigha Sullivan, and Eli Vallieres.

Renaissance awards at Erskine Academy (2025)

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June Seniors of the Trimester recipients, from left to right, Andra Cowing, Carlee Sanborn, Chase Larrabee, and David Thompson III. (contributed photo)

On Friday, June 6, Erskine Academy, in South China, students and staff attended a Renaissance Assembly to honor their peers with Renaissance Awards.

Renaissance Recognition Awards were presented to the following students: Stella Martinelli, Sabrina Studholme, MacKenzie Chase, Shannon McDonough, Brandon Hanscom, Jordyn Smith, Kaden Crawford, Victoria Rancourt, Lillian Crommett, Kaiden Kronillis, Josiah Fitzgerald, and Eleanor Maranda.

In addition to Recognition Awards, Senior of the Trimester Awards were also presented to four members of the senior class: Carlee Sanborn, daughter of Jennifer and Robert Sanborn, of China; Andra Cowing, daughter of Kirsten and Anthony Cowing, of Palermo; Chase Larrabee, son of Carrie and Jeremy Larrabee, of China; and David Thompson III, son of Laura Thompson, of Jefferson. Seniors of the Trimester are recognized as individuals who have gone above and beyond in all aspects of their high school careers.

In appreciation of their dedication and service to Erskine Academy, Faculty of the Trimester awards were presented to Celina Page, Foreign Language Instructor; and Ryan Nored, English Instructor.

Congratulations to all award recipients!

June Faculty of the Trimester recipients Ryan Nored, left, and Celina Page. (contributed photo)

PHOTO: Achieves milestone

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Belle Pelotte, a junior from Erskine Academy, recently accomplished quite an achievement. She made her 100th goal in lacrosse! Pelotte is the daughter of Jerad and Shasta Pelotte, of China. She has made many assists as well to this date. (photo courtesy of Mark Huard)