Western New England University names local students to president’s list

Western New England University (WNE), in Springfield, Massachusetts, recognizes the outstanding academic achievements of two area students named to the president’s list for the Spring 2024 semester.

They are, Kasen Sirois, of Sidney, who is working toward a BA in communication/media & journalism, and Andrew Mayo, also of Sidney, who is working toward a BSE in civil engineering.

 

 

 

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PHOTOS: Winslow has strong showing at USATF track and field trials

Winslow’s Natalie Cassiana, competing at the USATF Youth Track and Field championships, held at Cony High School, in Augusta, on August 10.. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

by Mark Huard

The USATF Youth Track and Field Championships took place at Cony High School on Saturday August 10. Over 1,000 youth track & competitors from all around the state of Maine were in attendance for a great day!

Eli Nadeau (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

Dominic Akoa (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

Charlie Young (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

TEAM PHOTO: PAL football camp junior group

2024 Annual Junior PAL Football Camp. Varsity Coach John Hersom and his high school players volunteer to run a 3 day evening camp (7/30 – 8/1) for youth football players to inspire a love of football. Group photo from the kick off of camp at the Fairfield PAL field with Coach Hersom, his highschool players, and junior camp PAL players: ages 8-10. (photo by Ramey Stevens, Central Maine Photography)

TEAM PHOTO: PAL football camp senior group

Lawrence High School Varsity Coach John Hersom and his high school players volunteer to run a three-day camp, July 30 – August 1, for youth football players to inspire a love of football. Group photo from the kick off of camp at the Fairfield PAL field with Coach Hersom, his high school players, and senior camp PAL players, ages 11-12. (photo by Ramey Stevens, Central Maine Photography)

EVENTS: Erskine Academy to host new student orientation

All incoming freshmen or new students and their parents are invited to attend the Erskine Academy New Student Orientation, on Tuesday, August 27, 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 further acquainted with the faculty, facilities, and programs at Erskine. The first day of school for freshmen only will be Wednesday, August 28.

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

Local students on Tufts University dean’s list

Tufts University, in Medford, Massachusetts, recently announced the dean’s list for the Spring 2024 semester.

They are Cole Bazakas, Class of 2027, of Waterville, and Bella Wallingford, Class of 2026, of Oakland.

Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce announces Joseph B. Ezhaya scholarship award winner

Olivia Varney

Olivia Varney, of Pittsfield, was selected as the scholarship recipient from a field of applicants.

Varney graduated this spring from the Maine Central Institute High School, in Pittsfield, class of 2024.

Varney was inducted into the National Honor Society and Honor Society for Visual & Performing Arts, as being involved with the student council and Key Club. Outside of her school activities, she has devoted time to a variety of service organizations, including the Paul E. Bertrand Community Pool house revitalization project, Coats Disease, Husky Throw Down, and the Town of Pittsfield Recreation Department.

Varney plans to continue her post-secondary education at Husson University, in Bangor, pursuing a degree in nursing.

Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce’s Ezhaya Memorial Scholarship Committee convenes annually to award the prize to a local graduating senior with an exemplary record of citizenship and community service. Applicants are required to submit an essay on their community involvement, and finalists are interviewed by the Ezhaya Memorial Scholarship Committee.

“We are very pleased to award the 16th annual Ezhaya Scholarship to Olivia Varney,” said Kimberly Lindlof, president and CEO of Mid-Maine Chamber and coordinator of the scholarship. “The committee chose Olivia from an impressive group of accomplished applicants, because her dedication to service and leadership truly reflect Joe Ezhaya’s spirit and generosity.”

The scholarship is awarded by Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce in memory of Joseph Ezhaya, a dedicated community volunteer, and successful candidates share his interest in citizenship and involvement. Recipients must be graduating from a high school in mid-Maine and attending post-secondary school in New England. Awardees receive a $750 scholarship after successfully completing one semester with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher. This amount will be awarded for up to four years, for a total of $3,000.

Local students honored at Annual SkillsUSA Workforce Development Event

Atlanta, Ga. (Grassroots Newswire) July 3, 2024 – Two Career and technical students in central Maine were recognized at the 2024 SkillsUSA Championships, held in Atlanta, on June 26-27. Students were invited to the event to demonstrate their technical skills, workplace skills and personal skills in 115 hands-on occupational and leadership competitions including robotics, automotive technology, drafting, criminal justice, aviation maintenance and public speaking.

The following students were Skill Point Certificate recipients:

Christopher Pottle, from Winthrop, and a student at Capital Area Technical Center (Augusta), was awarded a Skill Point Certificate in Cabinetmaking.

Mikayla Monaghan, from West Gardiner, and a student at Capital Area Technical Center (Augusta), was awarded a Skill Point Certificate in Basic Health Care Skills.

Local residents named to dean’s list at Saint Michael’s College

The following local students were named to the dean’s list at Saint Michael’s College for the Spring 2024 semester, in Colchester, Vermont.
Cambelle A. Nutting, of Vassalboro, and Evelyn G. Mercier, of Waterville.
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Scholarships available for young musicians

The Kennebec Performing Arts Company encourages the participation of young musicians in its groups. Student members entering grades 9-12 are eligible to apply for the $500 scholarship for tuition to a summer camp or music program of their choice.

Victoria Hahn is the daughter of Ken and Kamala Hahn, of Fairfield. She has just completed her freshman year at the Ecology Learning Center, in Unity. Victoria began playing violin at age four, continuing for nine years. Two years ago, she began playing French horn, which is now her exclusive focus. She studies under Brittany Genness and has participated in various ensembles, including Mid-Maine Youth Orchestra, KPAC, Kennebec Valley Music Educators Association Honors Band, and Maine All-State Band. Victoria has attended the summer Bay Chamber Envision Program, and Maine Summer Youth Music Camp at the University of Southern Maine, where she will return this summer using her KPAC scholarship.

Victoria is a member of the KPAC Wind Ensemble, joining two years ago to have the opportunity to play challenging music.

“I really enjoy the community because everyone is extremely friendly and supportive of me as a musician. People often talk about how difficult the French horn is, but honestly, that is one of the reasons I like it. It is challenging and annoyingly finicky.”

Isla Granholm is the daughter of Sven and Elise Granholm, of Topsham. A home-schooled student, Isla will be starting her senior year this fall. She has been singing all her life and became a member of the KPAC chorus in September 2023. She credits directors Chuck Milazzo and Jason Giacomazzo, accompanist Christina Misner Rao, and the alto section for their guidance and encouragement.

“The chance to sing together with people who have the same deep love and passion for music is such a wonderful thing, and some of the best moments of my life have been when we finally get the harmony right and our voices just soar together.”

Since 2020, Isla has studied piano under Linda Craig, performing her first recital in April 2024 at an advanced level. She will use the KPAC scholarship to attend the Csehy Summer School of Music, in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, for two weeks this summer, where she will major in piano and participate in chamber choir and handbell ensembles.