Erskine Academy student to participate in Poetry Out Loud State Finals

Erskine Academy

As Poetry Out Loud celebrates its 20th anniversary, Maine’s most talented high school students took the stage at the Poetry Out Loud State Finals, on Monday, March 3, at 5 p.m., at the Waterville Opera House. This milestone year honors two decades of inspiring students across the country to explore poetry through recitation, building confidence, public speaking skills, and a lifelong appreciation for literature. This year, 11 outstanding student poets from across Maine have advanced through school and regional competitions to compete for the state title. Erskine Academy is pleased to announce that freshman Stella Martinelli, of Whitefield, has advanced to the State Finals competition.

The Maine State Champion will receive a $200 prize and advance to the National Finals in Washington, D.C., where they will compete for $50,000 in scholarships and school stipends. The state champion’s school will receive $500 to support poetry materials, while the first runner-up will be awarded $100, with $200 for their school. The Poetry Foundation administers all monetary prizes and travel arrangements for national finalists.

This free and public event was live streamed by Portland Media Center on the Maine Arts Commission Facebook page, with a final produced broadcast available later in the year.

Husson University Online celebrates Term 4 academic award recipients

Husson University Online has announced the academic achievements of students recently named to the president’s list, dean’s list and honors list for Term 4 of the 2023-2024 academic year. Courses for full-time online undergraduate students are offered over the course of seven weeks. This accelerated timeframe provides adult learners with an opportunity to balance existing personal and professional commitments as they complete their studies.

Full-time online students must be enrolled as an undergraduate, carry a full-time load of 12 credit hours over the course of 21 weeks, complete all attempted courses in the time allotted, and achieve a designated semester grade-point average. Credits from pass/fail classes do not qualify toward meeting the minimum credit hour requirement.

President’s List: 3.80 to 4.0 semester grade-point average

Dean’s List: 3.60 to 3.79 semester grade-point average

Honor’s List: 3.40 to 3.59 semester grade-point average

Ashley Castagnetto, of Winslow, – President’s List – BS Healthcare Administration & Public Health;

Sarah Rodrigue, of Cornville, – President’s List – BS Accounting;

Vivian Tschamler, of Whitefield, – Dean’s List – BS Psychology.

PHOTO: RSU#12 takes part in Special Olympics bowling event

Representing RSU #12 (Palermo, Chelsea, Windsor, Whitefield) with pride, students competed in a local Special Olympics bowling event. These students gave their best effort and demonstrated the values of perseverance, teamwork, and determination. This annual event brought together athletes from across the region to compete, make new friends, and celebrate their achievements.Their participation in the Special Olympics bowling event showcases the district’s commitment to inclusion and highlights the extraordinary talents within the RSU #12 community. Pictured, front row, from left to right, Anderson Hines, Elias Vashon, Draven Ruby, Jayden Clark, Aria Goethe, Christina Bell, and Holly Morgan. Back row, Kynlee Staples, Allison Storm, Tara Delisle, Lincoln Heiss, Liam Brown, and Mark Leavitt. Absent, Isabelle Zarate. (Contributed photo)

CAMPAIGN 2024: Candidates address issues concerning Maine voters (Part 4)

LETTERS: Business owner supports Farrin

To the editor:

As a small business owner, I know how exciting – and challenging – it can be to start up and keep your dream alive.

That’s why I am enthusiastically voting for Wayne Farrin as Maine’s State House Representative of District #47 (Alna, Jefferson, Whitefield, and Wiscasset).

Having spoken to him personally about the importance of our local businesses, our small town main streets, and our incredible community here in Maine, I am confident that Wayne is the candidate who will best support our business owners and local economy.

Wayne’s policy proposals are smart and practical. As a business owner himself, he deeply understands what’s working as well as what’s needed. And he truly cares about lifting up and supporting all folks in our community.

No matter your political party, I hope you join me in investing in Maine’s vibrant businesses and communities by voting for Wayne Farrin in November.

Lucy Flores
Wiscasset

LETTERS: Wayne Farrin listens to your worries

To the editor:

Forty years ago, I moved to Wiscasset from “away,” and ever since, my husband’s been explaining to me what it means to be a real Mainer. He’s talked about honesty, resourcefulness, and independence. He’s mentioned optimism and the willingness to lend a hand. Wayne Farrin, candidate for state representative in District #47 (Alna, Jefferson, Whitefield, and Wiscasset), has these qualities. Wayne, who has worked hard since he was a little boy in South Bristol, now balances two jobs: real estate agent and co-owner, with his wife, of the Jefferson Market. In both, he meets all kinds of people. He listens to their worries and their joys. He wants to tackle problems that affect our whole community, including the lack of affordable housing and the difficulty of running a small business. Wayne is the genuine article. (My husband agrees!) Regardless of your political party, give Wayne your vote on November 5.

Anne Leslie
Wiscasset

CAMPAIGN 2024: Candidates address issues concerning Maine voters (Part 3)

Whitefield Lions Club honors six area students (2024)

The Whitefield Lions Club has recognized six local graduating seniors. These students will receive a $1,000 scholarship towards furthering their education. Each year the Whitefield Lions Club Scholarship Committee chooses among deserving applicants based on hard work, perseverance, leadership, community service and career goals.

This year the club is proud to recognize six outstanding individuals. Caliegh Crocker, of Windsor, attending Husson University Nursing program, Carson Hallowell, of Jefferson, to attend EMCC Plumbing program, Nolan Burgess, of Whitefield, attending UMO for Education, Reese Sullivan, of Windsor, attending Husson University studying forensic science, Tara Hanley, of Vassalboro, attending UMO to become a dietitian, and Abigail Kopp, of Jefferson, attending Endicott College majoring in Exercise Science with the plan of attending graduate school for Physical Therapy.

Nolan Burgess receives MPA award

Nolan Burgess

Headmaster Jamie Soule has announced that Nolan Burgess, of Whitefield, a senior at Erskine Academy, in South China, has been selected to receive the 2024 Principal’s Award. The award, sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association, recognizes a high school senior’s academic excellence, outstanding school citizenship, and leadership.

Burgess is a consistent high-honors student in a highly competitive academic program that includes honors or accelerated level classes and numerous Advanced Placement and Concurrent Enrollment courses with nearby colleges. He has been commended and honored within the school for his exceptional academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and community service. Burgess has received awards for outstanding achievement in Social Studies, Advanced Mathematics courses, and Spanish, and he is currently ranked among the top students in Erskine Academy’s Class of 2024.

“Nolan has demonstrated outstanding dedication, integrity, and a commitment to excellence in all endeavors. He personifies the school’s core values of scholarship, leadership, stewardship, and relationships, and he is an excellent representative of Erskine Academy,” noted Headmaster Soule.

Burgess, Soule, and other award winners and their principals will attend an Honors Luncheon at Jeff’s Catering on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. The event recognizes outstanding students by presenting a plaque and awarding ten $1,000 scholarships in the names of former Maine principals and MPA Executive Directors: Horace O. McGowan, Richard W. Tyler, and Richard A. Durost.

Local student named to UAF chancellor’s list

Jeff Beyea, of Whitefield, has been named to the fall 2022 chancellor’s list at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska.