by Mark Huard

Austin Ireland was trying to decide where to attend college when he was a senior at Winslow High School. That year he ended up getting the opportunity to go on some ride-alongs with local police departments and quickly realized that law enforcement was his passion. With the help of his family, Ireland decided to attend Thomas College the following year for its criminal justice program and it was one of the best decisions he’s ever made. “Since the very beginning, Thomas College was a great fit for me and helped me every step of the way to achieve my personal and professional goals. The faculty and friends I made at Thomas made my four years there not just enjoyable and exciting but some of the best years that I know I’ll cherish forever. I’m beyond excited to start a new chapter in my life and begin my career in law enforcement. I am truly thankful I had the opportunity to go to Thomas College.”

Being a law enforcement officer is something that he’s wanted to do and Thomas College has helped him achieve that goal.

Photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography staff

On February 28, Rev. Larry Lakey, of Winslow, served as Pastor of the Day, delivering the opening prayer in the Maine State Senate.

Rev. Lakey serves as senior pastor at the Winslow Baptist Church, where he has led the congregation since 2015. Originally from New Jersey, Rev. Lakey previously served in youth and children’s ministry in both Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Messiah College, in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massa­chusetts.

“It was an honor to meet Rev. Lakey today, and to have him open our day in prayer,” said Maine State Senator, Scott Cyrway, who represents Senate District 16.

 

by staff at Central Maine Photography

The day before the beginning of February vacation is known for snow sculptures, skiing, skating, snowshoeing and hot cocoa at Winslow Junior High School, and all of the recent snowstorms gave students plenty of snow to play in this year. But there was something different about this year. Marybeth Bourgoin, eighth grade social studies teacher, wanted to use part of the day to help out in the community. So with the planning and help from many school administrators, Parks and Rec Director Amanda McCaslin, Jack Nivison and about 100 students, that’s just what they did. Connections within the community were made, and the logistics planned. The students went to a housing complex in Winslow, by bus, and shoveled in shifts. Each shift lasted 1-1/2 hours, starting at 9 a.m., and 10:30 a.m. The citizens were very receptive, and pleasantly surprised to have some help moving what was in some cases, feet of snow from their walkways, porches and even clearing out dryer vents.

These students showed their community what being a part of something bigger than themselves was all about on that particular Friday. They should all be very proud of their great spirit and hard work. Many thanks to all who helped plan, transport, organize and carry out such a very important and giving project.