School Notes

The Sanford High School Marching Band turns in a 5-star Gold Medal performance at the State Marching Band Finals held at Alumni Stadium on Nov. 4. Originally scheduled for Oct. 28, the competition had been postponed following the Lewiston shootings.
Photo: Sanford High School

By Carolyn Cadigan 

Winning gold at Alumni Stadium: Congratulations to the Sanford High School Marching Band on their 5-star Gold Medal performance at the Maine Band Directors Association (MBDA) State Marching Band Finals at Alumni Stadium on Nov. 4. The competition had been postponed from Oct. 28 out of an abundance of caution following the Lewiston shootings. The band’s show was “The Toxic City,” in which they performed songs with Toxic themes, including selections from Brian Balmages and Radiotoxic, featuring music by Imagine Dragons and Britney Spears. They concluded their performance with The Other Side of Paradise by Glass Animals. Hailey Francoeur is the Director of Bands at Sanford High School. Terry White arranged the music. Bryan MacDonald is the Assistant Director and Visual Designer. To watch the Nov. 4 performance on WSSRTV’s YouTube page, go here. 

Yellow tulips for happiness and hope: Last week, the Sources of Strength 8th Grade Peer Leaders at Sanford Middle School (SMS) planted tulip bulbs in front of the school as part of a mental health awareness campaign called “The Yellow Tulip Project.” SMS eighth-grade student Gianna Garneau brought the idea to Mrs. Angela Avery, School Counselor, last spring and got to planting last week. All involved are looking forward to seeing the yellow tulips bloom in the spring. FMI, go here. 

SRTC students build for the future: Kiwanis in Sanford made a donation to the Sanford Regional Technical Center’s Building Trades Program, recognizing the program’s dedication to revitalizing Cobb Stadium. Kiwanis organized an effort aimed at refreshing the existing storage garage situated in the lower back corner of Cobb. They scheduled four days of work to be carried out by their members and students in the Building Trades Program. They stripped the old wood clapboard siding, replaced it with new white vinyl siding, and installed aluminum wrap trim for durability and protection for years to come. Kiwanis also donated $1,500 to the Building Trades Program, which will enhance its resources and enable them to continue providing valuable hands-on experiences to future students. FMI, go here. 

Help make Thanksgiving special for needy families:The Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce will provide 50+ turkeys to the Sanford High School Peer Helpers to add to the food boxes they distribute to needy families for Thanksgiving. Each turkey costs approximately $15. Donations to this project would be appreciated. To donate, call the chamber at 207-324-4280 or send your donation in the mail to 510 Main St., Springvale. The Chamber of Commerce will recognize all donations with a thank you on their Facebook page.  

Food drive to help those in need: The Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School is collecting non-perishable food for the Sanford Backpack program. This food drive serves many families in need within the community. Requested items include peanut butter, tuna fish, granola bars, applesauce, fruit cups, pancake mix, crackers, pasta, spaghetti sauce and canned vegetables. Donations can be dropped off at the school at 248 Twombley Rd. in Sanford.  

Tickets for a cause: The Sanford High School Travel Abroad Program is selling $10 raffle tickets as a fundraiser to help cover out-of-pocket costs for their 2024 trip to Greece. Four prizes will be awarded with winners receiving up to $300 in gift cards. Winners will be announced shortly after Thanksgiving. FMI on how to participate and what gift cards are included, go here.