Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation Dedications and Sponsorship

John Cochin with his grandchildren

by Sam Bonsey

John Cochin Honored with Baseball Field and Chemistry Lab Dedication

The Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation recently held a dedication ceremony to honor John Cochin, a beloved former Sanford High School baseball coach and teacher. The event, which took place at the baseball field at Sanford High School on Friday, July 14th, brought together Cochin’s family, friends, fans, former players, and students to celebrate his legacy.

The crowd at the ceremony was a testament to Cochin’s profound impact on the community and his outstanding contributions to Sanford High School. Kendra Williams, the Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation’s President, began the dedication with a few kind words. Then former players Paul Auger and Andy Adams, along with Cochin’s daughter, Kristi Cochin-Peters, Roland Cote, and David Parent, had the privilege of speaking at the event, sharing anecdotes and fond memories.

“The positive effect he has had on thousands of students and athletes not only spanned decades but spanned generations,” Auger said. “The life lessons he taught in the classroom and on the baseball field have been passed down as the students and players themselves, parents, coaches and teachers. John Cochin has left an indelible mark on his community – one that will never be forgotten.” 

John Cochin’s lifelong connection to Sanford as a resident, teacher, coach, sports writer and water district trustee resonated deeply with the community. A 1955 graduate of Sanford High School, he returned after college and began his 48-year teaching career in Sanford, beginning as a Junior High science teacher and then as a long-time chemistry teacher at Sanford High School. Cochin’s impact extended far beyond the classroom, as he became head baseball coach in 1972, leading the team to a state title in 1978.  He was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.

“If there’s anybody in the whole state of Maine that has not received the recognition that he deserves, it’s John Cochin,” said Roland Cote, one of John’s former colleagues and best friends. “He was a great coach, and he was very, very good with his players.”

Following the speeches, Cochin’s daughters surrounded him while his grandchildren unveiled the sign that now hangs high on the backstop at the new Cochin Field. Following the ceremony on the field, Cochin and his family were escorted into the school where a chemistry classroom was also dedicated in his honor. 
For more about John Cochin, click here.

John Cochin with Superintendent Matt Nelson and SHS Principal Amanda Doyle

Eldredge Lumber and Hardware Sponsors Sanford Regional Technical Center’s Landscape and Horticulture Program

Eldredge Lumber and Hardware on Main Street in Sanford recently signed on to sponsor the Sanford Regional Technical Center’s Landscape and Horticulture Program.
Adam and Lindsey Eldredge came by Sanford High School on Friday, July 14th, to visit the newly named Eldredge Lumber Landscaping and Horticulture Classroom and Greenhouse at Sanford Regional Technical Center.

The Eldredge sponsorship will help to fund horticulture-related programs from grades Pre-K to 12 throughout the Sanford School District.

For more about the Eldredge donation, click here.

Lorraine Chick Honored with the Naming of Two Business Classrooms

L to R: Steve Cabana and Ann Lapierre of Town Square Realty Group; Lorraine’s daughters, Janice and Joanne Chick; Superintendent Matt Nelson; Kendra Williams from the Legacy Foundation, and SHS Principal Amanda Doyle.

The Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation recently raised money to name two classrooms at Sanford High School in honor of Lorraine Chick, a well-respected business teacher at SHS for nearly three decades.
During her tenure, she taught a range of business classes, including bookkeeping, and is remembered by many former students for her influence in providing them with the knowledge they needed to begin their own businesses.

Her daughters, Janice and Joanne, were present to witness their mother’s naming dedication on Tuesday, July 11th, at Sanford High School.

For more about Lorraine Chick, click here.