School Notes

Matthew Hebert, a student at Sanford High School, earns his Direct Support Professional certificate.

Photo: Great Bay Services

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

SHS student earns his DSP certification: Just days after turning 17, Sanford High School (SHS) student Matthew Hebert received his Direct Support Professional (DSP) certificate from Great Bay Services. Hebert completed the DSP certificate as part of an Extended Learning Opportunity in which he also played an instrumental role in developing the Unified Basketball Program between Great Bay Services and SHS. The requirements to earn the certificate include being 17 years or older and completing the Maine College of Direct Support coursework. Certification is required for DSPs supporting Maine citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

SHS band marches right into first place:On Sept. 28, the Sanford High School Marching Band performed at the US Bands New England Invitational, held at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, and earned a first place finish in their Division III Class A section with 79.2 points. The band swept all available caption awards in best music, best percussion, best effect, best visual, and best color guard. The competition featured over 15 bands from various parts of New England, with the SHS band being the only band from Maine. Read the full story here.

Free flu vax clinics: The Sanford School Department will be offering free influenza vaccination clinics for students this month. Parents are encouraged to complete the online consent forms for their children by the deadlines. Forms must be submitted one week prior to the clinic date. Accurate insurance information is requested, if available. Students without insurance will still be vaccinated with a completed form. Clinic dates: Oct. 15: Margaret Chase Smith and Sanford Pride Elementary; Oct. 16: Carl J. Lamb Elementary and Sanford Middle School; and Oct. 18: Sanford High School and BRIDGE. FMI and access to the online consent forms, go here.

SRTC teacher named co-winner of Maine educator award: Susan Lamoreau, an Academy of Business teacher at Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC), was recently named one of two recipients of the 2024-2025 Maine Jump$tart Coalition Financial Educator of the Year Award. She will be recognized at the upcoming Fostering Financial Education in Maine Schools Conference, which is held annually in May. Lamoreau joined SRTC in the fall of 2013, where she started the Academy of Business Program. In this dual enrollment program, students earn both high school and college credits in the areas of Business, Finance, Marketing, Management, Entrepreneurship and Computer Applications. Read the full story here.

SRTC students explore a future in the maritime industry: Over 200 Sanford Regional Technical Center students attended Maritime Industry Day in Portsmouth on Oct. 2. The students were able to interact with employers and tour the USS Albacore as part of the kick-off to October’s Manufacturer’s Month.

Scholarship opportunity for AFCU members: Atlantic Federal Credit Union is now accepting applications for their $2,500 Amable A. and Vivian Caron College Scholarship. Long-time members of the credit union, Amable A. and Vivian Caron wanted to help young members pursue higher education. Applicants must be enrolled in a Fall 2024 undergraduate or graduate program. To enter, applicants must fill out an application form and submit a 250- to 350-word essay about their favorite mentor and how they have impacted the applicant’s life. The deadline is Nov. 18. The recipient of the $2,500 scholarship will be chosen at random from all entrants that qualify. AFCU members can apply and get details, including the scholarship rules and requirements, here.