School Notes
- January 17th 2025
- School Notes
This winning design package, submitted by Sanford Regional Technical Center student Deanna Watson, was chosen in a statewide competition to brand the Maine SkillsUSA Leadership Conference.
Photo: Sanford School Department
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
SRTC student’s design chosen best in the state: Sanford Regional Technical Center student Deanna Watson, from Massabesic High School, won the statewide competition to brand the Maine SkillsUSA Leadership Conference, which will take place this March in Bangor. Each year, student members are invited to compete by creating a cohesive design package that reflects the theme, the state, and the organization. Designs must be developed with multiple uses in mind, such as on t-shirts and pins, for production during opening and closing sessions, and to represent the state association at events throughout the year. Congratulations, Deanna!
Scholarships give Maine students a boost toward higher education: The 2025 Mitchell Scholarship online application is open through March 1. The Mitchell Institute, a Maine-based nonprofit scholarship and research organization founded by Senator George J. Mitchell, has committed to awarding at least one $10,000 scholarship annually to a graduating student from each of Maine’s public high schools. FMI, including the application link, go here.
The Clyde Russell Scholarship Fund (CRSF), created by the Maine Education Association, is offering two college scholarship opportunities for Maine graduating seniors. Awards of up to $2,000 are available for those seniors who will attend a Maine community college, and up to $10,000 to those who will attend a four-year college. Applications are available on CRSF’s website. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1. FMI and access to the application, go here.
SMS student’s innovative idea earns national recognition: Seventh-grader Paityn Ricker’s leadership in Sanford Middle School’s Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) program helped bring an idea to fruition to support student wellness throughout the day. Working with her JMG classmates and teacher Tara Houle, Ricker helped create “SnackDash,” a program that provides free snacks to students, bridging the gap between meals. “I know how hard it is to focus when you’re hungry,” says Ricker. “Sometimes I don’t have a snack to eat, so I’m starving for hours before lunch. I realized many of my classmates face the same challenge, and some may not have access to food at home either.” Out of hundreds of student initiatives nationwide, Ricker’s project caught the attention of the Foundation for Impact on Literacy and Learning (FILL) and Albertsons Companies Foundation’s Nourishing Neighbors Program, earning the school a grant to expand their efforts. Read the full story here.
Never win anything? You may sing a different tune with these odds: The students and parents of the Sanford Schools Music Department are holding a February calendar raffle fundraiser where every ticket has a chance to win every day. Prizes include credits at area eateries and businesses, tickets to SPAC performances and the Maine Mariners, a board game basket and more. A winning ticket will be drawn daily and will be re-entered for all future drawings. Tickets, which cost $10 each or 3 for $20, may be purchased until Jan. 31. FMI and to order tickets, see your local band student or contact Sanford Music Boosters on their Facebook page, by email at shsmusicboosters@gmail.com, or call 207-651-2142.
SRTC application period is open: High school students interested in applying for a program at Sanford Regional Technical Center for the coming 2025-2026 school year have until Feb. 28 to apply. FMI on the programs offered and the application process, go here.
Kick off your shoes and dance: Sanford Middle School will hold a dance/block party for students in grades 6, 7 and 8 on Jan. 23, 5 pm to 6:30 pm, in the school cafeteria. The colors of the Golden Rose Party are white, rose, gold, and hints of pink. Semi-formal attire is optional, leaving it up to the students if they want to dress up for the occasion. Students should be picked up promptly at 6:30 pm.
Food, fun and fundraising: St. Thomas School has two Dining-to-Donate events scheduled with local businesses. The first will save you precious meal prep time. On Jan. 23, Above & Beyond Catering, 49 Shaw’s Ridge Rd. in Sanford, will be accepting online orders for oven-ready, take-out meals. On Feb. 2 from 1 pm to 7 pm, join River Junction Brewing, 1491 Main St. in Sanford, for family-friendly games, conversation and craft beer on tap. You can even bring your own snacks. St. Thomas School will receive a portion of each sale at these events.
Sanford school happenings: For more news from the Sanford School District, read the January 2025 edition of the “Sanford Spotlight” newsletter here.
