School Notes

Sanford Middle School’s Xyla Kurz, Jay Bouley-Capprotta and Sophia Guy were chosen to attend Girls’ Day, held at the Maine State House on April 29.

Photo: Sanford School Department

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Girls’ Day out in Augusta for three SMS leaders: Three Sanford Middle School students participated in Girls’ Day at the State House in Augusta on April 29. Xyla Kurz, Jay Bouley-Capprotta and Sophia Guy joined other nominated girls from across Maine for this special educational opportunity. Participants learned about the legislative process, including how bills become laws, and had valuable opportunities to speak with elected officials, policy professionals, activists and organizers.

According to Colleen Quartararo, school counselor, “These girls were chosen through nominations from their teachers and staff at SMS. It was an impressive honor to be chosen and then, of course, they followed through with their leadership qualities during the virtual meetings and the powerful in-person day at the Capitol. They made us all proud.”

The Girls’ Day program provides young women with insights into government and leadership while fostering connections with peers and mentors across the state. “I really liked getting to know some other people’s thoughts on why or why not we should have high schools start later and just learn new things,” said Sophia Guy about her experience. “I met a lot of leaders I would never have met!”

Students, earn community service hours outdoors, on the water: The Loon Pond Betterment Association is looking for volunteers to help eradicate Chinese Mystery Snails from Loon Pond. A variety of positions are available for the project, which will run June through September. Dates and times will vary and are flexible. If interested, email loonpond@gmail.com or call Judy Weber at 207-432-2975 for more detailed information.

Elks honor top graduates and student accomplishments: On May 8, the Sanford Elks held its annual Youth Banquet honoring the top 50 academically ranked students at Sanford High School (SHS). The banquet also announced the top 10 graduates and additional student awards. For the Class of 2025, the top 10 graduates were Rishi Patel, Samone Gallagher, Rowan Winchell, Elsie Gendron, Hannah Morgan, Corinna Vitale, Tala Soule, Jennifer Danis, Daviney Sar and Ariana Spiller.

A number of seniors were recognized for their accomplishments over the last few years, including Samone Gallagher as SHS Student of the Year, Connor Rice as SHS Male Teen of the Year, and Tala Soule as SHS Female Teen of the Year. Sanford Regional Technical Center also recognized Connor Rice (Academy of Business program) as Sanford SRTC Male of the Year and Natalie Green (Emergency Medical Services & Firefighting program) as Sanford SRTC Female of the Year. Additionally, Brady Adams and Audrey Payeur were awarded Sanford Elks scholarships.

SRTC expands programs for the next school year: Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) will be offering two new programs in the 2025-2026 school year — Baking & Pastry and Sports Medicine — in response to growing student interest and an anticipated demand for those jobs both in Maine and nationally. Both programs include two academic years and focus on hands-on learning gained through internships, job shadows or apprenticeships through SRTC’s cooperative education program.

The Sports Medicine program aims to prepare students for careers in athletic training, physical therapy, and sports psychology, among other fields. SRTC’s program will offer students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through internships, service leaning and shadowing with athletic trainers. Baking & Pastry students will gain hands-on culinary training in a student-run restaurant environment. The first year will focus on foundational skills such as bread making, basic pastry and cake production, and kitchen safety. In the second year, students will focus on pastries, cake decoration and bakery management, while also working toward their ServSafe certification.

According to Matt Petermann, SRTC Director, the programs are funded for the first three years through the ED 279 funding process. Petermann said the school built in budgeting flexibility to adapt to future costs. After the expected period, funding will depend on enrollment numbers. Read the full story in The Spartan Times here.

Wondering about camp options for kids this summer? The Basics Sanford has published a list of local summer camps for 2025 with details and links to additional information. Access the list here.

SHS spring concert features musical talent and student achievement: Sanford High School (SHS) held its annual spring concert on May 6 at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, featuring performances by multiple student ensembles under the direction of Ryan Geary, director of choirs, and Hailey Francoeur, director of bands. The choral program included performances by Vox Sparta, Select Treble Choir, Sanford Chamber Singers, SSA Choir, TTB Choir and Chorale. The instrumental portion featured the SHS Band Ensembles performing pieces that included Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” by the Wind Ensemble, and a world premiere of “The Great Revival,” composed by student Timothy McGee and performed by the Concert Band.

During the concert, Geary recognized several vocal students for their achievements. Five students made the District One Honor Festival Choirs this year, including Annika Hamblin, Meredith Schoenherr, Ava Fagan, Hope Abbott-Eaton, and Calleigh Bill. Geary also announced that several students will be participating in the All-State festival in Orono next week — Meredith Schoenherr (Treble Choir), Lillian Poto (All-State Mixed Choir) and Hope Abbott-Eaton. Abbott-Eaton, a senior, was also recognized as a three-time District Choir and two-time All-State singer who will attend the University of Southern Maine for vocal performance. Read more here.

111 SRTC students inducted into technical honor society: Over 100 Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) students were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) during a ceremony held on May 8 at the Sanford Performing Arts Center. The event celebrated the achievements of students who have demonstrated excellence in career and technical education programs. The ceremony, which recognized students from SRTC’s various technical programs, honored both returning members and welcomed new junior and senior inductees. In his address, SRTC Director Matt Petermann highlighted how each inductee has distinguished themselves in their chosen field through “perseverance, technical excellence and visionary thinking.”

Harper Dragon, a 2024 NTHS inductee, delivered a speech about the seven core values that define NTHS membership: scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, honesty, skill and responsibility. “Becoming a member of the National Technical Honor Society at SRTC means more than a line on a resume,” Dragon explained. “It’s a promise, a promise to lead with integrity, to serve with humility, and to pursue excellence in every corner of life.” Read the full story here.

YMCA summer camp lets kids follow their passion: Registration is now open for Focused Fun at Camp Muscatawa, which offers two sessions this summer: July 14-18 and July 21-25. The camp, hosted by the Sanford-Springvale YMCA, gives campers in grades 5-8 the chance to explore the great outdoors, experience art with a variety of mediums, or build and test creative gadgets and vehicles — whatever their specific area of interest is. FMI, contact Jordan Godin, Camp Coordinator, at jgodin@sanfordymca.org.