SRTC Names Student of the Year 2021

by Kathy Sargent

Each year, Sanford Regional Technical Center selects a student as our Student of the Year.  In most years, this student is recognized with 27 additional Students of the Year at a banquet for all Career and Technical Centers throughout Maine.  This year, be watching for stories about each Student of the Year in local media.  

SRTC’s process to choose a Student of the Year involves a nomination period, applications from the students, and an interview before the selection committee.  Each year, the students are impressive, representing so many of the best qualities that comprise SRTC.  It is an honor to present these young men and women to you.  Our finalists for the Student of the Year 2021 at SRTC are:

Cole Nevison is in the Automotive Collision Repair Program and attends Noble High School.  Cole describes himself as a “…technical, hands-on person who is always looking to improve my knowledge of anything technical…” and also as “…a hard-working individual that enjoys learning new skills and putting those into action.”  Cole works as a team member for two family businesses.  Cole’s instructor, Mr. Brown says that, “…from day one, Cole has been engaged, helpful to all around him, respectful, hard working and a great student and classmate…” Cole plans to attend Southern Maine Community College in the fall to study Heavy Equipment Operation.

Noah Ouellette is a home schooled student who is completing the Automotive Technology Program this year.  Mr. Couture, Noah’s instructor says that Noah, “…has been a top notch student since the day he walked into the program…”  Not only has Mr. Couture observed Noah’s work ethic at school, but also as a mentor to him in the dealership where he works.  Mr. Couture notes that he receives nothing but positive comments about Noah from their colleagues.  Noah comments that his “…goal is to be a smart, hard worker who is striving to do everything with a spirit of excellence.  I want to be a man of good character so that people will trust that I am doing the same quality work even when no one is watching.”  Noah plans to attend the General Motors Technology Program at Lakes Region Community College next year.

Jacob Cao attends Sanford High School and SRTC’s Engineering Applications with Robotics Program. Instructor Mr. Sirois shares these words about Jacob, “He is academically gifted, yet has no ego or selfishness. He is overall one of the best students I have ever had the pleasure to have in class.”   Jacob is a person of varied interests, demonstrating interest and aptitude for science and math but also for music.  He has remained busy throughout high school with sports, academic teams and clubs, a significant amount of community service and employment along with a challenging schedule of courses. Jacob aspires to become a pioneer in new technology and plans to study at the University of Maine in the fall.  

Landon Jones is a Sanford High School student who participates in the SRTC Precision Manufacturing Program.  Landon’s instructor, Mr. Bolduc, describes Landon as someone with “…great knowledge of the subject matter, the ability to teach others…” and also as “…enjoyable, friendly, polite, earning outstanding attendance and grades.”  Landon has volunteered with the Red and White Foundation, served as a teacher’s aid for the Precision Manufacturing program and plays tennis for SHS.  Landon plans to attend Maine Maritime Academy after graduation.

SRTC’s Student of the Year for 2021 is Mary Lombardi, a senior who attends Traip Academy and SRTC’s Engineering and Architectural Design Program.  During Mary’s time at SRTC, she has achieved her Associates Certification in SolidWORKS and is working toward earning the CAM-F industry certification. In Mary’s words, “My enrollment in EAD opened my eyes to my true passion in engineering and has allowed me to focus on this passion while still in high school.  SRTC has truly been a magical experience.”In the words of Mr. Clark, SRTC Engineering and Architectural Design Instructor, “Mary is exceptionally smart and talented. She uses every second of class time working on the most difficult 3D Engineering problems I can offer. Then she will use our most advanced textbooks to push herself harder.  My words do not do her justice.” Mary plans to study Biomedical Engineering next year.