Region 10 students earn medals in SkillsUSA event

The following members of the Region 10 Technical High School SkillsUSA Team participated at the SkillsUSA Maine State Leadership & Skills Conference in Bangor on March 2.

Brunswick High School

Michael Black, state T-shirt design, silver medalist; Cody Carter, observer; Rachael Eramo, first aid/CPR; Megan Morse, advertising design, bronze medalist; Jade Parker, medical terminology; Gage Sommerville, state pin design, silver medalist

Freeport High School

Logan Baumli, job interview, bronze medalist; Kallista Chandler, early childhood education; Jasmen Libby, collision repair tool identification, bronze medalist; James Minieri, courtesy corps; Kendra Thatcher, prepared speech.

Mt. Ararat High School

Jacob Kirchner, automotive refinishing, silver medalist; Daniel Pratt, collision repair tool identification, silver medalist; Devonia Redlon, observer.

SkillsUSA Maine engages students in leadership and employability opportunities as a component of Career Technical Education (vocational) instruction. The program is recognized by industry, state agencies and local school divisions as a solution to career readiness and closing the skills gap.

‘Read Aloud’ reaches thousands of Mid-Coast children

Over 200 Mid-Coast community volunteers read to over 4,000 local children in elementary school classrooms, child care centers, and Head Start centers from Waldoboro to Brunswick on the anniversary of Dr. Seuss’ birthday March 2. 

United Way’s annual Community Read Aloud organizes local residents who share the love of reading with young children and show them adults in their community care about them.

“It’s hard to say who enjoys this more, the children or the volunteers,” said Barbara Reinertsen, United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s executive director. “Every year we have volunteers who tell us that reading to these enthusiastic children was the high point of their week – or maybe year! And of course, we believe the children benefit by being introduced to other adults, outside of their teachers and families, who care about them and enjoy reading. It’s a great way to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday.”

Volunteer Lois Skillings, CEO and president of Mid Coast Health Services, read at the West Bath School and said, “This week one of the teachers (who was dressed up like Thing 1 from Dr. Seuss,) read a book. It was so great to see all of the students captivated hearing the story and the wonderful community energy in the room.”

Schoolteacher Jennifer Harris said, “Community Read Aloud Day is one of my favorite days at West Bath School because my students are joyful and engaged. This opportunity allows them time to practice kindness and respect with community members.” 

Peter Lindsay of United Way says, “Our Success By 6 Initiative here at United Way has a long-term goal of promoting the importance of reading with young children, even starting at birth.”

Nominations sought for Mainsail Award

The deadline to submit nominations for The Mainsail Award, given by the Morse High School School Community Liaison Council. is Friday, April 6. 

The award recognizes people who have made outstanding contributions to benefit the youth of the greater Bath community. Nominees should exemplify the ideals of American citizenship such as respect and honesty, justice, individual freedom and equal opportunity.

The nominee should have made a major contribution to the school, community, state, or nation, and be a current or past resident of the greater Bath area. On May 23, the S.C.L.C. will formally present the award at an assembly at Morse High School.

Current Morse students, current S.C.L.C. members, and current Regional School Unit 1 employees are not eligible. The S.C.L.C. gives preference to individuals (as opposed to a single nomination for a husband and wife, for example,) and to Morse High School alumni. However, a joint award could be considered. Applications can be found at www.RSU1.org, and questions can be directed to Lindsay Davis at ldavis@rsu1.org

Volunteer reader Janine Lipfert from Bath Savings Institution enjoys sharing a story with children during United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s 19th Annual Community Read Aloud earlier this month.Lois Skillings reads to a group of students at West Bath School during the annual Read Aloud event sponsored by United Way of Mid Coast Maine. More than a dozen Mid-Coast students competed at the SkillsUSA Maine State Leadership & Skills Conference this year. Medal winners were, back row from left, Jacob Kirchner, Michael Black, Jasmen Libby, Gage Sommerville and Daniel Pratt. In front are Megan Morse and Logan Baumli.More than a dozen Mid-Coast students competed at the SkillsUSA Maine State Leadership & Skills Conference this year. Medal winners were, back row from left, Jacob Kirchner, Michael Black, Jasmen Libby, Gage Sommerville and Daniel Pratt. In front are Megan Morse and Logan Baumli.