At-risk Youth Educators Honored

Commissioner recognizes seven for their alternative ed work

May 21, 2009

Education Commissioner Sue Gendron, along with Governor John Baldacci and Jonathan Ross, past-chair of the Truancy, Dropout, and Alternative Education Advisory Committee presented awards to seven teachers and others who have made a significant contribution to meeting the needs of children and youth at risk in their schools and/or communities at a Blaine House event Thursday.

Recipients are chosen because of their impact on young people whose lives might have turned out quite differently if not for the caring and intervention of these individuals. The awardees have worked to create caring, respectful and safe learning environments for students while supporting them academically to attain the Maine Learning Results standards.

Awards were presented to: David Morris, an alternative education teacher in the Alpha Program in the Brewer School Department; David A. Hopkins, a civic leader, and past administrator for MSAD 6, based in Standish; Lillie Hanlon, administrative assistant to the director of the Real School in Windham; Sophie Payson, a social worker for the Portland High School Alternative Program; Nathan T. Larlee, an alternative education teacher in the Zenith Program at Camden Hills Regional High School; Keith Morang, a special education teacher at Monmouth Academy; William E. "Bill” Davis, founder of the Institute for the Study of Students at Risk at the University of Maine.

“The seven individuals being recognized today have some important qualities in common,” said Governor Baldacci. “Every day they give their time, energy and heart to the youth of Maine. They are the main reason why some youth stay in school or have re-engaged with school. And they do not accept failure in students, but collaborate with school and community members to create pathways of success and support along the way.”

Gendron said all of the recipients are resourceful and do “whatever it takes” to help each student become successful.

“None of these seven accepts failure in their students and they support them in being successful in their lives,” said Gendron. “Every student has a special gift, and we cannot afford to lose that.”

Local school district dropout prevention committees submitted nominations to the state Advisory Committee on Truancy, Dropout and Alternative Education, which advises the Commissioner on what causes students to be truant or to drop out, and methods to address the issues.

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Detailed information on each of the honorees, submitted by their nominators:

David Morris, an alternative education teacher in the Alpha Program in the Brewer School Department

The success and excellence emanating the ALPHA program is due to the leadership of David Morris. Morris has perspective and the understanding necessary to motivate these young teens. He is incredibly caring and literally saves these young people from non-productive citizens, in some cases, destructive lives. Every June, graduating seniors are required to write essays reflecting on their school experience and their future plans. To a student Morris is cited as their main reason for returning to school. Two years ago one senior thanked Morris for letting him return to “alt ed” several times. He understood that it took time to realize the importance of a high school diploma and despite his many poor choices Morris was always there to lend a hand offering his unwavering support and encouragement.

David A. Hopkins, a civic leader, and past administrator for MSAD 6, based in Standish

Hopkins’ entire adult life has been dedicated to working with youth at risk. Hopkins’ career in education began in the 1960’s, working as an elementary teaching principal in Unity. He went to work in Belfast, Rockport, and Eliot, Maine before coming to MSAD #6 to serve as the Principal of Bonny Eagle Junior High School from 1970 – 1979. Hopkins then went on to serve as the Superintendent in MSAD #6, MSAD #8, and elsewhere. Throughout his professional career, Hopkins has developed a positive rapport with some of his most challenging students and has played the role of surrogate parent at times, going above and beyond the call of duty to provide support and direction for individuals in need.

Hopkins proudly tells his peers that he still maintains connections with many of his former students to this day. In his ‘retirement,’ Hopkins has found numerous ways to stay connected to youth at-risk. Over the years he has worked as a substitute teacher, as a volunteer at the Maine Youth Center, and as assistant manager at a group home for troubled teenagers. Hopkins recently shared a story about a young man who lives in MSAD #6. The young man did not graduate from high school with his peers and was often in trouble with the law. Hopkins and his wife invited the young man to live in their home for a year. With Hopkins’ support and guidance the young man earned his G.E.D. enrolled in community college and now is a productive member of the community.

Lillie Hanlon, administrative assistant to the director of the Real School in Windham

So many people give up on challenging students and don’t bother to look deeper into the child’s heart. Hanlon does that. Hanlon’s fierce love and determination does not allow failure. Hanlon is the first one to hold students accountable, but also the first one to lend a shoulder to cry on or helping hand in time of need. She’s always there for them – giving them the advice, understanding, a shoulder, or love that they need at any given moment. They know she won’t let them down. Hanlon tells it like it is and the students respect that. Just ask anyone who has passed through the doors of the REAL School in the past 25 years and they will undoubtedly tell you that Lillie Hanlon has always been the “heart and soul” of the school. Twenty-five years ago, Hanlon was a mother in search of a school that “understood” her child and could offer him the type of educational setting that would get him excited about learning. What she found was a small, innovative school offering the academics that her son needed with the unique mix of adventure-based programming to keep him wanting to come back day after day. In turn, the school acquired a gem that would become an invaluable resource for years to come .Her warmth, humor and passion light up the REAL school.

Sophie Payson, a social worker for the Portland High School Alternative Program

Payson has been an integral part of the Portland High School Alternative Education Program for the past 5 years. In that time, the numbers of students enrolled and attending the program has doubled. These are kids who have in many cases given up on school and are encouraged and supported to return by Payson. Mike Johnson, Principal of PHS, often says that Payson spends more time in kitchens than in school visiting the homes of students who face significant barriers to their education. When a student faces circumstances which do not allow him/her to pursue a high school diploma, she connects that student with important community resources such as Adult Education, Youth Building Alternatives or Job Corps.

Nathan T. Larlee, an alternative education teacher in the Zenith Program at Camden Hills Regional High School

Larlee was hired in 2004 as a Life Science and Math Teacher for the Zenith Program, which is the Alternative Program of Camden Hills Regional High School. Previous to that position he worked with at-risk students as the College-Prep Program Coordinator for Upward Bound at the University of Maine. He passionately understands the importance of connecting with at-risk students and balances this with a strong commitment to increasing academic skills while continuously challenging individual levels of learning through classroom differentiation. On a daily basis, Larlee carefully observes student reactions, student work, and student perceptions to gain a better understanding of how to reach them on both an emotional and intellectual level. He is a master at engaging students in academic material while consistently maintaining mindfulness of their place in life. His student’s say that Nate” Breaks down academics so concepts are understandable”, and “He is always there for you” He puts you first.”

Keith Morang, a special education teacher at Monmouth Academy

As a special education teacher at Monmouth Academy, Morang has established multiple individual alternative plans for students who have struggled for a myriad of reasons, including behavioral and attendance issues, low academic achievement, family dysfunction, and poor personal choices leading to legal troubles. He collaborates with teachers to help students develop and monitor manageable, achievable goals that increase the opportunity for learning and long-term success; moreover, he will not accept failure from his students-in the classroom, on the athletic field, and on the streets. In everything he does Morang is Monmouth Academy’s one-man dropout prevention committee.

William E. "Bill” Davis, founder of the Institute for the Study of Students at Risk at the University of Maine

Throughout his entire professional career, Davis’ teaching and research have focused on the needs of disenfranchised and marginalized youth. Davis graduated from Central Junior High School in East Providence, Rhode Island in 1951. He has always considered this to be his most important academic achievement, and consequently, his junior high diploma was the sole diploma that he displayed in his office at the University of Maine- a constant reminder of the struggles that many students experience as they attempt to navigate this thing called ‘school”. After teaching in public schools for seven years and working in a residential facility for children and adults with mental retardation. Davis received a Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Connecticut. He came to the University of Maine in 1969 as an Assistant Professor of Special Education. He taught and conducted research at the University for 38 years until his retirement in 2008. In 1988, Davis founded the Institute for the Study of Students At Risk at the University of Maine and served as its Director for 20 years. He is the author or co-author of 24 books and monographs and more than 70 articles within the fields of education and mental health.

David Connerty-Marin, 624-6880 | Shelley Reed 624-6637

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At-risk Youth Educators Honored