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First Lady Recognizes Keeping Maine’s Children Connected Awardees

June 4, 2009

AUGUSTA – First Lady Karen M. Baldacci, chair of Keeping Maine’s Children Connected Advisory Committee, today recognized youth and adults involved in the initiative to encourage kids to complete their education. The program aims to improve educational outcomes for youth whose schooling is disrupted because of homelessness, hospitalization, incarceration, foster care placement or other factors.

“This initiative recognizes that instability in a child’s life puts great pressure on their focus and ability to maintain their schoolwork,” said the First Lady. “Keeping Maine’s Children Connected helps bring dedicated individuals together to ensure that no child falls through the cracks.”

The First Lady presented awards to eight youth who have completed their education in the face of great adversity. In addition, four individuals and one group will receive awards for providing leadership in helping young people achieve their dreams.

“These awards are a unique opportunity to acknowledge those individuals who go above and beyond their jobs to support Maine’s youth as well as to acknowledge youth who have persevered in their lives to continue their education,” said Susan Lieberman, Director of Keeping Maine’s Children Connected.

Eight Maine youth were recognized and acknowledged as young adults who inspire others with their dedication and perseverance to complete their education despite the many challenges they face. They are from all over the State, from Aroostook to York County, and include: Candace Fleury, a student at Southern Maine Community College; Danielle Young, a student at Lake Region High School; Charity Axe, a student at Carleton Project in Houlton; Julia Miles, a student at University of Augusta at Bangor; and Jeremiah Dumais, a student at Messalonskee High School.

Individuals are acknowledged for their extraordinary efforts and leadership in ensuring that all youth have the necessary tools and the opportunity to complete their education and achieve their dreams. This year’s “Great People Who Rock” are: Sara Meerse, a lawyer with Kid’s Legal, a statewide project at Pine Tree Legal Assistance; Ann Roach, Guidance Counselor with SAD #37; Mary Seaman, a Homeless Coordinator at Lewiston high School; and Tony Veit, Case Manager at Youth and Family Services, Inc. based in Skowhegan.

Sanford School community members Doug Roberts, Officer Mike Gordon and Officer Tipper Thornton were the recipients of the “Great Team Who Rocks” award for their collaborative, strength-building work creating positive change for youth in their community.

In addition to their recognition, three of the youth honored received $200 educational scholarships made possible by grants provided by the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Maine and Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution.

“As a mutual community bank, we are very committed to supporting education, and more importantly, programs that involve the youth in our communities,” said Donald Lauzier, Vice President of Community Relations at Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution. “We are extremely proud of the young people who have embraced this program to make a better life for themselves,” adds Lauzier.

Keeping Maine’s Children Connected is an initiative of the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet, which is also chaired by the First Lady.

For more information, visit http://www.maine.gov/education/speced/kmcc/index.htm