Sanford Pride Elementary School teacher Michelle Payeur has joined a group of New England educators nominated for the 2024 Wasabi Fenway Bowl Honor Roll, a program celebrating teachers who make extraordinary contributions to their students and communities. Payeur was selected from a pool of over 1,000 nominated educators across New England for this recognition, which celebrates education professionals who have gone above and beyond to support their students and communities. The news of this honor arrived with an unexpected email notification. "At first, I almost deleted the email thinking it was spam," Payeur said. "But when I saw it mentioned Fenway, I decided to take a closer look. I'm really glad I did." The honor came with an invitation to attend the 2024 Wasabi Fenway Bowl on December 28th – the first college football bowl game ever played at Fenway Park and the first Division 1 bowl game in New England history. A Sanford success story herself, Payeur graduated from Sanford High School in 2004 before pursuing her education degree at the University of Maine. She returned to her hometown to begin her teaching career in 2009. What makes this recognition even more special is its roots in the local community – the nomination came from someone who knows Payeur's impact firsthand: a building substitute teacher whose child spent two years in her classroom. During the bowl game celebration, Payeur had the opportunity to connect with fellow honored educators from across New England. "It was incredible to meet other educators and hear their stories," she said."Despite teaching different grade levels and subjects, we found so many similarities in our experiences." Each year, the Wasabi Fenway Bowl Honor Roll selects 15 outstanding educators from the nominee pool to receive special recognition and financial support for their educational initiatives. While Payeur wasn't among the final 15 selected, her nomination highlights the exceptional work being done in Sanford's classrooms every day. "It's very special," Payeur said. "Being recognized by someone who has seen your work both as a colleague and as a parent makes it particularly meaningful. Sanford has been my home since I was a student myself, and now I get to give back to the community that helped shape who I am."

Sanford Pride Teacher Named to Prestigious Fenway Bowl Honor Roll

Sanford School Department

January 21, 2025

Sanford Pride Elementary School teacher Michelle Payeur has joined a group of New England educators nominated for the 2024 Wasabi Fenway Bowl Honor Roll, a  program celebrating teachers who make extraordinary contributions to their students and communities.

Payeur was selected from a pool of over 1,000 nominated educators across New England for this recognition, which celebrates education professionals who have gone above and beyond to support their students and communities. The news of this honor arrived with an unexpected email notification. 

"At first, I almost deleted the email thinking it was spam," Payeur said. "But when I saw it mentioned Fenway, I decided to take a closer look. I'm really glad I did."

The honor came with an invitation to attend the 2024 Wasabi Fenway Bowl on December 28th – the first college football bowl game ever played at Fenway Park and the first Division 1 bowl game in New England history. 

A Sanford success story herself, Payeur graduated from Sanford High School in 2004 before pursuing her education degree at the University of Maine. She returned to her hometown to begin her teaching career in 2009.

What makes this recognition even more special is its roots in the local community – the nomination came from someone who knows Payeur's impact firsthand: a building substitute teacher whose child spent two years in her classroom.

During the bowl game celebration, Payeur had the opportunity to connect with fellow honored educators from across New England. "It was incredible to meet other educators and hear their stories," she said."Despite teaching different grade levels and subjects, we found so many similarities in our experiences."

Each year, the Wasabi Fenway Bowl Honor Roll selects 15 outstanding educators from the nominee pool to receive special recognition and financial support for their educational initiatives. While Payeur wasn't among the final 15 selected, her nomination highlights the exceptional work being done in Sanford's classrooms every day.

"It's very special," Payeur said. "Being recognized by someone who has seen your work both as a colleague and as a parent makes it particularly meaningful. Sanford has been my home since I was a student myself, and now I get to give back to the community that helped shape who I am."