Sanford Regional Technical Center honored students and achievements at their annual Recognition Night ceremony held Thursday, May 22nd, at Partners Bank Gymnasium.
SRTC Director Matt Petermann welcomed families and guests to the evening celebration, followed by greetings from Superintendent Matt Nelson.
Director Petermann and Assistant Director Michael Redmond presented awards for the SkillsUSA and National Technical Honor Society programs, recognizing students who demonstrated excellence in technical skills competitions and maintained high academic standards. The evening also featured scholarship presentations to deserving students, supported by numerous community partners.
One of the evening's highlights was the Student of the Year recognition, a prestigious honor that involves a comprehensive selection process including nominations, student applications, and interviews with a selection committee. Students honored with this recognition are acknowledged state-wide for their exceptional achievements.
Related: Sanford Rotary Honors SRTC Student of the Year Nominees
Devenny Brickett, a Massabesic High School junior in the Health Occupations program, was named SRTC's 2025 Student of the Year. Her instructor, Ms. Holmes, praised her as "an exemplary candidate who has contributed greatly to the class" while working toward her CNA license.
Two Sanford High School students were among the Student of the Year finalists. Connor Rice from the Academy of Business program was recognized by his instructor, Susan Lamoreau, as "one of the most driven and hardworking students" in the program. Connor plans to pursue a college degree in business with a focus on music after graduation. Natalie Green from the Firefighting and EMT programs demonstrated remarkable personal growth throughout her time at SRTC. Captain Smith noted that "Natalie was a quiet and shy student," but described her transformation as "a story of growth and change." Today, Natalie is a confident student who earned her Firefighter I & II certification and serves as both a teacher in firefighting and in the EMT program. She plans to continue her firefighting and EMT education at SMCC after graduation.
Other Student of the Year finalists included Bryce Saucier and Booker Sylvain from Noble High School, Sage Taylorand Brianna Keller from Massabesic High School, Sylor Volkommer from Noble High School, Derek Lippe from Wells High School, Brooklyn O'Neill and Brooke Rice from York High School, Elise Abbott from Traip Academy, and Rielly Glidden from Marshwood High School. These students represented excellence across programs including engineering, precision machining, horticulture, video production, plumbing, cosmetology, nursing, and emergency medical services.
The ceremony also recognized students for perfect attendance, presented by Student Services Counselor Deanna Farrell, and celebrated academic achievements with special recognition for students graduating with honors, graduating with high honors, and National Honor Society membership.
Following the major awards, SRTC instructors presented recognition certificates to students across all technical programs, celebrating their mastery of industry-relevant skills and dedication to their craft. The evening's program was designed by SRTC Digital Design junior Katelyn Tetreault.