Sanford School Department

Sanford High School celebrated 16 students during a Senior Athlete Signing Ceremony held Wednesday afternoon as these seniors officially committed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Athletic Director Zach Lemelin opened the ceremony by recognizing the dedication and countless hours these student-athletes have invested in their sports before introducing each senior with remarks from their coaches. "These student-athletes have spent countless hours working to improve their skills and abilities, all while gaining accolades across the SMAA and the State of Maine. They are a credit to their parents and families, and a special thank you to the many coaches at all levels who have played a pivotal role in their growth,” Lemelin said. Ryan Alexander will attend Southern Maine Community College to study Electrical Engineering and play basketball. A team captain and SMAA Honorable Mention honoree, Alexander was praised for his development into a complete offensive player and his energy within the program. Olivia Adornetto heads to Colby-Sawyer College for Child Development with a concentration in Occupational Therapy while playing tennis, recognized for her consistent growth and composure on the court over four years. Brady Boissonneault will study Sports and Recreational Management and play football at Curry College, earning praise for his deep knowledge of the game and his steady leadership. Evelyn Cole will pursue Marine Systems Engineering at Maine Maritime Academy while playing lacrosse, having taken up the sport as a junior and quickly excelling at the goalie position. Gabrielle Favolise will study Elementary Education and play volleyball at Thomas College, where her work ethic and leadership as a captain set the tone for her team. Dylan Gendron — First Team All-State, First Team All-Conference, and a Mr. Maine Basketball semifinalist — will study Finance and play basketball at the University of Southern Maine. Carter Giroux joins him on the hardwood at Southern Maine Community College, where he will study Business Administration after earning McDonald's Senior All-Star honors and the team's Most Improved Award. Matthew Hebert will study Special Education and play baseball at New England College, closing out a four-year varsity career behind the plate marked by consistent leadership and relentless effort. Gavin Hebler will play soccer and study Health Sciences at York County Community College, having helped lead a turnaround for the Sanford program as a captain. Ava Hudson heads to New England College for Business Administration and soccer, recognized for her vision, physicality, and impact as a leader in the midfield. Linda-Rose Krol will study Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology and play field hockey at Dominican University, earning recognition for her discipline and commitment after coming to the sport in her sophomore year. Isabella McCall will study Exercise Science and play soccer at St. Joseph's College of Maine, praised for her defensive intensity, field vision, and multiple game-winning goals. Sophie Olivio will pursue Architecture at Norwich University and compete in both soccer and lacrosse, having been one of the top goalkeepers in the state during her varsity career. Annalise Stimmell will study Medical Biology/Pre-Med at St. Joseph's College of Maine while competing in soccer and track, described by coaches as tireless, poised, and selfless. Rory White heads to Simmons University for Psychiatric Nursing and swimming, recognized as a dedicated team-first competitor throughout her career. Georgia Whitman rounds out the group, competing in track and field at St. Joseph's College of Maine while studying Exercise Science, known as a fierce and inspiring competitor.

Sanford High School Seniors Sign To Play College Sports

June 1, 2026

Sanford High School celebrated 16 students during a Senior Athlete Signing Ceremony held Wednesday, May 27, as these seniors officially committed to continue their athletic career...

Sanford Middle Peer Leaders Spread Hope with Yellow Tulip Project

Sanford Middle School Peer Leaders Spread Hope with Yellow Tulip Project

June 1, 2026

Sanford Middle School's Sources of Strength Peer Leaders welcomed the school community to a bright and meaningful celebration on Monday, May 18, as students gathered outside near ...

Sanford Elementary Students Give Back Through Sneaker Drive Service Learning Project

May 29, 2026

This spring, students across all three of Sanford's elementary schools took part in a meaningful service learning project. As part of a school-wide Sneaker Drive that ran throug...

Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

May 29, 2026

Click here to read the latest Sanford Spotlight District Newsletter.

The Sanford School Department will be offering free meals to children and teens this summer through the Summer Food Service Program, kicking off Monday, June 22, 2026. Eight sites across the community will be serving meals, including Carl Lamb School, Sanford High School, Sanford Middle School, and Sanford Pride Elementary, as well as Curtis Lake Church, Carpentier Park, Springvale Playground, and the YMCA. Most locations serve breakfast from 7:30–8:30 a.m. and lunch from 11:00 a.m.–noon, with slight variations at some sites. The program is open to all children and teens 18 and under, and no registration is required. For more information, contact the Sanford School Department.

Summer Nutrition Program For Kids

May 28, 2026

The Sanford School Department will be offering free meals to children and teens this summer through the Summer Food Service Program, kicking off Monday, June 22, 2026. Eight sites...

SRTC Honors Class of 2026 at Annual Recognition Night

May 27, 2026

Sanford Regional Technical Center honored students and achievements at their annual Recognition Night Ceremony held Thursday, May 21, at Partners Bank Gymnasium. SRTC Director Ma...

The SMS Times

May 26, 2026

Check out Sanford Middle School's Online Newspaper, The SMS Times May/June Edition!

When Chantel Coleman enrolled at Sanford Community Adult Education, she had a simple goal: finish what she started. This June, she'll do exactly that, walking across the stage to receive her high school diploma. And in a fitting tribute to how far she's come, she'll also be delivering the graduation speech. Chantel came to Sanford Adult Ed initially to pursue her HiSET, but after some reflection decided to go for the full diploma instead. It's a decision she hasn't looked back on. "I'm proud of myself for coming back to school and sticking it out," she said. "If I can go back to school, even after dropping out, anyone can." The experience has been about more than just earning a credential. Chantel credits her teachers with helping her grow in ways she didn't expect, particularly math instructor David Ramsay. "I don't look at him like a teacher. I look at him more like a friend who's willing to teach you what you need to know." Jayne Perkins, the Director of Sanford Community Adult Education, agreed. "David was maybe Chantel's biggest supporter through her journey," she said. Alongside her diploma coursework, Chantel has been completing mental health training certifications through Sweetser, a Maine-based behavioral health organization. The trainings cover topics including suicide prevention and mental health awareness, and Chantel says the knowledge has felt meaningful. "It helps me understand what people are going through, and what steps I can take to help them," she said. Perkins sees Chantel's full journey in context. "I've seen her self-confidence grow so much. It's truly inspiring what she's been able to do," Perkins said. "By the time she graduates this summer, she will have earned two free certifications through Sweetser, positioning her well for her long-term goal of working in healthcare. Her story reflects determination, community support, and the powerful impact of accessible workforce pathways." That confidence has opened new doors. Chantel has been accepted to York County Community College's pre-nursing program, a milestone that would have felt out of reach when she first walked back through the doors of Adult Ed. For Chantel, the diploma was never just about the past. It was always about what comes next. For anyone on the fence about coming back to school, her message is straightforward: "Don't give up. If I can do it, anyone can."

Sanford Adult Ed Student to Deliver SCAE Commencement Address

May 26, 2026

When Chantel Coleman enrolled at Sanford Community Adult Education, she had a simple goal: finish what she started. This June, she'll do exactly that, walking across the stage to ...

SRTC Students Recognized at Annual Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club Breakfast

May 21, 2026

Fourteen Sanford Regional Technical Center students were celebrated during a breakfast hosted by the Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club. The event, held in SRTC's café, featured a mea...

Two Sanford School Department Staff Members Honored For Youth Support Work

May 21, 2026

Two staff members of the Sanford School Department were recognized at the Maine Prevention Network of York County's Annual Community Meeting, held Tuesday, May 19, at the Nonantum...

Sanford High School recently held its annual Jobs for Maine's Graduates Closing Ceremony on Tuesday, May 19, at the Performing Arts Center, celebrating student achievements and recognizing graduates as they prepare for life after high school. The event was welcomed by JMG Leadership Council President Lulu Morris and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by student Essence Veilleux-Camara, followed by an opening statement from Izzy Mitchell. Vice President Tiffany Mitchell reflected on first joining the program in seventh grade, crediting JMG with giving her the confidence and interview skills to earn a spot in the early childhood SRTC program. "I could not imagine myself standing in front of all of you now more confident about myself and what I want to do for a career," she said. Students Fiona Zachko and Brooklyn Skaltsis recognized the many community volunteers and guest speakers who visited the JMG classroom throughout the year, while Landon Stone, Lucien Curry, and Michael Rodriguez highlighted a busy year of community service that included volunteering at Special Olympics events, distributing holiday toys locally, and field trips to three college campuses and Maine Health's medical simulation lab in Portland. Social studies teacher Mr. O'Brien delivered the keynote address, speaking on the theme of independence and encouraging students to keep pushing forward through life's challenges. Lacey Kimball, who introduced him, described O'Brien as someone who "always checks in on us about school and outside of school to make sure we're doing okay." Lulu Morris and Izzy Mitchell recognized students who earned digital badges through Maine's Career Exploration Model, a framework through which students demonstrate mastery in self-awareness and job attainment skills. Certificates of completion were also awarded to multi-year participants, with several students recognized for involvement stretching back to middle school. Underclassmen speaker Leah Lagueux honored JMG teacher Ms. Gifford ahead of the senior spotlights. "She doesn't just teach lessons from a textbook. She teaches us how to succeed in the real world," Lagueux said. "What makes her truly special is the way she connects with her students. Because of that, our classroom feels like a safe space where we can be ourselves, ask questions, and grow." Each graduating senior was recognized by JMG teacher Cheryl Gifford alongside a team of underclassmen readers, with seniors sharing their favorite JMG memories and future plans spanning fields from cosmetology and graphic design to criminal justice, social work, and the Coast Guard. Lulu Morris delivered the senior speaker address, reflecting on four years in the program. "She guided me through creating my very first resume, helped me apply for my first job, and encouraged me to enroll in the SRTC program," Morris said of Ms. Gifford. "But beyond all those accomplishments, what mattered even more was that she helped me believe in myself."

Sanford High Schools Holds Annual JMG Closing Ceremony

May 20, 2026

Sanford High School recently held its annual Jobs for Maine's Graduates Closing Ceremony on Tuesday, May 19, at the Performing Arts Center, celebrating student achievements and re...

SMS JMG Students Make Their Mark at Statewide Career Event

Sanford Middle School JMG Students Make Their Mark at Statewide Career Event

May 20, 2026

Sanford Middle School's 8th grade JMG students recently set off on their annual Adventure Trip, a two-day experience designed to bring leadership training, career exploration, and...

Sanford Middle School's 7th Grade Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) students and the SMS Student Leadership Team recently traveled to the University of New England for the annual Middle School Leadership Summit. The event brought together students from across southern Maine to tackle real issues affecting their schools and communities. SMS students had the opportunity to collaborate with their peers, brainstorm creative solutions, share what has and hasn't worked in their own school, and exchange ideas for positive change. The experience didn't end when students returned to Sanford — those who attended will be carrying their new ideas and insights into next year, working to identify what can be implemented right here at home. On May 11th, SMS students did an incredible job representing their school and community with enthusiasm, collaboration, and school pride.

Sanford Middle School Seventh Graders Attend UNE Leadership Summit

May 20, 2026

Sanford Middle School's 7th Grade Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) students and the SMS Student Leadership Team recently traveled to the University of New England for the annual M...

Sanford Fourth Graders Visit Moody's Collision, Sanford Airport

Sanford Fourth Graders Visit Moody's Collision, Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport

May 18, 2026

Fourth grade students from Carl J. Lamb Elementary, Sanford Pride Elementary, and Margaret Chase Smith Elementary Schools stepped outside the classroom Friday morning for an excit...

Sanford Spotlight Newsletter

May 18, 2026

Click here to read the latest edition of the Sanford Spotlight Newsletter.

SRTC Health Occupations Students Earn CNA Credentials at Annual Pinning Ceremony

May 15, 2026

Sanford Regional Technical Center held its Health Occupations Pinning Ceremony at the Sanford Performing Arts Center Wednesday, May 13, celebrating 56 students who have achieved a...

Sanford Middle School Students Build Outdoor Equipment Shed from the Ground Up

May 14, 2026

Sanford Middle School marked a major milestone this week with the ribbon cutting of a brand-new outdoor equipment shed, one that students designed and constructed themselves. Me...

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary held its annual Variety Show last Thursday, and the evening was nothing short of spectacular. More than 40 third and fourth grade students took to the stage, treating the audience to an impressive showcase of dancing, singing, gymnastics, comedy sketches, and clogging performances. The event was a testament to weeks of dedicated preparation and the spirit of encouragement students showed one another throughout the process. Their hard work, creativity, and courage were on full display from the first act to the last.

Margaret Chase Smith students steal the spotlight at annual Variety Show

May 13, 2026

Margaret Chase Smith Elementary held its annual Variety Show last Thursday, and the evening was nothing short of spectacular. More than 40 third and fourth grade students took to ...

Sanford Students Shine at Annual Elks Youth Banquet

May 8, 2026

The Sanford Elks Lodge hosted its annual Youth Banquet on Wednesday, May 6, bringing together students, families, and community members for an evening dedicated to celebrating aca...

SRTC Inducts More Than 80 Students into National Technical Honor Society

May 7, 2026

More than 80 Sanford Regional Technical Center students were recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) during a ceremony held Wednesday, May 6, at the San...