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 Resort in Kennebunkport.
Shana Palmer, First 10 Outreach Coordinator at Sanford Pride Elementary School, and Gayle Fallon, School Social Worker at Sanford High School, were among those honored at the event.
The event, themed "Supporting Youth Through Connection & Community," brought together community partners, educators, and public health professionals. Guest speaker Dr. Dora Mills, Senior Advisor for Public Health at MaineHealth, addressed attendees.
A certificate of recognition was presented to Palmer for her outstanding collaboration with Partners for a Healthier Community over the past two years through the First 10 program.
Casey Marcotte, Program Management Specialist, presented the award, praising Shana’s willingness to think creatively and her commitment to going above and beyond for the families and communities they serve. Marcotte highlighted her passion for building strong community partnerships and bringing people together, and pointed to the real-world impact of their collaboration, including progress on family connections, kindergarten readiness, and food security and access.
Reflecting on the honor, Shana spoke to the strength of the partnership. "They have been amazing partners and we are truly thankful for their collaboration," she said.
Also honored was Gayle Fallon, recognized as one of three School-Based Tobacco Treatment Specialists for her work supporting students across York County, praised for helping youth navigate nicotine dependence with compassion and consistency, and for serving as a trusted adult within her school community.
Expressing gratitude for the program and the team behind it, Gayle said, "I am very impressed with MaineHealth and the Tobacco Prevention program that they have brought into our school. It takes a village to support adolescents, and I am thankful for the team I work with in doing this."
The recognition was echoed back at Sanford School Department, where Director of School Counseling Beth Letourneau spoke to Gayle’s impact. "She is an invaluable partner in supporting Sanford High School students as they work to reduce or eliminate tobacco use in their lives," she said. "The Sanford School Department is fortunate to benefit from her unwavering dedication to helping students lead healthier lives."