At a recent practice at Sanford High School, the Unified Basketball team worked through drills, with partners organizing plays while athletes took shots at the basket. Unified Basketball partners students with developmental disabilities (Unified Student-Athletes) and students without disabilities (Unified Student-Partners) to train, compete, and represent Sanford. The program has grown to include approximately 10 athletes and 10 partners who practice together throughout the winter. For sophomore partner Andrew Boissonneault, the appeal is simple. "It's really fun. I mean, it's just great to see everyone have a good time," he said. The team plays eight games over the course of the season, with each athlete getting playing time every week. The season kicked off on January 22 with a game at Thornton Academy, followed by a matchup at Kennebunk High School on January 27. On Thursday, January 29, the team played its first home game of the season against Kennebunk. Sanford has five games remaining, including three home contests: February 10 against Wells, February 24 against York, and March 9 against Biddeford. The team will also travel to Massabesic on February 2 and play at the University of New England's Biddeford Gym on March 5. The commitment to the program runs deep. Despite juggling academics, other sports, and various obligations, the partners make Unified Basketball a priority. Coach Stephanie Boissoneault has seen that dedication grow stronger as each season progresses. "By the end of the season, we have all our partners showing up every week, and the athletes never miss," she said. During games, the partners play a crucial role in organizing the floor: setting up plays, creating spacing, and ensuring the flow of the game keeps moving. But it's the athletes who finish those plays, taking the shots and celebrating the baskets. Every athlete gets an opportunity to score during each game, creating special moments where they have the spotlight. At the first home game, athlete Jacob Cote took in the scene around him. "It's like an arena sort of thing," he said. Though the team came close in a tight contest, Cote's focus extends beyond the scoreboard. "I love to be our cheerleader. I like to cheer. I love to stay calm, and I like to cheer my friends on," he said. For the partners, witnessing the athletes' success creates unforgettable moments. Drew Vessels joined the team this year as a partner and has quickly embraced the experience. "I love it. I mean, it's just great to see everyone come together and participate in the games,” he said. The program has also drawn support from other athletic programs at Sanford, with members of the track and field team stepping in as partners throughout the season. As the season progresses, the Unified Basketball program continues to build connections that strengthen Sanford's culture of inclusion, one practice and one game at a time.

Dedication Runs Deep For Sanford High School's Unified Basketball Team

January 30, 2026
At a recent practice at Sanford High School, the Unified Basketball team worked through drills, with partners organizing plays while athletes took shots at the basket. Unified Ba...
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Daily Announcements

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January 30, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 1/30/2026 White Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help so...
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SHS Senior Balances Two Auto Jobs Through Extended Learning Opportunities

SHS Senior Balances Two Auto Jobs Through Extended Learning Opportunities

January 29, 2026
At 8 a.m. on a Tuesday morning, just as first period is starting at Sanford High School, SHS senior Lucas Barrow is already under the hood at Black Bear Automotive in Springvale. ...
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Sanford High School had an impressive showing at the Maine Music Educators Association District Honors Festival at Noble High School last weekend, with 19 talented students selected to perform in the prestigious event. The District Honors Festival brings together top musicians from schools across the region for an intensive rehearsal and performance experience. Students are chosen through a competitive audition process based on their musical ability and dedication. Sanford was well-represented in both the Mixed Chorus and Treble Chorus ensembles. In the Mixed Chorus, seven students showcased their vocal talents: soprano Claire Davie, tenors Braeden Landry and Jack Van Gieson, and bass section members Logan Hamblin, Keaghan Gagnon, Ryan Kane, and Josiah Thoms. The Treble Chorus featured twelve Sanford students, including sopranos Kai Hamblin, Morgan Bailey, Callia Curtis, Ava Fagan, Meredith Schoenherr, and Ariana Young. Alto voices were represented by Rebecca Horton, Jordyn Martin, Cynthia Carroll, Avila Cyr, and Loretta Sanfason. Students participating in the District Honors Festival spent the weekend rehearsing challenging repertoire under the direction of guest conductors before presenting a final concert. This experience not only recognizes their individual accomplishments but also provides valuable opportunities to work with talented peers from other schools and learn from accomplished music educators. Congratulations to all the Sanford High School students who represented their school and community at this year's District Honors Festival.

Sanford High School Students Shine at MMEA District Honors Festival

January 28, 2026
Sanford High School had an impressive showing at the Maine Music Educators Association District Honors Festival at Noble High School last weekend, with 19 talented students select...
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Daily Announcements

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January 28, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 1/28/2026 White Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help so...
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January 27, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 1/27/2026 Red Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help some...
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School Counseling Second Semester updates

January 26, 2026
Dear students and families, As we wrap up our first semester our School Counseling Department has some important updates to share with families. Please see attached letter. Sch...
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January 23, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 1/23/2026 Block 5 Day Finals The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns t...
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January 22, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 1/22/2026 Block 3&4 Day Finals- Regular Blk 5 class The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anon...
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January 21, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 1/21/2026 Block 1&2 Red Day Finals The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety conc...
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Johnathan Rideout's Design Chosen as Official Brand For The Sanford School Department

Johnathan Rideout's Design Chosen as Official Brand For The Sanford School Department

January 20, 2026
Johnathan Rideout, a Sanford High School senior in the Sanford Regional Technical Center Digital Design program, never expected to be in the spotlight, but his talent and creativi...
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Daily Announcements

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January 20, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 1/20/2026 White Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concer...
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January 16, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 1/16/2026 Red Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to h...
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Winter Two & Spring Sports Registration Now Open

Spring Sports & Winter Two Registration Now Open

January 15, 2026
The Middle School Winter Two Season is now open for registration. The sports offered during Season Two are Girls Volleyball for grades 7 and 8 and Wrestling for grades 6, 7, 8. ...
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Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

January 15, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 1/15/2026 White Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to...
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January 14, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 1/14/2026 Red Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to h...
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January 13, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 1/13/2026 White Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to...
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January 12, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 1/12/2026 Red Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to h...
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Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

January 9, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 1/9/2026 White Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety conc...
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Sanford High School hosted the Sanford Wrestling Annual Tournament (SWAT) over the weekend. SWAT began on Friday and ran through Saturday, drawing thousands of wrestlers and their families from across Northern New England. The tournament has become an iconic event in the regional wrestling scene, delivering a significant economic boost to the City of Sanford while also serving as the single-largest fundraiser for the Red and White Foundation’s concession stand. Proceeds from the event are donated back to Sanford High School’s athletics programs. Sanford wrestlers competed in what is widely considered one of the toughest tournaments in all of New England. Three Spartans placed at the event. Ryder Lachance was Sanford’s highest placer, finishing third overall and earning the Ken Hover Award. Connor Pickering placed sixth, as did senior Ricky Callis. A highlight of the weekend came Saturday afternoon when Callis earned his 100th career win, a milestone that brought the crowd to its feet in applause.

Sanford High School Hosts Annual Spartan Wrestling Tournament

January 9, 2026
Sanford High School hosted the Sanford Wrestling Annual Tournament (SWAT) over the weekend. SWAT began on Friday and ran through Saturday, drawing thousands of wrestlers and t...
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