Sanford High School is proud to announce this year's nominees for the Sanford Athletics Hall of Honor. This year's nominees include Katie Lawrence Dixon, Brian Lapham, James Merrifield, Amy Patterson Schmitt, and Richard Faulkner. The five will be honored at Sanford High School's 3rd Annual Hall of Honor Ceremony at the Performing Arts Center on Saturday, November 28 at 1 pm. There will be a reception at the Elks Hall following the ceremony from 3:00-7:00 pm. Katie Lawrence Dixon Katie Lawrence — Field Hockey Katie Lawrence Dixon Katie Lawrence Dixon stands among the most decorated multi-sport athletes in Sanford High School history. A member of the Class of 1988, Dixon excelled in field hockey, basketball, and softball during her four years at SHS, leaving a legacy of records and recognitions that have stood the test of time. In field hockey, Dixon earned 2nd Team All-State honors in 1988 and set the program’s single-season scoring record with 16 goals. She made her biggest mark on the basketball court, where she was a three-year varsity standout, earning 2nd Team All-Telegram honors in 1986 and 1st Team All-Telegram honors in both 1987 and 1988, along with a selection to the East-West All-Star game. Dixon scored 1,073 points over her three varsity seasons — averaging 23.3 points per game and pulling down 250 rebounds — a scoring record that, remarkably, still stands 36 years later. In softball, Dixon was equally dominant, batting .511 and earning 1st Team All-Telegram honors in both 1987 and 1988, along with team MVP honors and a Journal Tribune Cup. Dixon’s success continued well beyond her time at Sanford High. She has been named a five-time All-American in women’s softball, most recently in 2016, and competed in the World Series of coed softball. She has also given back to the game as an umpire at the world military and local levels. Dixon is nominated for the Sanford Athletics Hall of Honor in recognition of her extraordinary three-sport career and the enduring records she left behind — a legacy that continues to define excellence in Sanford athletics. Brian Lapham Brian Lapham Brian Lapham — Harvard Football Brian Lapham, a 2001 graduate of Sanford High School, was a standout four-year letterman in football and basketball, and a member of the track team. His combination of athletic dominance and academic excellence made him one of the most accomplished student-athletes in school history. On the football field, Lapham anchored the offensive and defensive lines, helping lead Sanford to a Class A State Championship in 1998 and a conference runner-up finish in 1999. A dominant interior lineman at 6’5” and 285 pounds by his senior year, he earned All-State honors in both 1999 and 2000, was a 1st Team All-Conference selection his junior and senior years, and was named a semifinalist for the prestigious Fitzpatrick Trophy. He also earned a spot on the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl roster and was named to the All-Academic Team, graduating second in his class. He is remembered as one of the finest linemen to play for Sanford High in 35 years of the program. Lapham carried that same excellence to Harvard University, where he played football for five years and graduated as a member of two Ivy League Championship teams. A two-time First-Team All-Ivy selection at interior offensive line, he helped Harvard to a 40-9 record during his tenure and was honored with the Joseph E. Wolf Award as the program’s outstanding lineman. His talents drew a free agent tryout with the Cincinnati Bengals before he went on to build a successful career in medical sciences. Lapham is nominated for the Sanford Athletics Hall of Honor as, in the words of longtime coach Mike Fallon, the most impressive student-athlete he coached in 34 years — a player whose championships, accolades, and academic distinction embody everything the Hall of Honor was created to celebrate. James Merrifield James Merrifield James Merrifield — Football James “Jim” Merrifield, a 1960 graduate of Sanford High School, was a three-sport standout and one of the most celebrated halfbacks in school history, earning the nickname “Mr. Touchdown” during his playing days. A four-year letterman in baseball, Merrifield also starred in football for three years, serving as co-captain, and ran track for two years as team captain. His finest achievement came as a key member of Sanford High’s only undefeated State of Maine High School Championship football team. He still holds the school record for most rushing yards in a single season, highlighted by a memorable 78-yard touchdown run against Brunswick in 1959. His coach later called him one of the greatest halfbacks in Sanford history, a sentiment echoed in a 2009 Foster’s Daily Democrat feature on his career. After graduating, Merrifield served in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1964, including duty aboard a destroyer during the blockade of Cuba at the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Merrifield is remembered not only for the records he set and the championship he helped bring to Sanford, but for his enduring pride in and love for Sanford High School Athletics. He is nominated for the Hall of Honor in recognition of his exceptional athletic achievements, his sportsmanship, and the lasting mark he left on the program. Merrifield is survived by his family, who carry forward his deep connection to Sanford. Amy Patterson Schmitt Amy Patterson Schmitt Amy Patterson — Track Amy Patterson Schmitt, a 1989 graduate of Sanford High School, was a standout distance runner and three-sport athlete whose talent on the track carried her from Sanford to the Division I level. A four-year member of Sanford’s track and field program, Patterson Schmitt placed in the 800 every year of high school, finishing 2nd as a sophomore, junior, and senior, while also winning state titles in the 1600 meters and 3200 meters as a senior, when she posted times of 5:08.4 and 11:17.92. She earned an invitation to the Olympic Dream event in the 1500 meters and was a two-time Class B state cross country champion. She also received the Tribune Cup as a member of the Class of 1989. Patterson Schmitt continued her track career at the University of Maine before transferring to Auburn University, where she earned a redshirt season and SEC All-District Cross Country honors as a freshman. She went on to become a two-time All-District selection, an SEC Outdoor 5000-meter champion, and an NCAA provisional qualifier in both the indoor and outdoor 5000 meters, setting Auburn’s school record in the event. She competed at the NCAA Outdoor Track prelims in Boise, Idaho, and finished 10th overall in the 5000 meters at the Penn Relays. She graduated from Auburn in December 1994 with a degree in Human Sciences/Education. After college, Patterson Schmitt built a career as an educator, teaching family and consumer science and child development courses in Tennessee, Connecticut, and Colorado. She currently serves as a teacher’s assistant and head coach of indoor and outdoor track, as well as cross country, at Falmouth Middle School. She and her husband, Jeff Schmitt, have three children — Caitlin, Nate, and Allie — who have all followed their mother into the sport, competing in track and field themselves. Patterson Schmitt is nominated for the Sanford Athletics Hall of Honor not only for her exceptional accomplishments on the track and in the classroom, but for the leadership and character she exemplified both in high school and college — qualities she continues to pass on through her work with young athletes today. Richard Faulkner Richard Faulkner Coach Faulkner on the sideline Richard Faulkner is one of the most decorated coaches in Sanford High School history, spending more than three decades at SHS as a physical education teacher and varsity coach in wrestling, football, and track — a career that produced championships, national recognition, and a lasting impact on generations of Sanford student-athletes. A Sanford product himself, Faulkner played linebacker for the Redskins from 1965 to 1967, earning First-Team All-State honors in 1967, before going on to play four years at the University of Maine. He returned to SHS and spent 34 years in the classroom while building one of the finest wrestling programs in Maine history. As head wrestling coach, he led Sanford to State Championships in 1979, 1980, 1991, and 1992, Regional Championships on seven occasions, and an extraordinary run of 45 consecutive dual meet wins from 1980 to 1982. His 1992 team was rated among the top 25 programs in the nation, and he served as Director of the Redskin Invitational for 23 years. He was named MHSCA Coach of the Year in 1978, SMAA Wrestling Coach of the Year in 1989 and 1991, and was inducted into the Maine State Amateur Hall of Fame for Wrestling in 2021. On the football field, Faulkner served as an assistant under three head coaches — George Riley, Pat Conley, and Mike Fallon — contributing to the 1982 Class A runner-up team and the 1998 Class A State Championship before taking over as head coach in 2001 and leading the Redskins to the playoffs. Richard Faulkner is nominated for the Sanford Athletics Hall of Honor in recognition of a coaching career defined by championships, consistency, and an enduring dedication to Sanford athletics that spanned more than thirty years.

Sanford High School Athletics to Induct Five Into Hall of Honor

August 12, 2026
Sanford High School is proud to announce this year's nominees for the Sanford Athletics Hall of Honor. This year's nominees include Katie Lawrence Dixon, Brian Lapham, James Merr...
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New Maine Law Brings Changes to Student Cell Phone Us

New Maine Law Brings Changes to Student Cell Phone Use

August 10, 2026
Dear Sanford School Department Families, As we shared this spring, an important change is coming to our schools beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. A new Maine state law r...
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Stuff the Bus

Stuff the Bus

July 22, 2026
A message from Stuff the Bus.... On Saturday, August 22nd, 2026, Stuff the Bus Maine will hold its annual school supplies distribution event at Curtis Lake Church in Sanford. No ...
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Members of the Sanford High School Marching Band will travel to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. to perform in two major Fourth of July weekend parades as part of the nation’s 250th birthday celebration. Forty band members and eight chaperones will make the trip after several years of fundraising by students, families, and supporters made the opportunity possible. The band will march in the Philadelphia Salute to Independence Parade on July 3, billed as the largest professionally produced parade in the country. The following day, the group will travel to Washington, D.C., to march in the National Independence Day Parade.They will cap off the day by attending A Capitol Fourth, the PBS concert featuring the National Symphony Orchestra on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, followed by the nation’s largest fireworks display. The community is invited to a send-off celebration on Monday, June 29, at 6 p.m. at Gowen Park, where the band will perform its parade program before departing for the historic trip. Local food trucks and vendors will be on site, and families are encouraged to bring lawn games and enjoy an evening of music and community.

Sanford High School Marching Band Performing in PA and DC Independence Day Celebrations

June 29, 2026
Members of the Sanford High School Marching Band will travel to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. to perform in two major Fourth of July weekend parades as part of the nation’s 25...
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SANFORD, Maine — The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathleen Getchell as the new Assistant Principal of Sanford High School. Getchell will officially assume her role effective July 1. Getchell brings 22 years of public education experience to the role, with a strong foundation in special education and alternative programming. She has spent the bulk of her career at MSAD 6 Bonny Eagle School Department, where she has served as a Special Education Teacher since 2004. Most recently, she has served simultaneously as Interim Director of Innovative Learning Pathways and Alternative Education Department Head at MSAD Bonny Eagle School Department, providing program leadership, overseeing daily operations, supporting staff, and coordinating services to meet the complex academic and social-emotional needs of students. Her work in alternative education earned her statewide recognition this year when she was named a 2026 Educator of the Year by the Alternative Education Association of Maine, a professional organization dedicated to supporting and advancing alternative education programs across the state. Getchell earned her Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Maine, Farmington in 2001, and her Master of Science in Inclusionary Education from the University of New England in Biddeford in 2012. She recently completed the Assistant Principal Certificate Program at the University of Southern Maine. “We are thrilled to welcome Kathleen to Sanford High School as our new Assistant Principal,” said SHS Principal Tracy Gibson. “Kaity brings years of experience supporting students and leading staff, along with a deep commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive school environment. Her collaborative leadership style, dedication to student success, and ability to build strong relationships make her an outstanding addition to our Spartan team. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our school community.” Getchell, a Springvale resident, has ties to the local community, with both of her children attending schools in the Sanford School Department. “Being able to work in the same community where I live, and where my kids are in school, means everything,” she said. “I am hoping to have a positive impact on the community, to develop meaningful relationships with students and families, and to become a valuable resource for the students at Sanford High School.” Getchell will succeed Mike Fallon, who is assuming a new position as the Attendance Coordinator at Sanford High School. The Sanford School Department congratulates Getchell on her appointment and looks forward to the energy, experience, and dedication she will bring to Sanford High School.

Kathleen Getchell Named New Assistant Principal of Sanford High School

June 19, 2026
SANFORD, Maine — The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathleen Getchell as the new Assistant Principal of Sanford High School. Getchell will...
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The Sanford School Department accepts funding through the Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA) of 1965. As part of ESEA, the Sanford School Department is required to provide a reasonable opportunity for public comment on the consolidated application and consider such comment prior to the submission of the application. To view the proposed projects in our application click HERE The Sanford School Department is now accepting public comment on the ESEA application through July 15, 2026. Click HERE to share your thoughts about the application’s projects.

ESEA Public Comment

June 16, 2026
The Sanford School Department accepts funding through the Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA) of 1965. As part of ESEA, the Sanford School Department is required to provide a reas...
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Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

June 15, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 6/15/2026 White Day Block 2 & 4 Finals Good luck! Have a great summer!! The Say Something Anonymous Reporting Sy...
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Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

June 12, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 6/12/2026 White Day Block 1,3 & 5 Finals (students attend all classes) The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows...
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Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

June 11, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 6/11/2026 Red Day Students with Red Day only class finals today The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows y...
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For Jordyn Martin, a sophomore at Sanford High School, a journalism class started as a curiosity. That curiosity grew into a passion, first as a writer for the Spartan Times, Sanford High's online newspaper, and now as a staff writer for the Sanford Springvale News. Martin earned the role through Sanford High School’s Extended Learning Opportunities. After writing a promotional piece for Sanford High's performing arts department production of Newsies, Sanford Springvale News editor Kendra Williams took notice and personally reached out to her. For Martin, the opportunity represented something bigger than a byline. "It means a lot to me to be part of this," Martin said. "It's not just writing for a school newspaper. It's so amazing to be part of the community in this way, and to be able to give back." Williams spoke highly of Martin's early work with the paper. "Through her first stories covering upcoming school and youth theater productions, she's already demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and a keen ability to tell engaging stories," Williams said. "With two years of high school still ahead of her, she has tremendous potential, and I'm excited to see how she grows as a journalist while taking on a wider variety of stories for our community newspaper." Martin credits her foundation to Journalism I, taught by Lauren Roy at Sanford High. The course introduced her to AP style, story structure, and the fundamentals of interviewing, all skills she now applies independently as a reporter. She admitted the early weeks were a challenge. Learning to write in a style she had never encountered before, with its specific rules around structure and formatting. But as the writing piled up, so did her confidence. "Once you get so familiar and comfortable with the style, it makes it a lot easier down the line," she said. "Now I can just get all the information and organize it in a way that helps people understand it." Interviewing, she noted, was one of the most valuable skills the class gave her. Martin handles all of her own interviews, from reaching out to sources to recording conversations and reviewing transcripts for accuracy. She has developed a style that prioritizes making people comfortable. Williams noted that Martin has "a natural talent for interviewing people and putting them at ease." "I just like to have a conversation," she said. "It's not as intimidating when it feels like that." Since joining the Sanford Springvale News, Martin has published articles focusing primarily on arts and entertainment. She is also drawn to stories about community fundraisers, work that she sees as a natural extension of her belief that local efforts deserve recognition. Seeing her byline in print for the first time, picking up a copy at Shaw's the morning it was published, was a moment she said she will not forget. "It just meant so much to me that someone saw something in me, and something in my hard work, and my passion," she said. Sanford Springvale News Managing Editor Michelle McCarthy said young writers like Martin bring "fresh energy and perspective" to the paper, gaining experience in what she described as a "low-key, nurturing yet professional environment." Back at Sanford High School, Martin will serve as a copy editor for the Spartan Times next year and plans to launch a broadcast segment covering arts and entertainment, a new challenge she is already looking forward to. Longer term, she hopes to pursue journalism as a career. "There's always a story," she said. "It always keeps me on my toes."

Sanford High School Sophomore Joins Sanford Springvale News as Staff Writer

June 10, 2026
For Jordyn Martin, a sophomore at Sanford High School, a journalism class started as a curiosity. That curiosity grew into a passion, first as a writer for the Spartan Times, Sanf...
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Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

June 10, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 6/10/2026 White Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to he...
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Sanford High School recognized dozens of student-athletes for academic achievement, leadership, and athletic performance at its Spring Sports Awards Recognition Night on Monday, June 8, in the Performing Arts Center. The evening began with recognition of academic excellence, as SHS Athletic Director Zach Lemelin honored students who achieved a cumulative GPA of 92.5 or higher. More than 50 athletes earned All-Academic certificates, led by 25 honorees from the outdoor track and field team and 11 from varsity girls tennis. Baseball, softball, boys and girls lacrosse, and boys tennis rounded out the academic honors, with recognition extending to JV athletes as well. Coaches then presented individual sport awards showcasing the talent across Sanford's spring athletic programs. The baseball team celebrated Most Valuable Player Matthew Hebert, who swept multiple honors on the night. Cayden Gendron received the Coaches Award, Jack Stimmell earned the Spartan Award, and Cody Lockard was recognized as the team's Unsung Hero. The softball program honored Faith Martel with the Spartan Award and Laelani Morris with the Coaches Award, while Reese Beaudoin was named Rookie of the Year. In girls lacrosse, Natalie Nadeau earned Defensive Player honors, Sophie Olivo received the Coaches Award, Paige Sevigny was recognized as the team's Utility player, and Zoey McCann took home the Spartan Award. Peyton White and Olivia Kezar shared Rookie of the Year recognition. Track and field celebrated standouts in both programs. Isaac Pelletier and Jack Van Gieson earned Most Valuable honors in track and field events, respectively, for the boys, with Avery Wedge named Rookie of the Year. For the girls, Jaslinn Johnson (track) and Mattea Peters (field) took Most Valuable honors, and Grace Cochrane was Rookie of the Year. In tennis, Elijah Bowden was named Most Valuable for the boys, with Brody Hartman earning Most Improved, Elijah Laurendeau the Coaches Award, and Levi Mann Rookie of the Year. The girls team recognized Hailey Payeur as Most Improved, Amelia Fernandez as Outstanding Rookie, Olivia Adornetto with the Coaches Award, and Lyla Fiandaca with the Spartan Award. Several Sanford athletes also earned conference-level recognition. Hebert capped his standout season with the Freddy Parent Award for York County and Second-Team honors at catcher, while Drew Vessels made the First Team at second base, Gendron earned All-Defensive Team recognition at third base, and Ryan Alexander received an Honorable Mention. In girls lacrosse, Sevigny and McCann were named All-Conference, with Olivo and Evelyn Cole earning Honorable Mention and White selected to the SMAA All-Rookie Team. In softball, Beaudoin and Bree Tyler each earned All-Conference Honorable Mention.

Spring Sports Awards Night Celebrates Sanford High School Athletes

June 9, 2026
Sanford High School recognized dozens of student-athletes for academic achievement, leadership, and athletic performance at its Spring Sports Awards Recognition Night on Monday, J...
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Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

June 9, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 6/9/2026 Red Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help ...
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Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

June 8, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 6/8/2026 White Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns t...
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Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

June 5, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 6/5/2026 Red Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help ...
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Sanford High School Celebrates 133rd Commencement Ceremony

Sanford High School Celebrates 133rd Commencement Ceremony

June 4, 2026
Sanford High School held its 133rd Commencement Ceremony on Wednesday, June 3, at Alumni Stadium, gathering graduates from the Class of 2026 alongside their families, faculty, and...
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Sanford High Celebrates Seniors at Annual Awards Ceremony

Sanford High School Celebrates Seniors at Annual Awards Ceremony

June 4, 2026
Sanford High School held its annual Senior Awards Night on Monday evening in the Performing Arts Center, honoring the Class of 2026 for academic achievement, athletic excellence, ...
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Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

June 4, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 6/4/2026 White Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to hel...
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Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

June 3, 2026
SHS Daily Announcements 6/3/2026 Red Day CONGRATULATIONS SENIORS!!! The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anon...
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vvf6ZV6p7s

Watch Sanford High School's Spring Concerts

June 3, 2026
The Performing Arts Center came alive for Sanford High School's Spring Concerts. Watch them below!
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