When Anderson White, Spencer Jourdain, and Duncan Blanchard walk into Rubb USA in Sanford, they're not just students anymore. They're welders, fabricators, and professionals learning their trade alongside seasoned workers. For these three Sanford Regional Technical Center students, the transition from classroom to factory floor has been about more than earning a paycheck. It's been about discovering what they're capable of. White was the first to make the leap, landing his position at Rubb last spring after interviews with Nate Bedell, Derek Gauvreau, and Eric Glidden. By June, he was spending his summer fabricating legs and roofs for the metal buildings the company manufactures. Jourdain and Blanchard followed about a month and a half ago, joining their classmate from Adam Hartford's welding program on the factory floor. "It definitely helped a lot," Jourdain said about having familiar faces around. "I think the first couple days I was really nervous, but Anderson was there helping me out. And everyone at Rubb was wicked nice and always showing you what to do." The three students work Monday through Wednesday, though their schedules vary. Blanchard, a senior at RSU 21 with senior release privileges, can arrive as early as 7 a.m., while Jourdain and White, both Sanford High School students, typically start after their morning classes. Their days alternate between cutting tubing in the saw shop, drilling ventilation holes, jigging pieces together, or spending full days welding. For Blanchard, the learning curve has been steep but rewarding. "Come the first year, I already knew about half the stuff I do right now," he said. "Between Adam Hartford and Rubb, I've learned a tremendous amount of things that I will definitely be using in the future." White's journey required strategic planning from his freshman year to complete two full SRTC programs—precision manufacturing and welding. "I knocked out a lot of credits. I was able to do two of my math credits and two of my English credits, including the extra one that I needed outside of the core," he explained. Perhaps most valuable are the life lessons the students are absorbing. Blanchard recalls advice from a coworker: "There's no such thing as a mistake if it does not leave the doors." The philosophy has helped him, who admits to being hard on himself. "I'm a pretty harsh guy on myself for making mistakes. But then I kind of realize everyone does it." Jourdain has learned about continuous growth. "Anyone can weld, but not everyone can read the blueprints," he said. "As long as you never stop learning, you'll always be growing." Derek Gauvreau, Rubb's director of manufacturing, has been impressed with what the students bring to the job. "It has been a distinct pleasure to work with these young men and see them so excited to learn about the work we do here at Rubb," Gauvreau said. "They arrived with a strong work ethic and a clear desire to understand every aspect of our building systems. It is refreshing to see that kind of drive, and we are proud to have them on the team." The students credit Hartford, who brings 15-20 years of welding experience and a background as a diesel mechanic, for preparing them. "He's always showing people how to do things differently and overcome hard obstacles," Jourdain said. Hartford has been working to build a partnership with Rubb for several years. "Rubb Building Solutions has been amazing to work with for student internships," Hartford said. "A few years ago, we started working with them to get kids there to start into a career, and they have set the standard for what we hope all our internships look like. Derek Gauvreau and Nate Bedell are really great with the students who intern with them. They are welcoming and understanding that the students are learning and help them gain knowledge, skills, and confidence in their shop setting." As they look toward graduation, the three see different paths forward. Blanchard plans to join the Army to gain additional skills before returning to welding. "It's one of the best things that's ever happened to me in my work life," he said. "I absolutely love it there." Jourdain wants to stay at Rubb for several years before eventually opening his own business doing rust repair and light fabrication. White plans to continue building his career at Rubb, where the company has been supportive of young workers finding their way.

Sanford Students Gain Experience at Rubb USA Manufacturing

December 11, 2025
When Anderson White, Spencer Jourdain, and Duncan Blanchard walk into Rubb USA in Sanford, they're not just students anymore. They're welders, fabricators, and professionals lear...
READ MORE >
Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

December 11, 2025
SHS Daily Announcements 12/11/2025 White Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help someon...
READ MORE >
Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

December 10, 2025
SHS Daily Announcements 12/10/2025 Red Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help someone ...
READ MORE >
Sanford High School welcomed student-athletes and athletic administrators from the Southern Maine Activities Association for the SMAA Leadership Summit on Tuesday, December 9. The event, themed "Be the ONE: on the courts, fields, mats and life!," challenged students from all SMAA schools to rethink success, prioritize mental health, and develop authentic leadership skills. This marks the sixth consecutive year Sanford High School has hosted the summit. Reese Beaudoin, Miranda Payeur, Gabe Phillips, Austin Kittredge, Colin Demers, Claire Pordon, Andrew Boissonneault, Lyla Fiandaca, Mattea Peters, Jaslinn Johnson, and Isaac Pelletier represented Sanford High School. For Pelletier, the summit offered a chance to develop skills he's still working to understand. "I was just super excited to learn," Pelletier said. "I mean, I'm a leader, but I'm still really young, and I don't really know too much about it, so I was just excited to be able to learn what it actually means to lead and go after goals." Pelletier found keynote speaker Andrew Marotta's presentation particularly impactful. "He had a lot of energy, and I liked that," Pelletier said. "I had a lot of fun with that too. He was interacting with everyone." Marotta, an educator and former basketball referee from Port Jervis, New York, emphasized that success isn't about natural talent – it's about strategy and persistence. "It's not a talent game, kids. It's a strategy game," Marotta told the assembled student-athletes. "Winners have found out the right strategy." He offered practical advice on goal-setting and time management, recommending students use timers and schedule specific tasks in time slots rather than creating vague to-do lists. "Don't wait for the motivation to start, just start doing it and you're going to get the motivation," Marotta said. Mental performance coach Emma Burke addressed mental health challenges in competitive sports, defining mental health as "a state of well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life and realize their abilities." In interactive sessions, students identified struggles specific to athletes, including performance anxiety, fear of disappointing teammates and coaches, and identity issues. Burke, who works with athletes throughout Maine, also addressed why many hesitate to seek help. "Fear of judgment, that's like number one, right?" Burke explained. Other barriers include not wanting to show weakness, fear of burdening others, and concerns about being treated differently by coaches and parents. Throughout the day, speakers emphasized that leadership extends beyond athletic performance. Marotta encouraged students to consider how they treat everyone around them, from teammates to custodians and cafeteria staff. "It doesn't take anything to be kind to other people," he said. The summit featured breakout sessions with Marotta, Burke, and Meghan Hamilton of Stride Mental Performance LLC. Ten student-athletes from each SMAA school attended the day-long session, which included breakfast and lunch.

Sanford High School Hosts SMAA Leadership Summit

December 9, 2025
Sanford High School welcomed student-athletes and athletic administrators from the Southern Maine Activities Association for the SMAA Leadership Summit on Tuesday, December 9. The...
READ MORE >
Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

December 9, 2025
SHS Daily Announcements 12/09/2025 White Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help someon...
READ MORE >
Daily Announcements

Daily Annnouncements

December 8, 2025
SHS Daily Announcements 12/08/2025 Red Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help someone ...
READ MORE >
Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

December 5, 2025
SHS Daily Announcements 12/05/2025 White Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help someon...
READ MORE >
Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

December 4, 2025
SHS Daily Announcements 12/04/2025 Red Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help someone ...
READ MORE >
Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

December 3, 2025
SHS Daily Announcements 12/03/2025 White Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help someon...
READ MORE >
Sanford High School inducted five new members into its Athletics Hall of Honor on Saturday, November 29, during a ceremony at the Performing Arts Center that recognized decades of athletic excellence and community impact. Keynote speaker David Woodsome (Class of 1965) opened the afternoon ceremony with a message about the ripple effects of kindness in athletics. Woodsome reflected on the moments that shaped his own athletic journey. He recalled the coaches who encouraged him to try football, families who gave him rides home, and community members who helped him get contact lenses so he could fully participate. "Be grateful, pay it back and pass it on," he said. "Each one of you can reach out to someone who hasn't yet had that chance." The Class of 2025 inductees represent decades of Sanford athletic excellence spanning from the 1950s through the 1990s. Andy Adams (Class of 1978) helped lead the Sanford baseball team to the 1978 Maine State Class A championship and finished with a career record of 17-5 as a pitcher. Adams signed with the Chicago Cubs in 1982. Theodore "Teddy" Gardner (Class of 1957) earned 14 varsity letters across four sports and later was inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. Keith Kalman (Class of 1964) helped Sanford's wrestling team win three straight state championships and later returned to coach the program to three more state titles. Kelly Nobert LaFountain (Class of 1984) became the first female from Sanford to earn a Division 1 basketball scholarship. Kristy Parent Richards (Class of 1994) excelled as a three-sport athlete before coaching Sanford's girls basketball team to the 2006 state championship. Richards currently serves as the assistant principal at Carl J. Lamb Elementary. Adams, LaFountain and Richards attended the ceremony in person. Loved ones accepted honors on behalf of Gardner and Kalman, who have passed away. Teddy Gardner's granddaughter Brenna spoke about what the recognition meant to her family, while Janet Kalman offered heartfelt reflections on her husband's lasting impact as a teacher, coach, and mentor. Don Campbell's tribute to his lifelong friend Keith Kalman captured what the Hall of Honor ultimately celebrates. "His achievements in life and who he was as a person were all taught in a school of athletics," Campbell said. "His strength, his unselfishness, his loyalty—those were the qualities that made Keith an exceptional athlete and an even better person." Adams, Richards and LaFountain each expressed gratitude for coaches, teammates, and families who made their success possible. LaFountain offered advice to today's student-athletes: "Never give up on your dreams, embrace the hard work, and cherish every moment. The memories you make with your teammates will last a lifetime." The ceremony also recognized the Red & White Foundation, a nonprofit booster group that has been an integral part of Sanford High School athletics for over 25 years and serves as the Hall of Honor's primary financial partner.

Sanford High School Inducts Five Into Athletics Hall of Honor

December 3, 2025
Sanford High School inducted five new members into its Athletics Hall of Honor on Saturday, November 29, during a ceremony at the Performing Arts Center that recognized decades of...
READ MORE >
Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

December 1, 2025
SHS Daily Announcements 12/01/2025 Red Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help someone ...
READ MORE >
Sanford Fall Athletes Earn State, Regional, and Conference Honors

Sanford Fall Athletes Earn State, Regional, and Conference Honors

November 26, 2025
Sanford High School's fall athletes earned recognition at the conference, state, and regional levels this season! Field hockey players Reese Beaudoin and Hailey Payeur both earned...
READ MORE >
Students across Sanford came together this Thanksgiving in a district-wide effort that put complete dinners on the tables of dozens of local families. Through spirited competitions, generous community partnerships, and welcoming gatherings, the initiative exemplified the compassion and generosity that define Sanford. At Sanford High School, the Peer Helpers program's annual food drive provided complete Thanksgiving dinners for 50 families — feeding more than 250 people in the Sanford community. The effort was fueled by a friendly competition among the classes, with each grade assigned specific items to collect. Freshmen brought instant potatoes, sophomores contributed turkey gravy and cranberry sauce, juniors gathered canned vegetables, and seniors provided stuffing. Collection bins at the bottom of the Grey Wing steadily filled as students rallied to support their neighbors. "My favorite thing about this program is seeing the appreciation on students' and families' faces, as well as getting the entire school involved in doing a good thing," said Mrs. Letourneau, school counseling director and Peer Helpers organizer. But the students didn't do it alone. Marc Motors donated $1,000 to help provide Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings for families in need. The Sanford/Springvale Chamber of Commerce continued its multi-year tradition of support by raising $650 from its members to purchase 50 turkeys — one for each family receiving a food box. Hannaford Supermarkets coordinated the turkey pick-up and delivery, bringing all the pieces together for complete holiday meals. At Sanford Middle School, students participated in the annual Holiday Food Drive Competition, organized by the school's Jobs For Maine Graduates (JMG) Program and coordinated by JMG Specialist Tara Houle. The spirited competition, which launched Nov. 4, pitted homerooms against each other for coveted turkey crowns and the glory of becoming champions. The food collected served a dual purpose: providing Thanksgiving meals for Sanford families and stocking the SMS Food Closet, which provides students with easy-to-prepare meals for evenings, weekends, and school breaks throughout the year. The pantry remains accessible to all SMS students and families as a vital community resource. Margaret Chase Smith Elementary took a different approach to the season of giving, hosting "The Heart of Sanford Community Dinner" on November 25 in the school cafeteria. The event welcomed families with children enrolled in Sanford Schools for an evening of good food, laughter, and local hospitality. Across the district, the efforts of students, staff, and community partners ensured that Sanford families could gather around tables filled with Thanksgiving meals. From the student-led competitions to local business support and welcoming community dinners, these initiatives demonstrated that when neighbors need neighbors most, Sanford answers the call.

Sanford Schools Unite to Feed Families This Thanksgiving

November 26, 2025
Students across Sanford came together this Thanksgiving in a district-wide effort that put complete dinners on the tables of dozens of local families. Through spirited competition...
READ MORE >
Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

November 25, 2025
SHS Daily Announcements 11/25/2025 White Day HAPPY THANKSGIVING… WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU!! The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit...
READ MORE >
Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

November 24, 2025
SHS Daily Announcements 11/24/2025 Red Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help someone ...
READ MORE >
Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

November 21, 2025
SHS Daily Announcements 11/21/2025 White Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help someon...
READ MORE >
Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

November 20, 2025
SHS Daily Announcements 11/20/2025 Red Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help someone ...
READ MORE >
Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

November 19, 2025
SHS Daily Announcements 11/19/2025 White Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help someon...
READ MORE >
Daily Announcments

Daily Announcements

November 18, 2025
SHS Daily Announcements 11/18/2025 Red Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help someone ...
READ MORE >
Daily Announcements

Daily Announcements

November 17, 2025
SHS Daily Announcements 11/17/2025 White Day The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help someon...
READ MORE >