Sanford Middle School hosted its annual Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) Closing Ceremony on Thursday, June 5th, bringing together students, families, and community members to celebrate another successful year of career development and academic achievement. The evening event showcased the program's commitment to helping Maine students graduate, pursue post-secondary education, and build meaningful careers. The ceremony began with a welcome and pledge, led by JMG students Khloe Herbert, Isabella Burns, and Melayna Bolduc. Following dinner, the program featured opening remarks from students Alana Perez and Aubrey Fifield, who shared their experiences and growth throughout the year. SMS student Matthew Bourassa introduced guest speaker Steve Hughes, Chief Technology Officer at Kennebunk Savings Bank. Hughes, a JMG alumnus from the program's early days in 1994, shared his personal journey from a high school student unsure of his direction to a successful technology leader. He credited his JMG specialist with guiding him toward military service, which became a pivotal decision that shaped his career path. Hughes offered practical wisdom to the students, emphasizing three key principles: "Be a good person. Be a good person to your other classmates, be there for your teachers, be there for your family, be there for your friends, and work hard... Make good choices... learn from mistakes." Following Staff Appreciation Awards, student voices took center stage as five JMG participants delivered presentations about their transformative experiences. "JMG has brought me such a long way. When I started JMG, I was missing a good amount of school, which was making my grades suffer," Aubrey Shaw said. "JMG has made me actually want to come to school... I never really realized how much it was helping me get through the school year." Katie Waters spoke about overcoming her fear of public speaking and discovering new abilities: "JMG helped me so much with school that it gave me options on how to do things, and also gave me special skills and helped me be a better person... JMG also taught me some skills I didn't even know I had, such as communication and professionalism, which are two main skills I'll take with me throughout my lifetime." Isabella Burns, reflecting on her two years in the program, emphasized JMG's deeper purpose: "It's not just about your friends or the cool people you meet. It's also about the future. It's about the path you get on for the rest of your life." She shared how the program helped her step out of her comfort zone during a recent trip where she found herself "talking to others and taking a step out of my comfort zone." Aya Bissell-Moores spoke about discovering her leadership potential: "I've learned a great deal about my leadership abilities. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to be in JMG, because I don't think I'd be as confident and open minded as I am now." SMS JMG Specialist Tara Houle expressed deep gratitude to parents for their unwavering support throughout the year, acknowledging the commitment required when students participate in early morning trips and late evening events. She also thanked the school administration for trusting the program's vision and supporting its ambitious activities, noting that the program offered an impressive 22 different guest speakers, events, and trips over nine months.

Sanford Middle School Students Celebrate Growth at JMG Ceremony

Sanford School Department

June 9, 2025

Sanford Middle School hosted its annual Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) Closing Ceremony on Thursday, June 5th, bringing together students, families, and community members to celebrate another successful year of career development and academic achievement. The evening event showcased the program's commitment to helping Maine students graduate, pursue post-secondary education, and build meaningful careers.

The ceremony began with a welcome and pledge, led by JMG students Khloe Herbert, Isabella Burns, and Melayna Bolduc. Following dinner, the program featured opening remarks from students Alana Perez and Aubrey Fifield, who shared their experiences and growth throughout the year.

SMS student Matthew Bourassa introduced guest speaker Steve Hughes, Chief Technology Officer at Kennebunk Savings Bank. Hughes, a JMG alumnus from the program's early days in 1994, shared his personal journey from a high school student unsure of his direction to a successful technology leader. He credited his JMG specialist with guiding him toward military service, which became a pivotal decision that shaped his career path.

Hughes offered practical wisdom to the students, emphasizing three key principles: "Be a good person. Be a good person to your other classmates, be there for your teachers, be there for your family, be there for your friends, and work hard... Make good choices... learn from mistakes."

Following Staff Appreciation Awards, student voices took center stage as five JMG participants delivered presentations about their transformative experiences.

"JMG has brought me such a long way. When I started JMG, I was missing a good amount of school, which was making my grades suffer," Aubrey Shaw said. "JMG has made me actually want to come to school... I never really realized how much it was helping me get through the school year."

Katie Waters spoke about overcoming her fear of public speaking and discovering new abilities: "JMG helped me so much with school that it gave me options on how to do things, and also gave me special skills and helped me be a better person... JMG also taught me some skills I didn't even know I had, such as communication and professionalism, which are two main skills I'll take with me throughout my lifetime."

Isabella Burns, reflecting on her two years in the program, emphasized JMG's deeper purpose: "It's not just about your friends or the cool people you meet. It's also about the future. It's about the path you get on for the rest of your life." She shared how the program helped her step out of her comfort zone during a recent trip where she found herself "talking to others and taking a step out of my comfort zone."

Aya Bissell-Moores spoke about discovering her leadership potential: "I've learned a great deal about my leadership abilities. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to be in JMG, because I don't think I'd be as confident and open minded as I am now."

SMS JMG Specialist Tara Houle expressed deep gratitude to parents for their unwavering support throughout the year, acknowledging the commitment required when students participate in early morning trips and late evening events. She also thanked the school administration for trusting the program's vision and supporting its ambitious activities, noting that the program offered an impressive 22 different guest speakers, events, and trips over nine months.