Sanford Regional Technical Center Recognition Night

Sanford Regional Technical Center had its Recognition Night on Thursday night.

SRTC Director Kathy Sargent started the night with some welcoming remarks, followed by greetings from Superintendent Matthew Nelson. 

Sargent and SRTC Assistant Director Michael Redmond highlighted the SkillsUSA and NTHS program and awarded scholarships to deserving students.

SRTC also recognized its students of the year. They are recognized state-wide, and the process includes a nomination period, student applications, and an interview with the selection committee.

Here were the finalists:

Taylor Church, a homeschooled student, from the Emergency Medical Technician Program. Instructor Sharon Jackson said: "Taylor continually strives to sharpen her EMT skills and knowledge by studying and asking how she could improve."

Taylor plans to join her local fire department after graduation as a firefighter EMT, maintain her job at a local farm stand, and attend the University of Maine to study biology to become an orthopedic surgeon.

Finnegan Doughty, from Sanford High School, in the Firefighting Program. Instructor Harold Smith said: "Finn is in the firefighting lab space before the start of school every day, practicing his skills or just helping out. He has gained tremendous confidence in himself since I met him two years ago."

Finn plans to earn his EMT license through SMCC this year.

Mia Kane, from Sanford High School, in the Health Occupations Program. Instructor Ellen Barry said: "Mia is a shining example of what a nurse should be. She's ethical, conscientious, and kind. She reflects the best of my class."

Her grandmother inspired Mia to become a nurse, and she will attend the University of Southern Maine's Honors Nursing Program while competing on the university's soccer team.

Kendra Minster, from Marshwood High School, in the Academy of Business Program. Instructor Susan Lamoreau said: "Kendra is a well-rounded student who thinks outside the box when it comes to business and connecting concepts. When assigned a task, she always goes over and above to complete her assignments. She is mature beyond her years."

Kendra intends to attend Champlain College to major in business. 

Mitchell Stevens, from Kennebunk High School, in the Automotive Collision Repair Program. Instructor Jason Brown said: "Mitchell has always worked hard in both the classroom and in the shop, and has always been respectful, honest, and willing to learn as well as to help his classmates."

Mitchell plans to attend SMCC to major in business.

And the SRTC Student of the Year was Eli Bartlett, a homeschooled student in the Landscaping & Horticulture Program. Instructor Pamela Durack said: "Eli was unanimously selected by his peers. His consistent and excellent effort, attitude and attendance set him apart as a leader. Eli demonstrates a relaxed flexibility that communicates he's available to everyone, and he always has time to lend a classmate in need.”

Eli's goal is to become a 12th-generation farmer. Eli plans to attend the University of Maine to study sustainable agriculture to prepare him for the challenges of farming.

Recognition Certificates were given out following the Student of the Year nominations.

The Sanford School Department would like to thank the following scholarship donors: American Legion Thomas W. Cole, Post #19, Gene Haas Foundation, Lafayette & Springvale Social Clubs, Maine Administrators of Career and Technical Education (MACTE), Maine Blue Collar, Melmac Education Foundation, Nasson Alumni Association, Pratt & Whitney United Technologies Corp., SRTC-Culinary Arts Cafe, Sanford Regional Technical Center, SRTC-HBRAME Homebuilding Project, Skills USA, Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce, Springvale Village Car Wash, and Town Fair Tire.

You can watch the Recognition Night on WSSR-TV's YouTube page here.