Sanford Regional Technical Center

SRTC Program Highlight: Digital Design

January 30, 2026

Students in Sanford Regional Technical Center's Digital Design program spend their days bringing ideas to life on screen, designing logos, creating digital artwork, and crafting v...

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. ...

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...

The Sanford Regional Technical Center's café reopened to the public in January, offering community members a chance to enjoy quality meals while supporting hands-on learning for culinary students. Chef Jethro Loichle, in his first year teaching the Culinary Arts program, brings over 30 years of cooking experience to SRTC. "I learned in the field, so I have to show the students how to do it," he explained. His students cook three times daily, preparing meals that help them master essential techniques while serving the community. The café currently operates for lunch service on Wednesdays and Thursdays in January, featuring a French-themed menu with appetizers and desserts at $5 each and entrees for $10. Reservations must be made online through the SRTC website, as phone bookings are not available. The system accommodates parties of one to four people, and the café accepts cash or check only. Lunch service will pause in February and early March while seniors prepare for ProStart and SkillsUSA competitions, but the café will remain open for breakfast service during this time, when juniors will step up to run the morning operation, offering fresh pastries prepared by baking students. Second-year student Finnegan Lee describes the experience as transformative. "This program has already gotten me a job," he said, adding that classmates have landed positions at high-end restaurants in Portsmouth and beyond. Students rotate between front-of-house service and back-of-house cooking, gaining comprehensive hospitality experience. "We're like a small family in the classroom," said Lee, who is one of seven seniors, which includes Jaxson Condon, Jayden Doyle, Bowie McEllin, Sean Rioux, Azure Shrubsall, and Greg Warlo. In the baking and pastry program, second-year student Andre Roy is preparingFrench desserts for the café. "We start completely from scratch," Roy explained. "It was a French-themed menu, so we thought of French desserts and came up with a tart and a pancake. Then it takes about two days to prep." Roy plans to pursue culinary careers. The hands-on experience extends beyond regular service. Warlo, who works at York River Landing, appreciates how the program prepares students for real restaurant environments. "This is definitely a very high-action program," Finnegan explains. "You've got to be on your feet, ready to go." Chef Kristen Perry leads the new Baking and Pastry program, bringing experience from York County Community College and her own bakery in Wells. "Nowhere around here can you get baking and pastry training," she notes. Her students collaborate with culinary arts students, creating a dynamic learning environment where nearly 30 students cook together daily. The café also caters special events throughout the region, with all proceeds supporting student scholarships and program materials.

SRTC Cafe Open For Business

January 20, 2026

The Sanford Regional Technical Center's café reopened to the public in January, offering community members a chance to enjoy quality meals while supporting hands-on learning for c...

The Clock Is Ticking! Admissions for the Fall of 2026 Is Open!!!

January 18, 2026

Ready to take your high school education to the next level? Applications for next school year at the Sanford Regional Technical Center are now open. Check out our programs here:...

Bus Safety Reminders as Students Return from Holiday Break

December 31, 2025

As students return to school following the holiday break, we want to remind families that winter conditions make bus stop safety more important than ever. School bus safety is one...

Nominations are now open for the Maine Teacher of the Year program. Members of the public are encouraged to nominate educators who demonstrate exemplary skills that inspire students and colleagues, and who help focus attention on the importance of public schools among everyone in the Sanford community. Nominations are open now through Friday, January 30, 2026, at 5 p.m. To nominate, please fill out this form. Self-nominations and nominations from family members will not be accepted. They are accepted by students, parents, caregivers, community members, school administrators, colleagues, college faculty members, and associations/organizations. Recognize an educator today who has continued to inspire, educate and care for their students!

Nominations open for Maine Teacher of the Year

December 29, 2025

Nominations are now open for the Maine Teacher of the Year program. Members of the public are encouraged to nominate educators who demonstrate exemplary skills that inspire stude...

Students in Sanford Regional Technical Center's Health Occupations program move from classroom learning labs to real hospital floors, developing both the technical skills and compassionate caregiving approach needed to become Certified Nursing Assistants. The one-year course provides a rigorous foundation for students interested in healthcare careers. The curriculum satisfies requirements to become registered Certified Nursing Assistants in Maine upon successful completion and passing the Registry exam. Students learn to care for patients and residents in long-term care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation settings, covering anatomy system by system along with common medical conditions. Beyond the technical training, instructors Shawnda Williams and Kelly Romagnoli emphasize what Williams calls the "Art" of caring – teaching students to provide respectful, dignified care to people during some of their most stressful moments. "We take great pride in developing these students into the health care professionals we would like to have care for us and our own family members and loved ones," Romagnoli said. "It is a joy to watch. I also enjoy watching them blossom and become the professionals we would like to work with on our team." Students begin by developing proficiency in the classroom learning lab, mastering basic safety and caregiving skills. Once they demonstrate readiness, they practice and perfect skills like hygiene, feeding, bathing, skin care, and assisting with patient mobility at Summer Commons and Pinnacle Health and Rehab in Sanford. Students complete a minimum of 40 hours of direct care under the instructors' supervision and the nursing teams at these facilities. For Bella Garneau, a junior at Sanford High School, the program has been a long-anticipated opportunity. "I had been interested in taking this program since I took the Exploratory class in 9th grade," Garneau said. "One of my favorite parts is working with the facility residents, in particular demonstrating the skill of empathy. I can't wait to work as a CNA next year and into college where I will study Nursing." Upon successful completion of course requirements and passing the Registry exam, students are certified on the Maine State CNA Registry. They also receive certification in American Heart Association BLS CPR for Healthcare Providers, First Aid, and Stop the Bleed Training. Williams brings over twenty-five years of nursing experience to the program, having recently earned her Master's degree. Her diverse background includes roles in Med Surg, Pediatrics, ICU, home care, hospice, long-term care, Trauma, ER, cath lab, school nursing, urgent care, and primary care. She continues to practice as a nurse practitioner, maintaining a small practice to stay connected to patient care at the highest level of her training. "Becoming a CTE instructor has brought all of these nursing experiences full circle," Williams said. Training 64 students annually has proven incredibly rewarding, especially when last year's students achieved a 100% pass rate on the CNA registry exam. Even more meaningful was an unsolicited card the program received from a facility in Kittery thanking them for their excellent employees: four students who graduated from the Health Occupations program last year. The majority of students enrolled plan to pursue nursing or medicine in the future, making CNA certification the first step in their journey as healthcare providers. Summer Commons and Pinnacle Health and Rehab have been essential partners, providing clinical hours, student CNA positions, unit helper roles, and mock interview skills training that support student success.

SRTC Program Highlight: Health Occupations

December 22, 2025

Students in Sanford Regional Technical Center's Health Occupations program move from classroom learning labs to real hospital floors, developing both the technical skills and comp...

SRTC's STARS Holiday Party Brings Joy and Learning to Carl J. Lamb Elementary Students

December 22, 2025

Students from Carl J. Lamb Elementary School enjoyed a day filled with holiday cheer and hands-on activities at Sanford Regional Technical Center's annual STARS Holiday Party toda...

Sanford School Department to Host Pre-K Information Sessions

December 17, 2025

The Sanford School Department will hold a series of informational sessions in January for parents and guardians interested in enrolling their children in the Pre-K program for the...

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...

Busy Week for SRTC Culinary and Baking Students

December 11, 2025

From preparing for a catering event here at Sanford High School for the Southwestern Maine Activities Association serving 195 people on Tuesday to opening the restaurant here at SR...

SRTC Student Wins Statewide SkillsUSA Branding Competition

December 4, 2025

Mastering Adobe Illustrator in her first year at Sanford Regional Technical Center's Digital Design program, Harley Robinson has already made a statewide impact. She won the Skills...

SRTC Café Opening After Thanksgiving

November 25, 2025

Our SRTC Café will be opening up for lunch only after Thanksgiving starting Wednesday, December 3rd. We will be open Wednesdays and Thursdays starting at 11:15am. Reservations c...

Thanksgiving Centerpiece

November 24, 2025

Do you know what you're bringing to your Thanksgiving feast? If you're not this year's Top Chef, consider curating the "vibe" with one of these stunning floral arrangements dreame...

There's no single "right answer" in engineering, and that's exactly what makes SRTC’s Engineering Technologies Program so exciting. Instructor Ethan Mathieu loves seeing the creativity his students bring to solving problems, with each one of them finding their own approach to the same engineering challenge. This two-year program at Sanford Regional Technical Center serves as a launchpad for students heading to university engineering programs, exposing them to the engineering design process, diverse engineering disciplines, and the knowledge and skills they'll need to succeed at the college level. Mathieu brings both electrical engineering and educational experience to the classroom, approaching instruction with a growth mindset philosophy.What he enjoys most about teaching the program is witnessing student ingenuity in action. "There's so many ways to approach a problem," Mathieu explained. "It's always pleasantly surprising to see the different creative solutions my students find to approach the engineering problems we encounter in class." Students explore the engineering design process from concept to implementation, learning about different disciplines and the career paths available in the field. The program goes beyond theoretical knowledge by having students apply math and science concepts to develop and include solutions to authentic engineering problems using industry-standard tools, equipment, and technology. For second-year student Ethan Hafenecker, the program has provided clarity about his future path. "SRTC has made me smarter and more prepared for my life and future," Hafenecker said. "I have an idea of what I want to do and what I can expect to get into after graduating." His experience reflects how the program helps students discover their career direction while building practical skills. The program provides opportunities that extend beyond the classroom walls. Recently, students traveled to the University of Maine for the Windstorm Challenge, where they tested floating platforms in a wave pool and presented their engineering process to a panel of judges. These experiences give students authentic exposure to university-level engineering work while still in high school. Students can earn the NOCTI Pre-Engineering Certificate, demonstrating their competency in foundational engineering principles to colleges and employers. The program is currently working to establish a concurrent enrollment agreement with Southern Maine Community College, which would allow future students to earn college credits while completing the program, giving them an even greater head start on their engineering education. For Mathieu, the real reward goes beyond the equipment and credentials. Ultimately, it's about the students themselves. "My favorite part of SRTC is getting to meet students and seeing their skills as engineers grow and ideas come to life."

SRTC Program Highlight: Engineering Technologies

November 24, 2025

There's no single "right answer" in engineering, and that's exactly what makes SRTC’s Engineering Technologies Program so exciting. Instructor Ethan Mathieu loves seeing the creat...

Sanford Students Explore Future Pathways at Career and College Fair

November 12, 2025

When Sanford Regional Technical Center student Autumn Liston entered Partners Bank Gymnasium for Thursday's Career and College Fair, she was planning to delay her education and wo...

Making Every Day Count: Attendance During the Holiday Season

November 10, 2025

Dear Families, As we approach the busy holiday season, we want to remind you of the importance of regular school attendance. We know this time of year brings many celebrations, f...

Senior Hannah Chambers, a student in Sanford Regional Technical Center's Engineering and Architecture program, is gaining hands-on experience in the construction industry through her internship at Eldredge Lumber Company—and confirming her decision to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. When Hannah attended SRTC's Career and College Fair last fall, her teacher Mr. Clark guided her to the Eldredge Lumber table. Lindsey Eldredge remembers that first meeting clearly: "She made incredible eye contact. She was dressed professionally, and she shook my hand." After receiving an application and Lindsey's business card, Hannah demonstrated remarkable persistence. "She emailed me every single month," Eldredge said. "She's extraordinary." That determination led to her landing an internship at the company's contractor desk. "I wanted to get a chance to know what my future job would be like, and also to get more experience under my belt," Chambers said. "I plan on not going to college—I'd rather go straight into the work field, and this opportunity helps me understand what my life will look like when I graduate." Three to four days each week, Hannah immerses herself in the building materials business. She's learned to navigate Eldredge Lumber’s extensive inventory, memorize product sizes and account names, and help contractors place orders efficiently. "It's always a learning experience, also a memory game," she shares. "There are many questions about what sizes we stock and where certain things are throughout the store." Her background has proven valuable. "She's incredible with customers," Eldredge said. "She has a really great, gregarious personality, and her dad is a builder, so she knows our clientele and understands the language." Through the internship, Hannah has developed a deeper understanding of lumber dimensions, wood species, and material applications. "I like learning things with the customers," she said. "Going through orders and learning why they ordered this and what they are using the specific material for." The experience has solidified her career path. Rather than pursuing a college degree to become an architect, she's set her sights on becoming a draftsman. "This internship has helped me know that even if I am not going to college, I can still make it, doing what I love," she said. Her immediate goal? "I hope after this year is over I can get hired here at Eldredge when my internship is over." For Eldredge, students like Hannah represent valuable future employees. "The SRTC students are not entry-level employees," she explains. "They already have the knowledge. It's an easy transition to get these kids from SRTC into the workforce." Eldredge Lumber offers comprehensive benefits and long-term career potential. "If college isn't the way these kids want to go, I can offer them a career, not just a job," Lindsey says. Hannah's internship is one of several Extended Learning Opportunities coordinated by Sally MacDougal, offering students pathways to explore career options and build industry connections—whether they're headed to college or directly into the workforce.

SRTC Student Builds Career Foundation at Eldredge Lumber Through Internship

November 6, 2025

Senior Hannah Chambers, a student in Sanford Regional Technical Center's Engineering and Architecture program, is gaining hands-on experience in the construction industry through ...

This is part of a series highlighting the career and technical education programs offered at Sanford Regional Technical Center. Behind professional cameras and editing software, students in Sanford Regional Technical Center's Video Production program transform creative ideas into award-winning digital media—one frame at a time. Instructor James Harmon, with over twenty years of independent film production experience, brings real-world expertise directly into the classroom. Beyond his work as a video contractor, he founded and directed a successful film festival for five years and has taught in Sanford for nearly twenty years. That real-world experience shapes a classroom culture where students feel genuinely connected to their work and each other. "My favorite part of Video Production is that it's the only class I have where I feel really connected to the other students there beyond just sitting in the same room for a while," said Jasper Sweet, a second-year student from Sanford High School. "We make some really cool stuff together, and it wouldn't work if we didn't bring all the creativity and ambition we have to the table." That creative energy is exactly what Harmon values most. "I've learned that they're an endless well of ideas, inspiration, and entertainment," Harmon said. "All I need to do is show them a few things, and they're off to the races, surprising me with their creativity, determination, skills, and talent." Students learn essential roles in television, digital cinema, and audio production, working as individuals and in teams operating professional equipment and using industry-standard software to bring their ideas to life. The program prepares students for professional opportunities through the Maine Association of Broadcasters Video Production Certification. They can earn college credits through Southern Maine Community College. The program's excellence was on full display at this spring's SkillsUSA state conference. Of the twelve SRTC students who participated, six earned medals, creating award-winning TV ads, short films, audio broadcasts, and computer-generated animations. "I'm so proud of my current media students and graduates," Harmon said. "Every student put their best foot forward.” Harmon emphasized the broader lessons students take from the program. "Video production is an engaging, meaningful experience," he explained. "Students get to see—and come to know—how every person on a team is essential, and how impactful their voice can be in a group. The teamwork, the give and take, and the compromises that they make in two years of video production helps prepare these students for all of the interpersonal communication that will be important in their future." SRTC second-year student from Kennebunk High, Winter Nodden, highlighted the program's resources and career potential: "My favorite aspect of the program is the sheer aspect of creative opportunity and money that has been provided to us for this school. While we can't have everything, Mr. Harmon has so much knowledge as a teacher and there are so many different jobs that could come from this class." The program extends beyond the classroom through successful internships with The Sanford Mainers and Seacoast Oldies, giving students real professional experience.

SRTC Program Highlight: Video Production

November 5, 2025

This is part of a series highlighting the career and technical education programs offered at Sanford Regional Technical Center. Behind professional cameras and editing software...