Sanford Regional Technical Center

Junior Noelle Dennis Brings Real-World Leadership to SRTC's Agriculture Program

March 12, 2026

When Sanford Regional Technical Center Agriculture Instructor Jennifer Coverdale wants to contact AHN Landscaping, the response usually comes from her own student Noelle Dennis. N...

Sanford Regional Technical Center culinary students made their mark this week, competing for the first time in the Maine State ProStart Competition. The milestone event brought together students from career and technical education centers across the state to showcase their culinary skills and hospitality management knowledge in front of industry judges. SRTC joined fellow competitors from Biddeford Regional Center of Technology and Westbrook Regional Vocational Center, with all three programs earning praise from judges for their impressive performances. Capital Area Technical Center took top honors and will advance to the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland, representing Maine on the national stage. For SRTC culinary students, this first-ever appearance at the state competition marks an exciting chapter for the program. As the saying goes in competition — participating is winning — and these students demonstrated that the future of hospitality in Maine is in good hands.

Sanford Regional Technical Center Culinary Students Compete in ProStart Maine State Competition

February 26, 2026

Sanford Regional Technical Center culinary students made their mark this week, competing for the first time in the Maine State ProStart Competition. The milestone event brought t...

Sanford Regional Technical Center took center stage at the Maine State Capitol in Augusta during the week of February 9, 2026, as part of a statewide celebration of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. SRTC was among the southern and coastal Maine schools featured on February 12 at the Hall of Flags, a multi-day event that brought together CTE programs from all 27 of Maine's CTE schools, along with community college partners, SkillsUSA, FFA, and other supporters. The gathering gave students, educators, and school leaders the chance to connect with legislators, industry partners, and members of the public through hands-on demonstrations and conversations about the power of career and technical education. A highlight of the day was a speech delivered by SRTC Director Matt Petermann, who addressed Maine leaders and distinguished guests on behalf of the state's CTE community. Petermann celebrated the growth of CTE across Maine — enrollment has now surpassed 11,300 students statewide, the highest number ever recorded — while also making the case for continued investment in programs like SRTC. "CTE connects classroom learning to real careers, builds essential skills, and opens doors to family-sustaining wages right here in Maine," Petermann said. "Many of these CTE schools are the lifeblood of their regions and communities." Petermann used his time at the podium to advocate directly with legislators on issues that hit close to home for schools like SRTC, including new pathways to bring experienced industry professionals into the classroom as teachers, and the urgent need to update aging facilities to meet modern, industry-standard expectations. "When you invest in CTE, you're investing in Maine's workforce, Maine's communities, and Maine's future," Petermann said. "Our students are those workers." SRTC's presence at the Hall of Flags was a proud moment for the Sanford community — a reminder that the work happening here every day is making a real difference for students and for Maine's workforce as a whole. Whether students leave SRTC heading into a career, an apprenticeship, or higher education, the skills and confidence they build here follow them every step of the way.

Sanford Regional Technical Center Represented at Hall of Flags

February 19, 2026

Sanford Regional Technical Center took center stage at the Maine State Capitol in Augusta during the week of February 9, 2026, as part of a statewide celebration of Career and Tec...

Spirit Week for CTE Month at SRTC!

February 13, 2026

Some of the class photos

In its first year, the Sports Medicine program at Sanford Regional Technical Center is opening multiple career pathways at once. Whether students ultimately pursue athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or another healthcare profession, they're building the same essential foundation: anatomy knowledge, injury assessment skills, and real-world clinical experience across diverse healthcare settings. The two-year program combines classroom instruction with authentic clinical experiences that prepare students for competitive healthcare programs. Students learn anatomy and physiology, emergency management, injury prevention and assessment, acute care, basic rehabilitation, and safe return-to-play practices. The curriculum develops critical thinking skills, professional documentation, and communication abilities through both classroom activities and on-field observations. Bella McCall, a senior from Sanford High School, is part of the program's first class. "I wasn't planning on doing an SRTC program until my junior year when I heard that the Sports Medicine program was going to be added," McCall shared. "I am happy that I get the opportunity to be a part of the first year of the class!" The hands-on experiences extend well beyond observation. In the classroom and lab setting, students practice injury evaluation, taping, splinting, basic wound care, suturing, casting, CPR, and first aid. McCall particularly enjoys these practical activities. "I get to learn anatomy to prepare me for college and participate in some cool hands-on activities," she explained. "For example, we learned how to cast on each other's arms and legs. We all signed each other's casts and brought them home." Students also work with instructor Jessie Giordano covering athletic events and shadow professionals at area schools, hospitals, and physical therapy clinics. These real-world clinical opportunities allow students to connect classroom concepts to actual patient care situations, building confidence before they enter college programs. McCall plans to pursue Exercise Science next year "with the hopes of becoming a physical or occupational therapist." All students earn CPR and First Aid certifications and have the opportunity to complete a three-credit dual enrollment Anatomy and Physiology course through a local college. These credentials provide a strong foundation for future healthcare education. Giordano, a Certified Athletic Trainer with 16 years of experience at Sanford High School and MaineHealth, brings extensive expertise to the program. In 2025, she received the Bill Cox Service Award, which recognizes athletic trainers in Maine for enhanced healthcare delivery and significant contributions to the profession. She continues practicing as an athletic trainer, providing coverage for local schools and state tournaments. For Giordano, transitioning from clinical work to classroom teaching has been an adjustment, but a rewarding one. "This is the first time in my life teaching in a classroom setting," she said. Still, watching her students grow has reignited her passion for the field. "The connection between the content in the classroom and being able to see it on actual athletes on field during games is so rewarding to see."

SRTC Program Highlight: Sports Medicine

February 6, 2026

In its first year, the Sports Medicine program at Sanford Regional Technical Center is opening multiple career pathways at once. Whether students ultimately pursue athletic traini...

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...