Sanford Regional Technical Center

SRTC Students Recognized at Annual Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club Breakfast

May 21, 2026

Fourteen Sanford Regional Technical Center students were celebrated during a breakfast hosted by the Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club. The event, held in SRTC's café, featured a mea...

Sanford High School recently held its annual Jobs for Maine's Graduates Closing Ceremony on Tuesday, May 19, at the Performing Arts Center, celebrating student achievements and recognizing graduates as they prepare for life after high school. The event was welcomed by JMG Leadership Council President Lulu Morris and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by student Essence Veilleux-Camara, followed by an opening statement from Izzy Mitchell. Vice President Tiffany Mitchell reflected on first joining the program in seventh grade, crediting JMG with giving her the confidence and interview skills to earn a spot in the early childhood SRTC program. "I could not imagine myself standing in front of all of you now more confident about myself and what I want to do for a career," she said. Students Fiona Zachko and Brooklyn Skaltsis recognized the many community volunteers and guest speakers who visited the JMG classroom throughout the year, while Landon Stone, Lucien Curry, and Michael Rodriguez highlighted a busy year of community service that included volunteering at Special Olympics events, distributing holiday toys locally, and field trips to three college campuses and Maine Health's medical simulation lab in Portland. Social studies teacher Mr. O'Brien delivered the keynote address, speaking on the theme of independence and encouraging students to keep pushing forward through life's challenges. Lacey Kimball, who introduced him, described O'Brien as someone who "always checks in on us about school and outside of school to make sure we're doing okay." Lulu Morris and Izzy Mitchell recognized students who earned digital badges through Maine's Career Exploration Model, a framework through which students demonstrate mastery in self-awareness and job attainment skills. Certificates of completion were also awarded to multi-year participants, with several students recognized for involvement stretching back to middle school. Underclassmen speaker Leah Lagueux honored JMG teacher Ms. Gifford ahead of the senior spotlights. "She doesn't just teach lessons from a textbook. She teaches us how to succeed in the real world," Lagueux said. "What makes her truly special is the way she connects with her students. Because of that, our classroom feels like a safe space where we can be ourselves, ask questions, and grow." Each graduating senior was recognized by JMG teacher Cheryl Gifford alongside a team of underclassmen readers, with seniors sharing their favorite JMG memories and future plans spanning fields from cosmetology and graphic design to criminal justice, social work, and the Coast Guard. Lulu Morris delivered the senior speaker address, reflecting on four years in the program. "She guided me through creating my very first resume, helped me apply for my first job, and encouraged me to enroll in the SRTC program," Morris said of Ms. Gifford. "But beyond all those accomplishments, what mattered even more was that she helped me believe in myself."

Sanford High Schools Holds Annual JMG Closing Ceremony

May 20, 2026

Sanford High School recently held its annual Jobs for Maine's Graduates Closing Ceremony on Tuesday, May 19, at the Performing Arts Center, celebrating student achievements and re...

SRTC Back at State FFA Convention!

May 16, 2026

Under the leadership of Agriculture Instructor, Jenn Coverdale, students in the Ag program traveled to Presque Isle to participate in the 3-day 2026 FFA State Convention. The stu...

SRTC Health Occupations Students Earn CNA Credentials at Annual Pinning Ceremony

May 15, 2026

Sanford Regional Technical Center held its Health Occupations Pinning Ceremony at the Sanford Performing Arts Center Wednesday, May 13, celebrating 56 students who have achieved a...

Sanford Students Shine at Annual Elks Youth Banquet

May 8, 2026

The Sanford Elks Lodge hosted its annual Youth Banquet on Wednesday, May 6, bringing together students, families, and community members for an evening dedicated to celebrating aca...

SRTC Inducts More Than 80 Students into National Technical Honor Society

May 7, 2026

More than 80 Sanford Regional Technical Center students were recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) during a ceremony held Wednesday, May 6, at the San...

Sanford Regional Technical Center Administrative Assistant Darlene Breton has been named the 2026 Maine Principals' Association Administrative Assistant of the Year. The award recognizes school administrative professionals across Maine who demonstrate exceptional dedication, leadership, and service to their school communities. Breton has served SRTC since November of 1983, making her one of the longest-serving staff members in the center's history. Over that time, she has worked alongside every director the school has had and has witnessed SRTC grow from approximately 300 students to nearly 800 today, serving families across eight partner communities throughout York County. "I am deeply honored to receive the MPA Administrative Assistant of the Year award. I am sincerely grateful to be part of the Sanford Regional Technical Center, where I have proudly served since 1983," Breton said. "This recognition is a reflection of the collaborative spirit and dedication of my colleagues. Most importantly, I remain thankful for the students we serve, who continue to inspire and remind us of the importance of our work." In his nomination letter, SRTC Director Matthew Petermann credited Breton with keeping the school's complex day-to-day operations running seamlessly across all 25 of its programs. "Her leadership is steady, reliable, and indispensable," Petermann wrote. "She does so without fanfare, ensuring that every teacher, every student, and every program has what it needs to succeed. That is leadership in its truest form." Petermann also spoke to the personal qualities that make Breton such a valued member of the SRTC community. "She is an exceptional listener who takes the time to truly hear the needs of those around her — whether it is a staff member navigating a difficult situation, a student seeking support, or an administrator working through a challenge. Her patience is remarkable, and her ability to remain calm and composed in the face of a demanding, fast-paced environment sets a tone of stability and trust throughout our building." "The Sanford Regional Technical Center is a better school because of Darlene Breton," Petermann added, "and Maine's students are better served because of people like her."

SRTC's Darlene Breton Named 2026 MPA Administrative Assistant of the Year

May 6, 2026

Sanford Regional Technical Center Administrative Assistant Darlene Breton has been named the 2026 Maine Principals' Association Administrative Assistant of the Year. The award rec...

When Sanford Regional Technical Center launched its new Sports Medicine Program, it opened a door that one Sanford High School senior was ready to walk right through. Now a senior with plans to study exercise science at St. Joseph's College next fall, Isabella McCall has become one of the program's standout participants, pairing her classroom learning with a hands-on internship at Maine Health's Sports Performance Center in Sanford. Isabella admits she wasn't always sure what direction she wanted to take after high school. It was through conversations with teachers and some soul-searching that exercise science started to feel like the right fit. When she spotted the Sports Medicine Program, she jumped, though not without some self-doubt about whether she could handle the realities of a medical setting. "I just was like, no, I'm just going to go for it," she said. "The program was a great way for me to see if I can handle injuries and stuff like that. And it's been good so far." The program had originally been two years, which gave her pause as a senior, but when it was condensed to one year the decision became easy. "And then they switched it to one and I was like, I'll do it," she said. Through the program's Extended Learning Opportunities, Isabella arranged an internship at Maine Health's Sports Performance Center, where she spends two to three days a week observing treatments and supporting staff. The classroom curriculum, covering muscle anatomy, health terminology, and movement mechanics, has translated directly to the gym floor. At the Sports Performance Center, Isabella observes treatments, helps explain exercises to clients, and occasionally sets up workouts under the guidance of staff. She recalled one moment when a client was working through an exercise involving internal rotation with one arm and external rotation with the other. "The person was like, 'I have no clue what this is,'" Isabella said. "And I said, ‘I bet it's going to be like this,’ and then the strength and conditioning specialist demonstrated and it was exactly what I was thinking." A three-sport athlete currently running outdoor track, Isabella has a natural connection to the field and it hasn't gone unnoticed. Her instructor and track coach, Jess Giordano, says it has been "truly an honor" having Isabella in the program, pointing to her outstanding academic performance and her ability to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. What stands out most, though, is the effect she has on those around her. "She leads by example and her peers gravitate to her insights because she demonstrates how to think critically and problem solve things that may be encountered in the field," Giordano said. "I am excited to see what her future brings."

Sanford Senior Excels in New Sports Medicine Program

April 15, 2026

When Sanford Regional Technical Center launched its new Sports Medicine Program, it opened a door that one Sanford High School senior was ready to walk right through. Now a senio...

For the third consecutive year, Sanford High School and the Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) opened their doors to welcome early childhood professionals from across Maine for the York County Early Childhood Coalition's (YCECC) Early Childhood Education Conference. On Saturday, April 4, more than 200 attendees gathered under one roof for a full day of professional growth, including registrants, presenters, vendors, and SRTC's own Early Childhood Education students. Hosting the conference has become a point of pride for Sanford, and this year was no exception. The school's Performing Arts Center, classrooms, café, and Agora were all put to use throughout the day, giving the event a true sense of place and community. From registration through the final door prize drawing, Sanford provided the space and support that made the conference possible. Held under the theme "Seeds of Inspiration: Growing Educators and Young Children with Heart and Guidance," the conference offered seven hours of professional training for those who work directly or indirectly with children from birth through the third grade. The day began in the Performing Arts Center with a welcome and an opening panel discussion titled "Mentorship, Compassion, and Growth," bringing together perspectives from both mentors and mentees and inviting questions from the audience. Attendees then had time to network and explore more than 20 vendor tables before the first of three breakout sessions. Topics across the day included Language and Literacy Strategies, Reframing Behavior as Communication, Universal Design for Learning, and the Regulated Classroom. A catered lunch by local caterer Above and Beyond was served in the café, giving participants a chance to recharge and connect before the afternoon sessions. The day wrapped up in the Agora with door prize drawings featuring items generously donated by vendors and the distribution of certificates recognizing each attendee's seven hours of training. The York County Early Childhood Coalition is dedicated to strengthening the network of professionals and services that support young children and families throughout the region.

Sanford High School Hosts York County Early Childhood Education Conference

April 14, 2026

For the third consecutive year, Sanford High School and the Sanford Regional Technical Center opened their doors to welcome early childhood professionals from across Maine for the...

National Technical Honor Society Announced for SRTC

April 10, 2026

By School, the inductees for May 6th.

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

SRTC Program Highlight: Precision Manufacturing

April 9, 2026

This is part of a series highlighting the career and technical education programs offered at Sanford Regional Technical Center. Walk into the Precision Manufacturing program at...

Sanford Senior Finds His Shot Behind the Camera with the Mainers

April 2, 2026

When Braeden Landry first joined the Sanford Mainers' broadcast production crew, he admitted he didn't know much about baseball and wasn't sure he knew enough about cameras either...

SRTC Students Take Center Stage at Annual Celebrating Partnerships Event

March 24, 2026

Sanford Regional Technical Center held its annual Celebrating Partnerships event on Wednesday, March 18. The gathering brought together local business partners, educators, and stu...

This is part of a series highlighting the career and technical education programs offered at Sanford Regional Technical Center. When someone calls 911, Emergency Medical Technicians are often the first medical professionals to arrive on scene. In Sanford Regional Technical Center's EMT Program, students learn the knowledge and skills needed to provide emergency medical care—from initial patient assessment through treatment and transport. The program is led by instructor Sharon Jackson, who has been in the EMS field since age 15 and a licensed provider for 25 years. A proboard certified Firefighter I & II and paramedic, Jackson still works as a firefighter/paramedic when not teaching, bringing current real-world experience into the classroom. The program currently holds the record for the highest number of students who have gone on to become licensed EMTs in its history. Students study anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology while learning EMT assessment and treatment protocols for both medical and trauma patients. The hands-on curriculum includes patient assessments, vital signs monitoring, medication administration within the EMT scope of practice, and proper techniques for lifting and moving patients using various equipment types—all skills required of certified EMTs. "The EMT program at SRTC is a perfect opportunity for those who have an interest in emergency medicine to learn the skills, confidence, and procedures to help those in need with great support from the instructor and those around you. This class teaches you everything you need to pass your NREMT and work on an ambulance helping those in need and is a fun and engaging class along the way. I don't think I would want to spend my time in the mornings anywhere else” said Rowan Berounsky-Porter (currently an EMT and Marshwood student, Firefighting I & II program completer and SRTC Student of the Year Nominee). The program provides seven college credits through Southern Maine Community College and American Heart Association CPR certification. Students also earn several specialized safety certifications that teach them how to handle hazardous materials incidents, report suspected abuse or neglect, and provide immediate bleeding control—skills that prepare them for the full range of situations EMTs encounter. Students describe the program's positive environment in their own words. Kelsey Chagnon, SRTC, York senior and Firefighting I & II program completer added, "It's a really positive environment and everyone is comfortable with each other." Jackson's teaching philosophy centers on meeting students where they are. "My students have taught me that they want to learn and not everyone learns the same way," Jackson said. "This means we must adjust the way we teach to meet the way they learn instead of trying to get them to adjust the way they learn to meet the way we teach." With a nationwide shortage of EMS providers, communities across the country need qualified EMTs to respond to emergencies. The program equips students with professional certifications, hands-on experience, and the clinical knowledge to begin their EMS careers or continue their education in paramedicine or other healthcare fields immediately after high school.

SRTC Program Highlight: Emergency Medical Technician Program

March 23, 2026

This is part of a series highlighting the career and technical education programs offered at Sanford Regional Technical Center. When someone calls 911, Emergency Medical Techni...

SRTC Student of the Year Nominees for 2026

March 21, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 2026 Contact: Sanford Regional Technical Center | Sanford, Maine SRTC Recognizes 14 Outstanding Student of the Year Nominees SANFORD...

Sanford Regional Technical Center Names Sofia Sharood as 2026 Student of the Year

March 20, 2026

SANFORD, ME — The Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) is proud to announce Sofia Sharood, a junior at Kennebunk High School, as its 2025–2026 Student of the Year. Enrolled i...

SRTC Students Bring Home 51 Medals from SkillsUSA State Conference

March 19, 2026

Over 100 students from Sanford Regional Technical Center traveled to Bangor to compete at the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference and they came home with plenty of ha...

When Sanford Regional Technical Center Agriculture Instructor Jennifer Coverdale wants to contact AHN Landscaping, the response usually comes from her own student Noelle Dennis. Noelle is a junior in the program and, by most measures, a full business partner in her family's landscaping company. "She's basically her dad's business partner," Coverdale said. "I send an email to him, and she's the one who checks the email. She is involved in all of the work that he's doing." That level of involvement is something Noelle has built steadily over the past three years, learning the business from the ground up. From talking to clients and planning job sites to managing equipment and running crews, she has taken on responsibility at an age when most of her peers are still figuring out what they want to do after graduation. For Noelle, the appeal of the work has always been clear. "I certainly like the career, and being outside," she said. "It suits me." Running a landscaping business means no two days look the same, and that's exactly how she likes it. At AHN Landscaping, she isn't just showing up to mow lawns. She's learning how to build and run a business, one job at a time. "We've done many jobs," she said. "It's something I really want to continue to pursue." This winter marked her first season handling snow removal on her own, and it tested her early. During her very first storm, her plow broke down twice in the same spot before losing power entirely. It was the kind of night that reminds you how unpredictable this work can be. But Noelle took it in stride, and she kept going. “I had been on the sidelines of storms before and this was my first time being on the frontlines,” Noelle said. “That plow didn’t want to work at all.” Back in the classroom, Coverdale says Noelle's real-world experience makes her a natural leader among her peers. She's not the loudest voice in the room, but she's the one others look to. "She leads by example," Coverdale said. "If there's a heavy pile that needs to be moved, she's the first person on it. She's not doing it to look cool or to be the person who's right. She just cares about the end product, and the other students respect her for that." The Agriculture program at SRTC has given Noelle additional tools to bring to her work at AHN Landscaping. Plant identification, horticultural science, and a deeper understanding of what she's installing and why have all sharpened the way she communicates with clients. "It gives me more background knowledge and makes me more professional," she said. "Clients want someone who knows what they're doing." Noelle's story is also part of something bigger happening at SRTC, where extended learning opportunities allow students across programs to earn school credit while working in their chosen fields. She is one of many students bridging the classroom and the real world, building skills and experience that will carry them well beyond graduation.

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...