Four OHS Students Recognized for Academic Excellence
The following article appeared in the Bangor Daily News on October 11, 2011
Orono High School
ORONO — Orono High School principal Jim Chasse announced that four students have earned a place among the nation’s top high school scholars, thanks to their performance in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Seniors Alex Bulteel and Laurie Hamilton were named semifinalists, and Audrey Landis and Jiawei Zou earned Letters of Commendation in this highly competitive measure of academic talent and achievement.
Some 1.5 million students in 22,000 high schools entered the program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test during their junior year. Less than 1 percent achieve the rank of semifinalist, while commended students place among the top 5 percent nationwide. Semifinalists must fulfill further requirements to qualify as finalists for one of 8,300 National Merit Scholarships totaling more than $34 million.
In addition to outstanding academic performance and superb scores on national tests, semifinalists must earn recommendations from school administrators and show an established record of leadership and community service. Merit Scholars are selected from the pool of finalists based on skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
Department of Education Recognizes Orono Middle School with a Prestigious Award
The U.S. Department of Education has announced that Orono Middle School, along with 303 other schools, will receive the 2011 National Blue Ribbon Schools award. The award falls in the high performing category and was granted as a result of students, parents, faculty, staff and the Riverside RSU 26 school community being committed to education.
For more information on the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, please visit the links below:
National Blue Ribbon Schools Website with Press Release and School Award List
View Our Blue Ribbon Application
Maine's Pro Sports Teams Announce Scholarships for Students
by Carolyn Callahan - as appeared on Wabi.tv January 26th 2011 02:38pm
Glenburn - Some very special guests arrived at Glenburn Elementary School Wednesday morning.The mascots of Maine's three professional sports teams want to help kids hit a homerun when it comes to saving for college.
Cody Lally is only in the 6th grade but he already has big plans for his future.
"I want to be a civil engineer, designing buildings and bridges and stuff like that."
With a career goal like that, Cody knows college needs to be a priority and he already knows his school of choice.
"I want to go to Boston College."
According to BC's website, tuition for the current school year is nearly $20,000 a semester. That will certainly increase by the time Cody attends college. Luckily, he's already learning about the importance of scholarships.
"Saving is a huge part of that as well as researching a college that's a good fit. But the earlier they start, the better off they'll be," said Martha Johnston, Director of Education Products for the Finance Authority of Maine.
To help kids get a jump start on their futures, all three of Maine's professional sports teams are partnering with the NextGen College Investing Plan.
"Between the three teams, they are offering eleven $1,000 scholarships. So, the Portland Pirates and the Portland Seadogs are offering three scholarships each, and the Maine Red Claws are actually offering five scholarships," said Johnston.
Slugger the Sea Dog, Crusher the Lobster and Salty Pete all stopped by Glenburn Elementary School to announce the scholarships and get kids, like Cody, excited for their futures.
Depending on their age, students must submit either an essay or a picture to be in the running.
"As far as we're concerned, the more time you can have to start saving and save, the better off you're going to be," said Jim Beaudoin with the Portland Pirates.
As for Cody, he says, he's taking part in the opportunity.
"I'm definitely writing an essay. Definitely so that will definitely help me if I win go to Boston College."
If you'd like more information on the scholarships and for information on how to apply visit, www.famemaine.com .
Orono Students Excel in Nationwide Mathematics Competition
Over 150,000 students participated in the 2010 American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) 8. The AMC 8 is a nationwide competition which was held on November 16th at over 2,000 schools and colleges. We are pleased to report that students from Asa C. Adams Elementary and Orono Middle School who chose to participate in the AMC 8 did very well. The highest fourth grade score in the state of Maine was earned by a studet at Asa Adams and the highest sixth grade score was earned by a student at Orono Middle School.
Activities like this contest allow and encourage students to excel in an academic sphere. The contest is a rewarding experience where mathematical curiosity and skill are stimulated. The American Mathematical Competitions is designed to inspire an interest in mathematics that will lead to academic success, scholarship, and a rewarding career. Competence in mathematics and mathematical understanding lead to success and an enriched life.
Congratulations to all students who participated in the competition.