Sanford educators Terri Gerrish (left) and Kendra Marley (right) are recognized as “Outstanding Early Childhood Professionals” by the Maine Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services.
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
Photo: Sanford School Department
Two Sanford early childhood educators honored:Terri Gerrish of Sanford Pride Elementary School and Kendra Marley of Carl J. Lamb Elementary School (CJL) were recently recognized as “Outstanding Early Childhood Professionals” during the Week of the Young Child, a celebration highlighting the importance of early childhood education and the professionals who nurture children during this critical developmental stage. The recognition comes as part of a joint initiative between the Maine Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services to honor dedicated professionals who make a meaningful impact on young children and families.
Gerrish’s journey through early childhood education has included roles as a preschool teacher, kindergarten teacher, before/after school teacher, home visitor, classroom supervisor, and Pre-K educational technician. Her first 30 years were spent at Head Start, where she was once a student herself during the program’s early days. “I wanted to be someone else’s light, and I still do,” Gerrish explained, noting that her own educational path was influenced by several remarkable teachers, including a great grandmother who taught in a one-room schoolhouse.
Marley joined the Sanford School Department with nine years of teaching experience from a local Head Start program. CJL Principal Sherri Baron highlighted Marley’s growth as an educator: “Our district staff and Maine Department of Education – Early Childhood Education team quickly recognized Ms. Marley’s natural aptitude for preschool education. We have had the privilege of witnessing her development into a skilled and influential leader both within our district and throughout the state of Maine.” Read the full story here.
CJL calls in the professionals for Career Day: Students at Carl J. Lamb Elementary School had the opportunity to learn about various careers from a diverse group of local professionals on May 2 during Career Day. The schedule had presenters rotating among different grade levels throughout the day, ensuring that students could learn about multiple careers. The presentations were interactive, allowing children to ask questions and learn about the education, skills, and daily responsibilities required for each profession.
School Resource Officer Joe Jourdain from the Sanford Police Department spoke with Pre-K and first grade students about law enforcement. He discussed not only his job, but the variety of positions in his profession, including being a detective and solving crimes. Brett Williams, managing director of the Sanford Performing Arts Center, engaged kindergarten students with an interactive presentation about careers in the performing arts. He discussed many different roles — songwriters, singers, actors and dancers as well as behind-the-scenes people who work with lighting and props. Mayor Becky Brink spoke to second-grade students about city government and leadership. Sam Brink discussed nonprofit leadership and her work with Jobs for Maine Graduates.
Also presenting were Rick Smith from the Sanford Fire Department, Andrew Button from Southern Maine Aviation, Allie McCarthy from the Animal Welfare Society, and many others. Students even participated in virtual sessions with Stephen Crowley from Facebook, who discussed coding and video game design with third and fourth graders. Read the full story here.
Dance to the music: Grayson’s Legacy is holding a Kids/Adult Dance for children in Pre-K through fifth grade on May 17, 4 – 6 pm, at the Acton Elementary School, 700 Milton Mills Road in Acton. Children from all towns are invited, including those who are homeschooled. Attendees can enjoy snacks, water and juice at no charge, and dance to kid-appropriate music. Tickets cost $10 for two tickets and $15 for a family of four. The organizers want everyone to be able to attend and ask that people contact them if ticket costs are a barrier to participation. Purchase tickets here via PayPal or Venmo. A cash option will be available at the door.
Latest news from First 10 Sanford: The May newsletter from First 10 Sanford is now available. It includes tips and activities to boost early brain development in children ages 0 to 4 years as well as updates on its Spring Play and Learn series and the May Family Calendar from The Basics. The newsletter connects families with valuable early childhood opportunities. Access the newsletter here.
Photo: Sanford School Department
SHS choirs earn top rating at Maine festival: The Sanford High School choral program participated in the Maine ACDA Adjudicated Festival at Scarborough High School on May 1. Under the direction of Ryan Geary, Chamber Singers, Select Treble Choir, and Vox Sparta each performed for a panel of adjudicators and were evaluated in both performance and sight reading. All three ensembles received Superior ratings — the highest possible score —recognizing their preparation, musical skill, and commitment to excellence.
Sanford Rotary honors SRTC Student of the Year nominees: Thirteen students at Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) were celebrated during a breakfast hosted by the Sanford Springvale Rotary Club in the SRTC café. The event honored nominees for SRTC’s Student of the Year award, giving Rotary members the opportunity to meet them. Each student received special recognition from the Rotary Club, including cinema passes and tickets to a Sanford Mainers game. SRTC Director Matthew Petermann introduced each nominee with personalized comments from their instructors.
The breakfast showcased student accomplishments, including SkillsUSA competitors like Brianna Keller, who placed 22nd nationally in video production and helped raise nearly $20,000 for SRTC students to attend competitions in Atlanta. Also featured was Brian Graffam, a local SkillsUSA officer who shared his personal growth through the program. Sanford High School (SHS) was well represented among the nominees. Natalie Green, a senior in the EMT program, exemplified the impact of SRTC’s programs. Green earned her Firefighter I & II certification and has already secured a job with the Gorham Fire Department. SHS senior Connor Rice was recognized for his exceptional drive in the Academy of Business program. Rice plans to pursue a degree in business with a focus on music after graduation.
Honored as the 2025 SRTC Student of the Year was Devenny Brickett, a junior at Massabesic High School (MHS) and in the SRTC Health Occupations program. Her journey toward earning her Certified Nursing Assistant license has been marked by punctuality, kindness and time management skills, according to Brickett’s Health Occupations instructor Jenna Holmes. Brickett later participated in a statewide recognition ceremony on May 3 at Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor. She joined 26 other Student of the Year recipients — one selected from each of Maine’s 27 Career and Technical Education centers — being honored while her parents, MHS Assistant Principal Scott Lavertu and SRTC’s Petermann watched on from the audience. Read the full story here.
SMS music teacher chosen to conduct honor band: Erica Scarano, Sanford Middle School music teacher, recently achieved a professional milestone by serving as guest conductor for the Maine Music Educators Association (MMEA) District 3 Honor Band for seventh and eighth graders. Scarano was selected by a vote of her peers from across the 33 school districts and private schools in MMEA District 3 to conduct this select ensemble.
Scarano met with the student musicians for intensive rehearsals on April 4 – 5 at Lisbon High School, followed by a concert featuring four pieces performed in front of a capacity audience. “These two days were humbling, affirming, invigorating, fun, and emotional for me,” said Scarano. “I had a great time working with the awesome students and teachers in District 3.”
Sanford school happenings: For more news from the Sanford School Department, including student achievements, educator recognition, and other school activities, read the latest edition of the Sanford Spotlight Newsletter here.
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