SHS senior Natalie Lam receives her CNA pin from her mom, Beverly Lam, LPN. Natalie plans to earn her Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences in hopes to become a pediatrician.
Photo: Loc Lam
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
Health Occupations students earn CNA credential: On Tuesday, May 27, a pinning ceremony was held for students in the Health Occupations Program at Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC). All 55 students from Sanford High School and other SRTC partner schools passed their state board exams.
Health Occupations teachers Jenna Holmes and Shawnda Williams congratulated the students on this remarkable achievement. Several have already been added to Maine’s Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants, while others are in the process, allowing them to work in medical settings. Each graduate was called individually to be pinned by a special person of their choosing and to share what becoming a CNA means to them.
After the pinning, students recited the CNA Nightingale Pledge — an oath to uphold the sacred
responsibility of caring for others at their most vulnerable. Williams urged them to let the pledge guide them as they begin their careers saying, “May you always lead with heart, serve with purpose, and bring comfort where it is needed most.”
Sanford students honored at SRTC Recognition Night: Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) honored students and achievements at their annual Recognition Night ceremony held May 22 at Partners Bank Gymnasium. Following greetings from superintendent Matt Nelson, SRTC Director Matt Petermann and Assistant Director Michael Redmond presented awards for the SkillsUSA and National Technical Honor Society programs, recognizing students who demonstrated excellence in technical skills competitions and maintained high academic standards. The evening also featured scholarship presentations to deserving students, supported by numerous community partners.
One of the evening’s highlights was the Student of the Year recognition, a prestigious honor that involves a comprehensive selection process including nominations, student applications, and interviews with a selection committee. Devenny Brickett, a Massabesic High School junior in the Health Occupations Program, was named SRTC’s 2025 Student of the Year. Two Sanford High School students were among the Student of the Year finalists — Connor Rice from the Academy of Business program and Natalie Green from the Firefighting and EMT programs. Rice plans to pursue a college degree in business with a focus on music after graduation. Green, who earned her Firefighter I & II certification and served as a teacher in both the firefighting and EMT programs, plans to continue her firefighting and EMT education at Southern Maine Community College after graduation. Read the full story here.
Fifth-grade student Grace Raymond used her initiative to establish the Buddy Table at Sanford Middle School.
Photo: Sanford School Department
New Buddy Table extends kindness at SMS: A new initiative at Sanford Middle School (SMS) started with one student’s compassion and has grown into a way students can practice kindness across the entire school community. Fifth-grader Grace Raymond noticed something that many students have experienced at one time or another — the feeling of sitting alone and wishing for company. Raymond, having experienced this feeling personally, decided to do something about it. After meeting with social worker Shannon Tracy for guidance, creating a thoughtful slideshow presentation, and gaining approval,Raymond established the Buddy Table in the SMS cafeteria, located in an area where students can easily find it.
The Buddy Table is designed to be a welcoming space for all students. Those who find themselves sitting alone and would like to make new friends can choose to sit there, as can new students who are still getting to know their classmates. The table also welcomes students who want to practice kindness by reaching out to others who might not have as many friends. The table isn’t just for students who are struggling socially, but for any student to sit when they want to be part of building a more inclusive and welcoming community.
The post School Notes appeared first on Sanford Springvale News.
