Military service members give high fives to students as they gather to celebrate St. Thomas School’s designation as Maine’s first Purple Star School.
Photo: St. Thomas School
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
St. Thomas School earns designation for commitment to military families: On Wednesday, Sept. 24, St. Thomas School announced that it has met legislation requirements to become a Purple Star School, the first in the state of Maine. Purple Star Schools support service members and military-connected children/families, acting as strong systems of support through deployment and ongoing service to the country. Children in military families face unique challenges, for example, relocating frequently and needing to adjust to new schools and new curricula as well as coping with the challenge of having a parent on a long-term or combat deployment.
On the day of the announcement, military service members and family members, veterans, law enforcement officials, and state representatives lined the school’s sidewalk, high-fiving students on their way to a special assembly. There, a Purple Star banner was unveiled, followed by Fr. Bill Labbe’s blessing of active servicemen. The school’s social media page called out Meagan Downs for her commitment in seeing the Purple Star distinction come to fruition and Beth Kent for her endless support and assistance.
AFCU college scholarship opportunity open to members: Atlantic Federal Credit Union (AFCU) is now accepting applications for its $2,500 Amable A. and Vivian Caron College Scholarship. Long-time members of the credit union, the Caron’s were passionate about empowering young members to pursue their educational dreams. Their legacy continues to help college students continue their education every year.
Applicants must be AFCU members who are primary members of an active account and are enrolled in a Fall 2025 undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited college or vocational school. To enter, applicants must fill out the application form and submit a 250- to 350-word essay answering the question: “If you had unlimited time and resources, what hobby or skill would you master?” The deadline for submission is Tuesday, Nov. 18. The scholarship recipient will be chosen at random from all entrants that qualify. FMI, and to apply, go to atlanticfcu.com/scholarships.
Safety presentation on school efforts to keep students safe: The Sanford School Department will hold a Safety Informational Night on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 6 pm at the Sanford Performing Arts Center. Student Resource Officers and the department’s Central Office Administration will provide an important overview of school safety measures and protocols in place to protect students.
Free flu shots for students to be offered in November: The Sanford School Department is partnering with MaineHealth to offer free flu vaccinations for students this fall. Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to prevent the flu and keep the school community healthy. MaineHealth will be administering flu vaccines at the schools on the following dates: Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Sanford Pride and Margaret Chase Smith Elementary Schools; Thursday, Nov. 6, at Sanford High School and Carl J. Lamb Elementary School; and Friday, Nov. 7, at Sanford Middle School. Parents/guardians do not need to be present during vaccination and there is no cost to participate. However, a consent form must be submitted to the school nurse by Monday, Oct. 27, to receive the vaccination. Access the consent form here. Contact the school nurse with questions.
SHS Hall of Honor list grows longer: The newest inductees into the Sanford High School Athletic Hall of Honor have been selected. Five men and women have been named for their athletic achievements and their impact on the community. A ceremony honoring these athletes will be held in the Sanford Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 1 pm.
Athletic director Zachary Lemelin stated, “The Sanford Athletic Department is very excited to induct our second class into the Hall of Honor. We look forward to recognizing and celebrating with the inductees and the community for their success and the great memories of their time as student-athletes and coaches.”
The five new inductees to the Athletic Hall of Honor include Andy Adams (Class of 1978), Theodore “Teddy” Gardner (Class of 1957), Keith Kalman (Class of 1964), Kelly (Nobert) LaFountain (Class of 1984), and Kristy (Parent) Richards (Class of 1994). To learn about these inductees, read The Spartan Times story here.
Winter sports registration at SMS and SHS is open: Sanford Middle School has two winter seasons. The first season includes Boys and Girls Basketball and Cheer for grade 7 and 8 students. Tryouts for Basketball and Cheer will begin on Nov. 17. The registration deadline is also Nov. 17. The second season, which starts in February, includes Wrestling for grade 6, 7 and 8 students and Girls Volleyball for grade 7 and 8 students. Registration for the second season will be available in January.
For Sanford High School, the winter season offerings are Boys and Girls Basketball, Competition Cheer, Boys/Girls Indoor Track, Wrestling, Boys Ice Hockey Co-Op, and Swim Co-Op. Tryouts for high school sports begin on Nov. 17.
FMI, and to access the required online registration forms for both middle school and high school sports, go here.
Sanford school happenings: For more news from the Sanford School Department, including grade 7 Ecology School, sights around the schools, and Homecoming information, read the latest Sanford Spotlight Newsletter here.
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