Sanford High School’s Spartan cheerleaders will compete in the state championships in Augusta on Feb. 7.
Photo: Sanford School Department
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
SHScheer squad earns cheers from the crowd: The Sanford High School Spartan cheerleaders competed on Jan. 31 in the SMAA Cheerleading Championship, which was hosted at Sanford High School. The girls team finished fifth out of 10 Class A South teams, earning a spot at the state championship, to be held at the Augusta Civic Center on Feb. 7. The SMAA Cheerleading Championship event was a great success thanks to the hard work and dedication of many in the Sanford school community. The impressive turnout helped the Athletic Boosters raise over $6,000 to support Sanford student athletes.
They came, they saw,they debated: Third graders in teacher Hunter Brannan’s class at Sanford Pride Elementary School recently held a lively classroom debate on the historical legacy of the ancient Roman leader Julius Caesar. The debate featured three one-minute rounds during which students presented opening arguments before responding to questions and feedback from judges. Students gained hands-on experience with historical analysis, public speaking, and critical thinking while exploring one of history’s most controversial figures.
PTA drive aims to build upsupplies: Sanford Middle SchoolPTA is organizing a drive to restock the nurse’s office. Needed are water bottles (mini bottles or reusable bottles), clothing (pants and shirts in all sizes for boys and girls), new underwear (all sizes for boys and girls), and new socks (all sizes for boys and girls). Donated items can be dropped off at the school’s front office, or donors can email the PTA at smsptame@gmail.com to arrange for a pick-up. Additionally, financial donations can be made via Venmo. There is no deadline for donations.
Drop in after drop-off: The Basics Sanford holds a Parent Coffee Hour on Fridays, 8:30 – 9:30 am, at the Sanford Community Adult Education library. Sanford parents and guardians are invited to stop in after the school drop-off to meet other caregivers, connect with school staff, ask questions and build community around a cup of coffee. The Parent Coffee Hour runs through March.
Scholarship opportunity from the Sanford Mainers: The application period for the David M. Ahern Memorial Scholarship is open. This scholarship, awarded by the Sanford Mainers, is for either an elite, two-sport athlete who exemplifies great leadership and whose positive attitude encourages the growth of teammates or a dedicated student who displays a strong passion for the arts. Qualified arts programming includes theater, digital design/graphic arts, culinary arts and video production. Students must carry a GPA above 3.0. Applications must be postmarked by April 17. FMI about the scholarship, and to apply, go here.
Alice Giberti, grade 6 at Sanford Middle School, took the Great Kindness Challenge Week to heart last week, spreading positivity throughout the building.
Photo: Sanford School Department
She’s some kind of wonderful: Sanford Middle School celebrated Great Kindness Challenge Week from Jan. 26 – 30. The global initiative challenges students and staff to perform acts of kindness throughout their schools. Alice Giberti, a sixth grader, came up with her own approach. Giberti wrote uplifting messages on notes for students at every grade level that read “you matter,” “keep going,” “don’t give up,” and “think of the good things” and delivered them to students throughout the building.
Now serving the most important meal of the day: A little more than a month after opening for lunch service, the SRTC Café has expanded to offer breakfast service on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Breakfast times are 8:30 am and 8:45 am. A recent menu listed Green Eggs and Ham Sandwich, Biscuits and Gravy, the All-Day Breakfast and more. Lunch service will be paused for February and early March while the seniors prepare for their upcoming culinary competitions, after which lunch service will resume. Make breakfast reservations here.
Student volunteers make a difference in the community: A new student-led club has launched at Sanford High School this year. Interact Club, sponsored by the Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club, focuses on volunteerism and has already drawn strong student participation. Since its launch, the club has been active in the community, raising $500 for the Salvation Army through holiday bell ringing, participating in the 2025 Spree of Trees hosted by the Sanford Alumni Association, and helping serve a Thanksgiving dinner at the Sanford Elks Lodge. Looking ahead, the club is excited to begin a new Literacy Project with St. Thomas School focused on promoting literacy among younger generations. As the club continues to grow, members are eager to take on more volunteering opportunities and warmly invite community members and organizations to contact the club’s advisor, Elizabeth White, at ewhite@sanford.org with ideas for future service projects.
Atlantic Federal Credit Union Foundation scholarship opportunity: The 2026 Atlantic Federal Credit Union Foundation College Scholarship Program is now accepting applications from graduating high school seniors who are AFCU members and plan to pursue higher education in the fall. Atlantic will award one $10,000, one $5,000, one $2,500, one $1,500, and one $1,000 scholarship, for a total of $20,000. The scholarship aims to recognize outstanding high school graduates and help reduce their financial burdens for college. Applicants must submit an application, a letter of reference, and a copy of their resume. In addition, students must write a 400-word essay about a time they tried something new that didn’t work out, and what they learned from it. AFCU members can apply and get details, including scholarship rules and requirements, here. All applications must be received or postmarked by March 26. The Atlantic Federal Credit Union Scholarship Committee will announce the recipients in June.
Latest news from First 10 Sanford: The February 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 information on kindergarten registration and the Pre-K lottery. Access the newsletter, which connects families with valuable early childhood opportunities, here.
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