Sofia Sharood: Education Connected to Purpose Becomes Powerful

35 4 minutes read

Photo: provided by Sofia Sharood

By: Sam Bonsey, Sanford Schools Communications Coordinator

The Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) is proud to announce Sofia Sharood, a junior at Kennebunk High School, as its 2025–2026 Student of the Year. Enrolled in SRTC’s Sports Medicine program — one of the center’s newest offerings, launched in the fall 2025 — Sofia has distinguished herself through academic excellence, professional certifications, hands-on clinical training, and a clarity of purpose that is rare in any student, let alone a junior.

Sofia maintains High Honors at both Kennebunk High School and SRTC, is a member of the Class of 2027 Executive Council, and serves as Secretary of the KHS Healthcare Club, where she helps organize meetings and encourages student engagement in the medical professions. She is also a member of the Girls Lacrosse Team and has been interning with the Kennebunk Athletic Training Staff since the winter of 2024.

In less than one year at SRTC, Sofia has earned four certifications: CPR, Heat Illness Prevention (NFHS), Appearance and Performance Enhancing Drugs and Substances (NFHS), and Certified Student Leadership: Becoming a Leader (NFHS). She has also participated in emergency response simulations, volunteered as a tour guide at the SRTC Sports Medicine Open House, and organized the KHS Healthcare Club Blood Drive.

“Participating in emergency response simulations has strengthened my technical and collaborative skills, critical thinking, and ability to remain calm under pressure,” Sofia wrote in her Student of the Year essay.

“These experiences have not only prepared me for real-world medical scenarios but have hardened my commitment to a future in sports medicine.”

Sofia’s long-term goals are as ambitious as they are focused. After high school, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in Athletic Training and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, with the goal of working as both a certified Athletic Trainer and a D.O. physician for a collegiate or professional sports team. She has already begun touring programs at Plymouth State University and is researching competitive programs at Duke and UNC.

Director Matt Petermann states that “It is rare to find a student so extremely focused and driven as a junior. Her drive along with a mix of kindness, respect, and leadership helps make her a model student. She has set a successful course for the future and we wish her well in all her future endeavors.” Her nominating instructor, Jessie Giordano, selected Sofia for this honor in recognition of her drive, professionalism, and the genuine impact she has already made in her first year in the program.

Sofia reflects on what has made her SRTC experience transformative: “Throughout my education, I often questioned why I had to take certain classes when I already knew I wanted a career in medicine. SRTC allowed me to channel that certainty into meaningful action. The program has strengthened my independence, work ethic, and confidence in my abilities. Most importantly, it has shown me that when education is connected to purpose, it becomes powerful.” Sofia is the daughter of Edward and Amy of Kennebunk.

The Sanford Regional Technical Center provides Career and Technical Education to nearly 800 students from eight area high schools across York County, preparing them for both higher education and direct entry into the workforce. Sofia Sharood exemplifies the Center’s mission of fostering technical skills, leadership, and community engagement. She, along with students from the other 26 CTE schools in the State, will be honored at the MACTE Student of the Year Banquet on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026.

SRTC Student of the Year Nominees for 2025-2026

Each year, SRTC selects one outstanding student from its nearly 800 enrollees to represent the center alongside Students of the Year from all 27 Career and Technical Education (CTE) schools across Maine, honored each year by the Maine Administrators of Career and Technical Education. This year’s nominees represent 14 programs spanning healthcare, the trades, technology, business, agriculture, and the arts. Each was selected by their program instructor as someone who embodies the spirit of career and technical education — hard-working, purpose-driven, and ready to make a mark in their chosen field.

Heidi Smith | Baking and Pastry | Homeschool

Silver medal in Wedding Cake Design at SkillsUSA Maine

Rowan Berounsky-Porter | Emergency Medical Technician | Marshwood

SkillsUSA competitor

Aspires to a career as a firefighter and EMT

Zoe Davidson | Health Occupations | Massabesic

Plans to pursue a healthcare career after college

Whitney Borenstein | Health Occupations | Massabesic

Plans to attend nursing and/or medical school

Sofia Sharood | Sports Medicine | Kennebunk

Bronze medal at SkillsUSA Maine

Plans to study osteopathic medicine and athletic training