WELLS — At 17 years old, Sam LaPointe knows exactly where he’s going.
The senior, who graduates from Wells High School Sunday, is headed for Babson College in Wellesley, Mass. where he plans to study business this fall.
Although neither of his parents went to college, LaPointe said he just knew that was the path for him.
“I knew I needed a college education,” he said in a recent interview at the school. “I told myself I had to focus on academics and athletics.”
In his four years at WHS, he’s done just that. The three-sport athlete said he’s most proud of being nominated as a Western Maine Conference all-star for three years in soccer and placing fourth at the state wrestling championships this year. In addition to soccer and wrestling, LaPointe is also on the track team.
Wrestling coach Scott Lewia has been a role model for LaPointe, who said his father hasn’t been in his life, and who, along with his younger sister, had to move in with family friends after his mother lost her job.
“He’s mentored me through a lot of obstacles,” he said of Lewia.
English teacher Jody Selsberg has also offered support and guidance, along with “handfuls of other teachers and coaches,” he said.
In addition to the support he’s received at school and in the community, where he’s lived all his life, LaPointe said he couldn’t be more thankful for the Lamb family, his foster family. He said the move was made better by the fact that it’s his best friend’s family. Both young men will graduate this weekend and then the family plans to take a celebratory trip to Alaska before both head off to college this fall.
Once at Babson, LaPointe said he hopes to continue studying Spanish, and may consider a major in international business. If he has the opportunity, studying abroad in Spain would allow him to pursue both disciplines. He also would like to try out for the college’s soccer team.
“In order to achieve the success I want, I’ll need to further my education,” LaPointe said, adding that he hopes to earn his MBA in the future as well.
For the summer, LaPointe said he’ll be working at The Ogunquit Lobster Pound, and soaking up time at home with his family. Leaving his sister in September will be the most difficult part of the next chapter of his life, he said.
“We’ve been through everything together,” he said. “I won’t be able to watch out for her, so it’ll be tough.”
However, he feels he set a good example and opened the door for her to make what she wants of her own life.
“I’ve always tried to push her,” he said, but “I’ve kind of left it up to her to make the right decisions.”
When asked what advice he has for other young people who may be struggling with difficult situations outside of school, LaPointe advises them to “remain hopeful and keep your mind set on your goals.
“It gives you something to look forward to.”
— City Editor Robyn Burnham can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 329 or rburnham@journaltribune.com.
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