SANFORD — If you were raised in Sanford or nearby, chances are pretty good you know about rock and glow bowling, with the lights down and the music up, at Bowl-A-Rama.

Owner Owen Martin, who’s been working with children for years, was among five adults recognized Thursday by Strategies for a Stronger Sanford. Martin got a “High Five,” as the honor was called.

“Owen has been quick to open his doors and his wallet, to support local youth sports programs, the YMCA, civic clubs and many others,” Strategies biographers wrote of Martin. Matt Ouellette, who introduced Martin, put it this way:

“He said, ”˜I don’t know why I’m being selected,’” Ouellette told the crowd. “I said, ”˜That’s why: selflessness.’”

Martin, for his part, said he supports the Strategies programs.

“Our communities need something like Strategies for a Stronger Sanford. Kids are subjected to so much these days,” he said.

Martin joined his sister, long-time teacher and principal Sharon Remick; social worker and substance abuse counselor Megan Walsh; grantwriter Cathy Lounsbury and Strategies co-founder and former juvenile prosecutor Kathy McKechnie in being recognized for their contributions at the High Fives dinner Thursday at the Sanford High School cafeteria.

Also in the spotlight were nine members of SSS’s Youth Council: Shaw Horrigan, Calvin Eisenhauer, Justin Daugherty, Derek Talbot, Taylor Pepin, Ellie Garnsey, Kayla Bragdon, Kayla Burgess and Jordan Tranchemontagne. Youth Council members take part in community service projects, like sprucing up Carpentier Park or helping a local food rescue program. The council takes part on the Maine Youth Action network, which works to create change in communities.

“Strategies grew out of a dream,” board member Jim Gulnac told the audience. “Kathy McKechnie was the force that brought a bunch of us together to try and develop a neighborhood program around Lafayette School.”

From those early days, the organization has grown and embraces entities such as Our Schools, Our Future; the Parent Leadership Training Institute; Stuff the Bus; Drug Free Communities; the Backpack program and more.

McKechnie was a juvenile prosecutor and a pioneer in diverting at-risk youth from the juvenile justice system to local opportunities, including substance abuse prevention programs. Her biography notes she has volunteered with local schools and social service agencies to improve rehabilitation and court services for youth.

Board member Jan Goldsberry spoke about Walsh and Lounsbury. Both, she said, are “two smart people with a can-do attitude.”

“They listen and learn from people around them what the needs are, “ she said. As well, she said, Walsh and Lounsbury not only have the IQ, they have the emotional, or “E” Q.

Remick, a teacher and principal for 30 years, said Ouellette, “has always been on the front line of change.”

Remick thanked SSS for the High Five.

“I’m just doing my job,” said Remick, principal of Margaret Chase Smith School. “I’ve had wonderful support from family and staff.”

Looking out at the students and others, Remick made a pronouncement: “Sanford is going to be in great hands,” she said.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.