BIDDEFORD — Wednesday morning was cold, gray and wet. But the miserable weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the half a dozen Biddeford High School students and the approximately 20 others who had gathered to watch the youth take a turn rowing a boat off the Marblehead pier.
The boat is a special one: It was built by a core group of six BHS students, mostly seniors, who were part of the Alternative Pathways program.
The 16-foot Gloucester light dory was off-loaded from a vehicle that brought the vessel from where it was built, by the students, at the Compass Project program in Portland.
There was a brief graduation ceremony, where each of the students was handed a certificate of excellence. Then, the “Jolly Green Giant” was christened and hauled to the water where students, with the assistance of Compass Project instructor Shane Hall, took turns rowing the boat for a brief journey on the Saco River.
Students started the boat-building process in the fall. Their class was the first from Biddeford to pilot the boat-building program, which they attended for three hours every Wednesday.
The Compass Project was founded in 2002 and is located in Portland. Using a hands-on approach, it teaches academics and self-confidence along with boat-building skills. The school’s motto is: “The kids build the boat … and the boat builds the kids,” according to its website.
“There was definitely a lot I learned from this project,” said Niko Mucci, a senior.
He said he had used some with tools before the experience, but worked with more tools, such as different types of saws, to build the boat.
In addition to learning about boat building through the Compass Project, Alisha Atwater, a senior, said she also enjoyed “working with a group” as a way to get over some of her shyness. She also learned about the importance of listening intently.
“Paying attention” was important, said Atwater. “We worked with a lot of dangerous tools.”
For some of the students, the program is a one-time experience, but for Ryan Kraus-Tracy, the program was key to his future. Through the Compass Project, the senior was awarded a $15,000 scholarship to attend The Landing School in Arundel, which focuses on the marine industry. He plans to go into boat building as a profession.
“I didn’t think it was going to be much fun until I got into it,” said Kraus-Tracy about the Compass Project. “I liked the experience of the different tools I got to use and how it all molded together into a beautiful boat.”
Biddeford High School was one of six school groups to attend the Compass Project during the past school year, said the project’s program supervisor Holly Parker.
“All the kids did a great job,” she said.
Every day they attended the program, “these kids got in, got their heads down and got to work,” she said.
“I’m so proud,” said BHS Director of Special Education Heidi O’Leary of the students.
O’Leary championed the project about a year ago before the school committee to win approval for the pilot program. A condition of the approval was to find private funding. The pilot project was funded through grants from the Davis Family Foundation and the Somers Foundation.
Mayor and School Committee Chairman Alan Casavant was one of those who supported the pilot program.
He attended Wednesday’s boat launch, and said he was impressed by the students and the program.
“I think it’s important to have a program like this for kids who need hands-on learning,” he said. “It teaches discipline, work skills and a lot of intangibles, like skills you need to succeed in life. Most importantly, it’s about self-esteem.”
“I think it’s amazing what these kids have done,” said Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray.
Ray is fully supportive of the program, saying Biddeford will continue with the program next year and will include middle school age students as well.
In addition, Ray demonstrated his support by purchasing the boat built by the BHS students. Parker said that was the fastest boat sale in the Compass Project’s history.
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.
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