Air Force honors Deering science teacher

Cyle Davenport, a Deering High School science teacher, received an inaugural Air and Space Forces Sentry Educator Award from the Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts. The new award recognizes educators in New England who demonstrate Air Force values of integrity, service and excellence.

“Mr. Davenport is known throughout our school district as an exemplary instructor,” wrote Deering Interim Co-Principal Jake Giessman in nominating Davenport. “Mr. Davenport’s skill as a teacher reversed a long decline in enrollment in chemistry and physics courses at our school. He makes kids love science.”

Deering senior Colby Drabik also nominated Davenport. “He started the Science Olympiad club, dedicated his time to be the coach for my new trivia team, and became the advisor for me and my friend’s Cube Satellite mission,” Drabik wrote. ” This has helped me greatly in my school career and has motivated and made me more focused on what I want to do for the rest of my life. … I think this makes him one of the best teachers at Deering High School.”

Students meet their veteran pen pals

Third graders at Holy Cross School in South Portland finally met their pen pals at Maine Veterans’ Homes in Scarborough on May 3. The students have been corresponding with veterans through the school year and sent them Christmas ornaments in December.

“The students sang two songs for the veterans, painted bird houses and played games,” teacher Shelley Assia said in a press release. “This was a beautiful opportunity for the students to see the joy their letters have brought to the residents and to see how important it is to give back to our community.”