TA senior named finalist for
National Merit Scholarship

Dylan Poirier, a senior at Thornton Academy in Saco, has been selected as a National Merit Scholar finalist.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships. Students qualify by achieving a high score on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), taken during their junior year.

To become a finalist, Poirier and TA school counselor Abby More submitted a detailed scholarship application, providing information about his academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, as well as honors and awards received.

“What truly distinguishes Dylan is not just his innate intelligence, but his self-motivation, drive, and full engagement in his learning,” More said. “He has taken charge of his education with determination and focus, consistently seeking out opportunities to challenge himself and expand his knowledge.”

The National Merit Scholarship Program, created in 1955, honors scholastically talented American youth and encourages them to develop their abilities to the fullest. The nationwide pool of finalists represents less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors.

Poirier plans to study Computer Science at Oral Roberts University.

OOB alumni basketball
game takes place March 7

Old Orchard Beach High School alumni are invited to help raise money for scholarships by participating in the  Old Orchard Alumni Basketball Classic which will take place Friday, March 7, at 6 p.m. at the OOBHS gym. The OOBHS boys and girls will play against the basketball stars of yesteryear. In 23 years the alumni have only lost twice. Will they go down in 2025?

There will be T-shirts for the players, door prizes, and what promises to be a fun night for all. Tickets are $5; signup to play at the door. For more information, call 423-2975.

Five inducted into 2025 Greater
Biddeford-Saco Music Hall of Fame

Five inductees were selected for the 2025 Greater Biddeford-Saco Music Hall of Fame, which features musicians and musical artists from all of York County.

Members of the 2025 Greater Biddeford-Saco Music Hall of Fame include the Corona Brothers, Marc Hebert, Jimsonweed, Ric Roy, and Rush. They will be inducted during the Greater Biddeford-Saco Music Hall of Fame (GBSMHOF) Ceremony and Inauguration, according to a Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center (BCHC) press release.

The ceremony will be held at the Biddeford Middle School Performing Arts Center on May 4, at 2 p.m. Doors will be open for ticket sales at noon and theater doors will open for seating at 1 p.m.

In addition to the 2025 inductees, the event will feature the Hall of Fame All-Star Band with Camille Saucier as musical director. The All-Star Band will perform, and they will also back up the inductees performing during the ceremony. The event will feature more music this year than last year.

Local businesses and vendors will be present in the hallway, concessions will be available before the ceremony, as well as during intermission, and there will be entertainment in the hall prior to the event. A Meet and Greet Event will be held in the cafeteria immediately after the ceremony, allowing time to talk with the new inductees and photo opportunities.

This year’s event will also feature a raffle for a Gibson Les Paul Guitar ($2,800 value) donated by Gibson Gives. The lucky winner will be announced at the conclusion of the Induction Ceremony. Raffle tickets can be obtained by emailing music@biddefordcultural.org or on the BCHC website at biddefordculturalandheritagecenter.org/.

Advanced ticket sales for the show are available online and at Midtown Music until May 2, for $10. Tickets sold at the door will be available for $15.

“Last year’s show was such a great success and far exceeded our expectations with over 700 attending,” said Diane Cyr, BCHC president, “So happy we get to do this again!”

CK Burns receives $7,000 grant
from Special Olympics Maine

CK Burns School has been awarded a $7,000 grant from Special Olympics Maine to support the Unified Champion Schools Project, expanding inclusive athletic opportunities for students. In addition to the Unified Soccer program, the funding will allow the school to introduce Unified Basketball and Unified Bocce, as well as send a team to compete in the Unified Relay 4×100 at the York County Special Olympics Spring Games.

Unified Sports, a key component of the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools model, brings students with and without disabilities together as teammates, fostering an inclusive environment where all students can participate, grow, and develop meaningful relationships. The goal of the program is to break down barriers and create a culture of inclusion through sports.

The new sports offerings will provide opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, confidence, and teamwork while promoting a sense of belonging throughout the school community.

“The success of Unified Soccer last fall was truly inspiring,” said Superintendent Jeremy Ray. “This grant allows us to continue that momentum by adding other opportunities for our students to experience the joy of sports and competition.”

CK Burns School Principal April Noble emphasized the broader impact of the program. “We are committed to fostering an inclusive school culture, and Unified Sports play a vital role in that mission. Through initiatives like Unified Soccer, Basketball, and Bocce, as well as the Best Buddies program, students have meaningful opportunities to build friendships, strengthen their teamwork and leadership skills, and support one another in ways that extend far beyond the field. We are grateful for this investment in our school and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our students and community.”

The grant will help cover equipment, uniforms, travel expenses, and training. CK Burns School students will take part at the York County Special Olympics Spring Games later this year.