Portland teacher selected for Presidential Award for Excellence

A Portland educator who won a highly prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching credited the honor to a teacher who influenced her when she was a student.

Talbot Community School literacy coach Cindy Soule, Maine’s 2021 Teacher of the Year, and Deer Isle-Stonington teacher Michele Flores are among only about 100 educators from around the nation to be 2022 PAEMST awardees. President Biden recognized the award recipients on Feb. 8.

These awards honor the dedication, hard work and important role that educators play in supporting learners who will be future STEM professionals, including climate scientists, mathematicians, innovators, space explorers and engineers.

Soule, who has taught at Talbot for about two decades, said an inspirational teacher helped her get to where she is today.

“Being selected for the Presidential Award is a source of immense pride,” Soule said. “My sixth-grade science teacher, Mr. Corbett, saw beyond my shy exterior and challenged me in ways that taught me to believe in myself, ask questions, find answers and dream big. Reflecting on this award prompted me to realize that Mr. C’s legacy lives on through me. I also feel a deep sense of gratitude for my brilliant students, colleagues, mentors and family for their collaboration, innovation, laughter and inspiration.”

The PAEMST program is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and comes with a $10,000 award.

Cape student chosen for Hispanic youth award

Marcella Hesser of Cape Elizabeth is a Silver level winner of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards. Hesser won in the Red region, which includes Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Youth Awards honor Latino high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community and for their excellence in various categories including: Business & Entrepreneurship, Community Service, Education, Engineering, Green Sustainability, Healthcare & Science, Media & Entertainment, Public Service & Social Justice, and Technology. Hesser was awarded in the Green Sustainability category. Recipients receive a one-time grant to fund their college education or to fund a community service effort that tackles a social issue.

In all, 30 high school seniors were honored for their leadership in the classroom and community during a virtual ceremony Feb. 22.

Holy Cross names new principal

Timothy Stebbins has been appointed principal of Holy Cross School in South Portland, effective July 1. Stebbins succeeds Cindy Elwood, who will be retiring.

Stebbins

Stebbins has nearly 40 years of administrative and teaching experience in schools in Biddeford, Standish and Westbrook, according to the Diocese of Portland.  He is currently the assistant director at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology.

“What attracted me to this opportunity was the fact that it is a Catholic school,” Stebbins said. “Both my wife, Karen, and I are products of a Catholic school education as well as our two sons. We so value and appreciate the foundations it has given to us. I want to give back to another generation of students.”

“Tim has the expertise, knowledge and passion to work with our families and teachers in promoting and enhancing the academic and spiritual benefits of Holy Cross,” said Marianne Pelletier, superintendent of Maine Catholic Schools. “He is inspired by how the school is centered in faith, community and service, and I know he’ll help lead the school to new heights of excellence inside and outside the classroom.”