Everyone Loves Bernie and Billy

Everyone Loves Bernie and Billy

Billy and Bernie. (Photo by Jillian.)

ISLE AU HAUT, ME – Thank you to Jillian for this joyful profile of two longstanding Mission friends.

“It is absolutely wonderful to have Bernie and Billy back aboard the Sunbeam. They are Isle au Haut’s matriarch and patriarch of the Barter family, with four generations spending time on the island these days.

“Billy grew up on Isle au Haut. He and Bernie married young and have been sweet on each other ever since. Billy tells great stories. He can barely get out a joke punch line before laughing himself.

“Bernie has always been a fashionista. She loves prints, velvet, colorful jewelry and big boots. She also loves volleyball and town parades.

“Last week, Sunbeam Engineer Storey helped Bernie tune her new pink guitar during our visit to Isle au Haut. Bernie wants to learn to play.

“Billy still lobsters some with his son and has gotten into baking, making fine pies. I ate one of his squash cookies with chocolate chips. Yum.

“I love Bernie and Billy. Everyone does!”

EdGE Summer Camp’s Positive Risk Takers

EdGE Summer Camp’s Positive Risk Takers

CHERRYFIELD, ME — A photo update from EdGE Site Coordinator Jen Kearns. These pics were taken by students showing other students learning basic photography at Cherryfield EdGE Summer Camp.

Said Jen, these photos also show, “Cherryfield students learning positive risk taking by overcoming their fears and perceived danger in a safe, supportive environment. “The Flying Squirrel” is a favorite by newcomers to the ropes course.”

And at EdGE Summer Camp, said Jen, “Outdoor free play is a time for the kids to hone their basketball skills and develop friendships with their future opponents.”

Learn more about EdGE Summer Camp.

Mission Selects Inaugural Davis Maine Scholarship Recipients

Mission Selects Inaugural Davis Maine Scholarship Recipients

Davis Maine Scholarship recipient Rachel Colby of Gouldsboro.

NORTHEAST HARBOR, ME — Six hardworking Downeast high school juniors learned recently they were selected as Maine’s first Davis Maine Scholars. The students — all first-generation college bound— will each receive a full four-year cost of attendance scholarship at one of three Davis Maine Scholarship partner colleges: Clark University (MA), University of New England (ME), and Wheaton College (MA).

It is through the generosity and vision of Andrew Davis, Director of the Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund that these Downeast students now have a clear path toward a bachelor’s degree from one of New England’s leading private liberal arts colleges. In collaboration with Maine Seacoast Mission and the Davis Maine Scholarship partner colleges, this scholarship program was created to ensure that more first generation college students from rural Washington County and eastern Hancock County have the opportunity to complete undergraduate degrees, untethered by financial burden.

The Davis Maine Scholarship is modeled after the highly successful Davis New Mexico Scholarship and the Davis United World College Scholars Program. In announcing Maine’s inaugural recipients, Director Andrew Davis of the Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund said:

“Congratulations to our first Davis Maine Scholars. Such talented, motivated students have earned this opportunity to shine. These first role models will serve as inspirations to and bridges for younger students to recognize the opportunities that come with a collegiate education and ultimately will strengthen the Downeast communities they call home.”

The six inaugural Davis Maine Scholars attend Narraguagus High School and Sumner Memorial High School. They were drawn from Maine Seacoast Mission’s college exploration and engagement program which they joined during their freshman year. Applicants were assessed based on academic achievement, personal strengths, school and community engagement, and an application process that included essays, recommendations, and interviews.

The Narraguagus scholarship recipients are:

  • Holly Lisett Anderson of Harrington, the daughter of Rachel Vincellette
  • Mali Smith of Columbia Falls, the daughter of Jason and Kimberly Smith

The Sumner scholarship recipients are:

  • Mya Abbott of Franklin, the daughter of Chris and April Abbott
  • Rachel Colby of Gouldsboro, the daughter of Jason and Laura Colby
  • Emilee Hutchins of Winter Harbor, the daughter of Jeff and Tracey Hutchins
  • Ana Rosa Valencia Jungo of Sullivan, the daughter of Elio Valencia Guzman and Rosalba Jungo Zavala

Narraguagus High School Principal MaryEllen Day said, “We are so very proud that Lisett and Mali were selected as Davis Maine Scholars. This program will open many doors for these wonderful students. They have worked hard throughout their years and are very deserving of this opportunity. Narraguagus looks forward to them doing great things!”

The Sumner Guidance Team of Corinna Domagala and Lucille Null, reacted to the news by saying, “Sumner Memorial High School and our students are incredibly thankful for the opportunity to have the Davis Scholarship and all the wonderful avenues it will open for them.”

Working closely with partner high schools and colleges, the Davis Maine Scholarship program will provide students ongoing mentoring and guidance as they apply to college and transition through it. The program also includes parent workshops and support. The expectation is that Davis Maine Scholars will earn their undergraduate degrees in four years.

Davis Maine Scholarship Director Christina Griffith said, “Our Davis Maine Scholars each demonstrate inspiring academic commitment and remarkable persistence, including through the pandemic. Their achievements reflect their courage, heart, and unwillingness to give up no matter the weight of the challenge. Alongside their families, I am so honored to celebrate and support them on their continuing academic journeys.”

For more information: Click here.

Sunbeam Salon Alive with Guests, Food, Laughter

Sunbeam Salon Alive with Guests, Food, Laughter

NORTHEAST HARBOR, ME — Sunbeam Steward Jillian sent her photo of Sunbeam visitors and crew playing “our favorite boat game, Uno Stacko. Uno Stacko is essentially a marriage of the balance game Jenga and the card game Uno. Playing on a boat adds an extra element of breath holding as towers grow precariously.

“Thanks to Diane Barter for giving us hours of fun. Before moving, years ago, Diane, left her game collection with the Sunbeam when she moved years ago.

“Also, after eating strawberry rhubarb pie, artist Steve Costanza regaled us with card tricks in the Sunbeam salon,” said Jillian.

Learn more about the Sunbeam’s work.

Journey Trip to Acadia National Park

Journey Trip to Acadia National Park

CHERRYFIELD, ME — I wanted to pass along a few photos from last week’s Journey trip to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor.

Last week, Journey students spent the day hiking the trails in Acadia National Park with a park ranger, enjoying lunch at the seawall, and exploring Bar Harbor!

Want to learn more about this program? Contact Journey Program Manager, Dakin Hewlett, at dhewlett@seacoastmission.org.

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