The Mission has selected four Washington County students for the Davis Maine Scholarship’s next cohort. Through a partnership with Andrew Davis and the Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund, the Davis Maine Scholarship ensures first-generation, college-bound students living in the Downeast region of Maine can complete a four-year undergraduate degree without financial burden. 

Davis Maine Scholarship founder Andrew Davis says, “The selection of a new cohort of scholars is one of the most compelling and hopeful moments in the annual scholarship cycle. Through experience, we know that this model of financial and personal support has a transformative effect on the lives of young people, and I look forward to following the progress of these impressive Scholars.” 

The class of 2029 Davis Maine Scholars are: 

Jadah Newell of Pleasant Point, ME 

Shead High School  

Child of Amanda Newell and Justin Poulin 

Savanah Waycott of Calais, ME 

Calais High School  

Child of Lisa Rambjor and Mark Waycott  

Modeled after the highly successful Davis New Mexico Scholarship, Davis Maine Scholarship applicants are assessed on academic achievement, personal strengths, school and community engagement, and an application process that includes essays, recommendations, and an interview. As high school seniors, selected Scholars participate in individual mentoring, cohort workshops, college visits, and guided preparation and transition to college. 

The Mission’s President John Zavodny shares, “As the first of my own family to complete college, I know the Davis Maine Scholarship will make an enormous difference in the lives of these college-bound students. We are thrilled to partner with Andrew Davis and the Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund to welcome a new cohort to the program.” 

This is the fourth cohort of students selected for the Scholarship. The program draws students enrolled in Washington County high schools and Sumner Memorial High School in Hancock County.  

On a recent Sunbeam trip to Matinicus, Isle au Haut, and Frenchboro, Patrisha McLean, CEO and Founder of Finding Our Voices, spent time chatting with islanders about the impact of domestic violence. Patrisha spent 29 years in an abusive relationship and her trip on the Sunbeam was part of the organization’s 15-stop 2024 “Let’s Talk About It” tour. On the ride back to the Sunbeam’s home in Northeast Harbor, we asked her some questions about her organization and the trip.

Who does your organization serve? Tell us about the people who will benefit?

Our services are for Maine women survivors of intimate partner abuse. About 90% are moms, so we also help their children. We do what we can to empower our sister-survivors to get safe, get free, and also stabilize their lives.

We also promote awareness about domestic abuse and that’s for everybody. Men tell us about growing up with fathers who were abusive. Or maybe their wife was in an abusive previous relationship, or the men themselves had a partner who was abusive. We break the silence of domestic abuse across Maine one conversation and community at a time.

What do you hope to accomplish?

I’d like the island communities to know about Finding Our Voices as a resource. They can reach out to us for themselves, or someone they are worried about. We also want to get people talking about domestic abuse, to get rid of the shame and stigma in being a victim and so everyone understands how much of it there is everywhere, that it is complicated, and emotional abuse IS abuse.

How does working with the Mission benefit the people you serve?

People have so much respect for the Mission. I feel like if I was just going around the island  striking up conversations, there might be some skepticism like who you, why are you talking to me? But the people are so welcoming and they’re very interested. I think they know that if the Mission is bringing somebody, then that person is someone worth listening to you. The crew created opportunities for organic conversations, which resulted in many meaningful interactions.

What has been a memorable moment of the trip?

It’s hard to say right now. I really liked laying in this skiff atop Sunbeam and reading my book today. That was awesome. Many people on the boat are early risers like I am, and I enjoyed the conversations with staff and crew early and late in the day. Maybe the biggest thrill for me was going to Matinicus because I have dreamed about going there for a long time.

The Mission’s class of 2028 Davis Maine Scholars have selected colleges to begin the 2024-2025 school year. Through the generosity of Andrew Davis and the Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund, these four students from Washington County and eastern Hancock County have earned full, four-year scholarships and will pursue undergraduate studies at one of three partner colleges: Clark University (MA), University of New England (ME), and Wheaton College (MA).  

Mission President John Zavodny says, “Our partnership with Mr. Davis and the Fund is grounded by a shared belief in Downeast youth. Each one of these deserving young people has had an inspiring educational journey. The Mission is proud to help support their next chapter.” 

The class of 2028 Scholars include:  

MacKenzie Schors from East Machias, ME 

Machias Memorial High School 

Studying Nursing at University of New England 

Child of Wendy and Sam Schors  

Brisa Ortiz Garcia from Milbridge, ME 

Narraguagus Jr./Sr. High School 

Studying Dental Hygiene at University of New England 

Child of Clemencia Garcia and Leobardo Ortiz  

Maine Seacoast Mission is pleased to congratulate our Class of 2024 high school graduates and Davis Maine Scholars, their families, and their communities. Founder Andrew Davis shares, “The third cohort of Davis Maine Scholars have remained driven during their school careers. These four young people will excel  and I could not be more excite to track their progress. First-generation students are inspiring, and we have so much to learn from them.” 

In addition to the extraordinary financial support they receive, Davis Maine Scholars receive guidance during the length of their undergraduate careers to ensure a successful transition to college and completion of an undergraduate degree within four years.  

On a summer day with temperatures in the high 80s, kids at EdGE summer camps were not letting the heat ruin their fun. At Harrington Elementary School, campers spent the afternoon moving from the basketball court and playground to classroom craft stations. In Addison at D.W. Merritt Elementary School, students went from creating a game in the sun to Snap Circuits inside. And in Machias at Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School, a group of students listened to a story read by a staff member from the Ark Animal Shelter (with a special furry guest) under the pavilion and then moved indoors to create a unicorn craft.  

At Harrington, Youth Development Coordinator Don Parker jokes with a student about her kitten shirt as she gets a drink of water. At Rose M. Gaffney, students pepper Youth Development Coordinator Katie Mahoney with questions about an upcoming pirate-themed scavenger hunt. In Addison, Youth Development Coordinator Karen Bailey, slips between classrooms chatting with kids and staff, offering students a break from the heat outside.  

The Mission’s EdGE program runs three camps each summer in Washington County for students in grades K-8. Each camp is slightly different, but they all offer similar experiences for students: crafts, STEM activities, and time outdoors to play and explore, as well as field trips and excursions. This year, the Maine Discovery Museum taught campers about space, Healthy Acadia ran cooking classes at two camps, and the MDI Biological Laboratory brought microscopes so students could learn more about science. Campers also explore their own communities. During camps they go on hikes, kayak, and hit the new challenge course on the Mission’s Downeast Campus. A Maine Coast Heritage Trust steward took campers on hikes to a local preserve and other students attended the Monteux Children’s Concert in Hancock.  

“Each time I visited camps this summer, I enjoyed hearing the excitement and laughter from the children as they enjoyed their camp day,” says EdGE Primary Program Director Isaac Marnik. “The Mission has a great team of staff that lets the children have a wonderful summer camp experience.” 

These summer camps continue to provide children with the same support the EdGE program offers throughout the year. Students challenge themselves, engage with their communities, explore the outdoors, and gain social and leadership skills. For working parents, the summer camps give them a local option for their kids to spend the day. The Mission also offers all campers the option to have a free breakfast and lunch through the Maine Department of Education as well as snacks during the day and with scholarships available to families, the camps are open to any student, regardless of their financial status.  

In addition to these summer camps, EdGE offers afterschool programs at seven elementary schools in Washington County as well as in-school programming including the Marion Kane Leadership program.  

“Maine’s islands have offered creative inspiration for as long as people have lived on them. The Island Reader is in a unique position to showcase art for islanders who may not necessarily have other options to do so,” Cornman explains. “The work of young artists, whether in age or experience, is published beside the work of those who have created for years. The common denominator for the work is its reflection of island life. Every piece offers a glimpse into the artist’s experience as an islander.” 

From July 1 to January 15, 2025, the editorial team welcomes submissions for the 19th “Island Time” edition. Submissions of visual art, poetry, and prose are accepted from writers and artists living on unbridged Maine islands.  

To order a hard copy of the 18th edition or to see virtual copies of previous editions, visit The Island Reader page.