Veteran educator April Flagg has recently joined Aroostook Aspirations Initiative as its first executive director.
Flagg, an Aroostook County native, graduated from Caribou High School and received a bachelor of science degree from the UMPI in secondary education, with a concentration in literature. She continued her education almost immediately and carried a double certification for most of her professional teaching career.
Flagg taught at Washburn District High School for 14 years and managed Hope Recovery Services in Caribou for the last two. In her role as teacher, Flagg served as senior class adviser and senior play director, adviser to the yearbook and the National Honor Society, and director of the after-school program. Although she primarily taught English, Flagg also taught poetry, writing, art and Gifted and Talented subject areas, and coordinated the GT program in her school district for 12 years.
Flagg brought in grant money to her district, initiated several programs, and shared her love for Aroostook County with her students. She served on the board of directors for the Maine Education Association as the representative for the Aroostook region. Flagg brings with her a strong passion for education, a love of children, and a true appreciation for the post-secondary experience.
AAI officially launched in April, funded by a generous donation from Ray and Sandy Gauvin. The initiative, which has garnered support from all points in Maine, has a well respected board of directors and honorary board populated with highly successful members from throughout Aroostook County and the state of Maine. AAI has a strong cooperative partnership with all four post-secondary institutions in Aroostook County, all 16 County school districts, and the support of several area businesses and influential County citizens.
The mission of the Aroostook Aspirations Initiative is to “support the educational goals of the youth in our region and mobilize the future prosperity of Aroostook County.” AAI will fund one scholarship for a graduating senior in each of the 16 high schools in Aroostook County beginning with the class of 2014. The caveat for this scholarship is that the students attend one of the colleges in the county.
In addition, the Initiative will support recipients through events that will celebrate their achievements, teach them skills they will use in their post-secondary and career paths, and involve them in community service projects throughout the region.
“This concept was perfect for me,” said Flagg. “I’m creative, energetic and a strong believer in the power of education. When I read that one of their core beliefs was that of education being the great equalizer, I was sold. I’m so humbled. This is an amazing opportunity. Excitement doesn’t begin to explain how I’m feeling.”
