FRENCHVILLE, Maine — The Aroostook Retired Educators Association visited students at Dr. Levesque Elementary School in Frenchville last month to deliver a bounty of new school supplies.
The association members selected the school body as recipients of their annual “Bulging Backpack” program as a way to reward students for their history of community service and reputation for excellence.
The group, which includes members from throughout Aroostook County, in past years has awarded the Mill Pond School in Hodgdon, Connor School in Connor and the Dawn F. Barnes School in Caswell.
During a special assembly at the Frenchville school, Principal Lisa Bernier asked them, “What have we done to help the community?”
The students replied that they had adopted a golden retriever, donated money to PAWS Animal Welfare Society, collected money for a homeless shelter and raised money to purchase a goat for a family in need living in Africa.
“These people are coming to do a good thing for us. When we do good things for people, good things happen to us,” Bernier told the children.
Aroostook Retired Educators Association (AREA) members Janet Woods, Rose Harris, Paul Bouchard, Leola Bouchard and Donna Hurley, with more than 200 years of service as educators between them, delivered the supplies to the school.
In addition, Dr. Levesque teachers Jessica Picard, Amy Bouchard, Sherry Dubis, Chantal Blanchette, Shelly Pelletier, Liza Pelletier and Vicki Deschaine each received a $25 cash award from the retired educators to use as they see fit in the classroom.
“Each year, our association takes part in a day of caring around September 11,” Woods told the students. “It’s our way to honor that day by giving back to our children and our schools.”
Over the summer, AREA members all over Aroostook donated money and collected items which were on the Dr. Levesque teachers’ wish list, such as tissues, pencils, erasers, crayons and markers. They also supplied the school with paper towels, sandwich bags, tape, glue sticks, notebooks and more.
“We want to recognize your dedication and thank you for all you do for Dr. Levesque Elementary School,” Woods said. “We heard about all the good work you’re doing and that you’re an award-winning school.”
Principal Bernier expressed her appreciation for the Aroostook Retired Educators Association’s efforts. “There are good people out there doing good things for schools. I am so thankful they chose us,” she said.
