PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Each September, Aroostook Aspirations Initiative (AAI) hosts the annual Night with the Stars Gala, an evening that celebrates Gauvin Scholars and recognizes excellence in Aroostook County’s schools and communities by presenting four awards: Innovative Educator award, Business of the Year, Mentor of the Year, and the Road Back Home award.
AAI invites nominations from schools, businesses and community members for the 2017 Business of the Year and Innovative Educator recipients.
The Innovative Educator award is presented to an educator in Aroostook County that utilizes innovative techniques in the classroom. This award recognizes educators who implement new programs, strategies, techniques and technology within their classroom in order to better serve and engage the students.
AAI Executive Director Kristen Wells said it’s important to recognize such educators, as they are the ones positively impacting the future of our youth.
“Our educators are consistently working to improve the quality of education our students receive. It’s important for us, as a community, to come together and recognize our educators who continue to introduce new technologies and creativity to inspire our students,” said Wells.
The Business of the Year award recognizes a business that reflects the mission and values of Aroostook Aspirations Initiative through their leadership in the community, their efforts to promote workforce development and their support of AAI.
Scott Smith, Vice President of AAI’s Board of Directors, says recognizing a local business each year is important in motivating our youth, and helping them realize that sustaining a successful business in Aroostook County is more than possible.
“Our quality of life here in northern Maine is only possible because of those who choose to live and love it here. Many of the employers that have chosen to locate and live here in Aroostook are small business owners that grew up in northern Maine, and they are proving that they value the quality of life that is here and the quality of employees that also choose to live here,” said Smith.
Any administrator, peer or community member may submit nominations for the awards. Nomination forms can be found at gauvinfund.org.
In addition to these two awards, Gauvin Scholars nominate community members, teachers, coaches, friends or family members that they believe have developed meaningful relationships with the Scholar, their peers and their community to receive the Mentor of the Year Award.
Lastly, the Road Back Home Award has been created to honor County natives who demonstrate a deep sentiment for their roots. It recognizes those who are still connected in some way, who continue to make The County proud no matter where they live, who give back, and whose actions demonstrate dedication and support for Aroostook.
Ray and Sandy Gauvin said that this award is a celebration of a County person who exemplifies high aspirations and lofty goals.
“It shows that even a person from a rural area such as Northern Maine can make a difference. Whether they live here or have moved away, they are always a County person. They are always Aroostook,” said Sandy Gauvin. “The recipient of this award is a role model for our young people and can provide them with motivation and hope, knowing that they, too, can have a productive, successful future.”
For more information about AAI, visit gauvinfund.org, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter AAI/GauvinFund or e-mail them at info@gauvinfund.org. Donations can be made online, in person at AAI, 754 Main Street Presque Isle, or by mail: 26 North Street Box 138, Presque Isle, ME 04769.
