PORTLAND, Maine — The Mitchell Institute, a Maine-based nonprofit founded by Sen. George J. Mitchell to improve college outcomes for young Mainers, recently announced its 2019 scholars, among which are several Aroostook County students.
The 144 recipients of the Mitchell Scholarship, representing 132 high schools from every community in Maine, each will receive a scholarship award for $10,000 to be paid out in four equal installments, as well as ongoing personal, academic and professional support.
“We welcome the 2019 Scholars with great pride and pleasure. The Mitchell Institute is honored to offer them more than a scholarship, so we can support them through whatever challenges they may face, and applaud their continuing successes,” said Mitchell Institute President and CEO, Meg Baxter.
Aroostook County Mitchell Scholars include the following.
Valerie Burby, Ashland Community High School, who will attend the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Daniel Wortman, Ashland Community High School, University of Maine. Austin Findlen, Caribou High School, University of Maine. Natalie Corson, Central Aroostook High School, Husson University. Annika Nicholas, Central Aroostook High School, University of Maine at Presque Isle.
Emily Thompson, Easton High School, University of Maine at Farmington. Emily Everitt, Fort Fairfield High School, University of Maine at Farmington. Jordan Labbe, Fort Kent Community High School, University of Maine at Fort Kent. Dylan Jurson, Hodgdon High School, University of Maine at Fort Kent. Alexander Wilde, Houlton High School, Brown University. Harley Carter, Madawaska High School, University of Maine at Farmington.
Mitchell Sirois, Maine School of Science and Mathematics, Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Owen McQuarrie, Presque Isle High School, Thomas College. Kassidy Mathers, Southern Aroostook Community School, Husson University. Lauren Headley, Van Buren District Secondary School, Husson University. Noah White, Washburn District High School, University of Maine at Presque Isle. Ashley Bosse, Wisdom High School, University of Southern Maine.
The Mitchell Institute family includes over 2,000 alumni and countless mentors and supporters. Throughout college and the years following, scholars will benefit from Mitchell Institute programs and services that include financial assistance, leadership training, and academic and career support.
According to Mitchell Institute officials, from Kittery to Madawaska, members of the 2019 scholar class have distinguished themselves through academic performance and community impact. Scholars face a range of obstacles to college access; 43 percent of this group will be the first in their families to attend college, and 60 percent are from families with income below Maine’s median family income. Yet 85 percent of Mitchell Scholars complete college and achieve a degree (compared with 55 percent nationally) and more than 90 percent earn all A’s and B’s in college.
