Gauvin Scholars begin their adventures

Summer break was a time for most students, but for Gauvin Scholars it was a chance to meet each other, spend some time learning, march in a parade, and learn some new skills.
July 18 was the official kickoff for SHANTE weekend. SHANTE, an acronym for Skills, Habits, Assets, Networking, Teamwork, and Education, included several team-building exercises, as well as guest speakers Ryan Pelletier, executive director of LEAD; Tammy Delisle, career planning and internship placement coordinator at the University of Maine at Fort Kent; and Sandy Gauvin, co-founder and president of Aroostook Aspirations.
Students attended multiple workshops in areas like career opportunities, academic strength building, and college preparation. In addition to the academic portion of the weekend, Gauvin Scholars also had sessions in stress management, walked in the Maine Potato Blossom Parade, and learned etiquette protocol at a gala-like dinner. One Scholar wrote about the weekend, “This whole thing is why I’m even motivated to go to college. It means the world to be a part of this.” Another wrote, “This weekend showed me that I can achieve anything. I’m not restricted to what is expected; I can seek my own passions.”
“SHANTE weekend is really about connections. We encourage the students to make connections with each other, with our staff, and with the partners and board members we bring in as guest speakers,” said April Flagg, executive director of Aroostook Aspirations. “It’s about knowing that someone is there if they stumble, and that someone is there to celebrate when they succeed. It’s about support, encouragement, and mentoring.”
Gauvin had a chance to work with the students in a session where they explored their strengths and weaknesses, and talk about how to overcome obstacles set in their path. Gauvin saw the weekend as a wonderful success.
“The SHANTE weekend was a huge success. It was gratifying to see these young people bond and create networking opportunities, learn about the often frightening college experience and how to handle the many challenges it can pose, and relax in the knowledge that they are not alone as they head toward their post-secondary career,” she said. “It was a pleasure to meet this ‘crop’ of scholars, and we know that they will be successful in whatever future endeavors they embark upon.”
Gauvin and her husband, Ray, founded Aroostook Aspirations Initiative (AAI) along with Vice President Jason Parent in April of 2013. For more information, visit www.gauvinfund.org.