HCTC 11th Annual Awards Night

Hancock County Technical Center held their 11th Annual Awards Night under the giant tent at Ellsworth High School on Wednesday night, June 2nd.

Check out photos from the night

HCTC 11th Annual Awards

The evening began with the presentation of National Technical Honor Society chords and then the induction of those chosen along with the swearing of the oath.

Presentations were then made to those students with perfect attendance. For this year, the students were present in person as well as virtually every day of the 2020-21 school year. They include

Kerrigan Andrews - Senior- Ellsworth High School
Cameron Astle - Junior - Ellsworth High School
Jesse Campbell - Junior - Ellsworth High School
Joshua Campbell - Junior - Ellsworth High School
Kasey Jordan - Junior - MDI
Nathan Smith - Senior - Ellsworth High School

HCTC then recognized the Ellsworth Rotary Club and their Student of the Month from each individual program

Automotive Technology: Sumner HS Junior, Russell Mathews
Biomedical Sciences: Ellsworth HS Senior, Kerrigan Andrews
Culinary Arts: MDIHS, Junior, Li Ana Young
Diesel Technology: Bucksport Christian School, Junior, Samuel Doolan
Early Childhood: MDIHS, Senior, Sophia Watras
Health Occupations: Ellsworth HS, Senior, Megan Gammill
Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism: Ellsworth HS, Senior, Nathan Smith
Law Enforcement: Ellsworth HS, Senior, Chase Johnson
Marine Service Technology: MDIHS, Joshua Willard, Jr
Multimedia Design: Ellsworth HS, Junior, Madeline Henry
Welding Technology: Ellsworth HS, Junior, Brody Mercier

SkillsUSA Officers were honored

State Reporter, Ellsworth HS Biomedical Sciences senior, Lillian Philbrook.
State Treasurer, Ellsworth HS Biomedical Sciences senior Bryce Carter
Vice President, Eastern Region Rep, Ellsworth HS Multimedia Design senior Benjamin Snow

This year several HCtC biomedical students completed independent research projects to present at the Maine State Science Fair competition. There were over 300 students that competed this year from over 40 different schools grades 9-12 across the state. Hancock County Technical Center was the only Career and Technical School to have an award winner.

First, this student presented the project: Improving Winter Road Conditions Using Heat-Producing Synthetic Organisms in the Chemistry category. She proposed to use synthetic biology to induce a naturally occurring microorganism to produce heat when sprayed on roads before a storm. Congratulations to Kerrigan Andrews, Kerrigan will be a biomedical engineering student at the University of Maine next school year.

Next this student presented her project: Designing a Better Lyme Disease Test in the Biomedical and Health Sciences category. She designed a test that uses PCR to detect the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. McHenna's project was awarded third place in the Biomedical and Health Sciences category. Congratulations to McHenna Martin, a Deer Isle Stonington senior. She is going to the University of Maine majoring in the Molecular and Cellular Biology program.

Next this student presented the project: Does Activity Level Affect Flare-Ups in People With Autoimmune Diseases? in the Biomedical and Health Sciences category. This student developed a survey that was used to examine the link between exercise and autoimmune flare-ups. She was awarded a $1000 scholarship to York Community College. Congratulations to Amber Rae Pesek, an Ellsworth HS Bridge Academy junior.

Next this student presented the project: Using Synthetic Biology to Address Ongoing Issues Within the Human Embalming Process in the Biological Sciences category. She discovered that the formaldehyde used in human embalming can leach into the groundwater. She designed a synthetic organism that breaks down formaldehyde into nontoxic components. This organism would be added to the soil during burial. She was awarded a full-tuition scholarship for one semester at Central Maine Community College. Congratulations to Lily Philbrook, an Ellsworth HS Bridge senior Who plans to attend Central Maine Community College in the Forensic Science program in the fall.

The next student presented his project: The Role of Microgreens in Helping to Solve the Hunger Crisis in the Plant Sciences category. Bryce grew kale microgreens and analyzed the nutrient content of microgreens versus that of mature kale plants. His project indicates that the cultivation of kale microgreens can produce many times more nutrients in the same space and time as mature kale and that this can be done in a controlled environment, increasing yield. He was awarded the third-place award in the Plant Sciences category. In addition, he was also granted the RICOH Sustainable Development Award, recognizing his "outstanding efforts in addressing issues of environmental responsibility and sustainable development. Congratulations to Bryce Carter, an Ellsworth HS Bridge Academy senior. Bryce will be a Wildlife Ecology student at the University of Maine Presque Isle next school year.

Finally this last student presented her project: Designing SynBio to Reduce Prolonged Microplastic Exposure in Fish in the Biological Sciences category. Last year she designed a biodegradable fishing lure; and this year designed a fish gut microbe that breaks microplastics into nontoxic components. This student placed third in the Biological Sciences category. As a junior at last year’s Science Fair, she was awarded a full-tuition scholarship to the University of Maine, along with a stipend to continue her research. She is a Bridge Academy Deer Isle senior who happens to be this years Deer Isle Stonington HS Valedictorian. Congratulations to Ariel Larrabee who will attend the University of Maine in the Biomedical Engineering program in the fall.

Bridge Academy Students were honored next. These students spent half a day in a program at HCTC and a half day at Ellsworth High School taking UMaine and EMCC college courses in Math, Science, English and Social Studies. These courses allow students to receive both high school and college credits. These students upon graduation if successful in each course will receive up to 30 UMaine college credits.

First the Juniors who participated this year.

Abigail Bland, Health Occ,
EHSJesse Campbell, Media, EHS
Joshua Campbell, Media, EHS
Alexis Coombs, Health Occ, EHS
Camille Gray, Health Occ, EHS
Emma Howard, Biomed, BHS
Rebekah Ireland, Biomed, BHS
Acadia Jacobs, LE, MDI
Laura Jude, Biomed, EHS
Aaron Lynch, Automotive, EHS
Etzel Palmer, ECE, MDI
Amber Rae Pesek, Biomed, EHS
Olivia Ringuette, Biomed, EHS
Taylor Staples, Health Occ, DISHS
Ryan Ulichny, Media, EHS

Then those graduating Bridge Academy were honored

Kerrigan Andrews, Biomed, EHS will be attending the University of Maine for Biomedical Engineering
Bryce Carter, Biomed, EHS will be attending University of Maine Presque Isle for Environmental Science and Sustainability
Nicholas Cormier, Media, EHS will be attending Husson University for Video Production
Elise Dow, Biomed, EHS, will be attending Husson University for Pharmacy
Chase Johnson, LE, EHS, will be attending Husson University for Criminal Justice
Ariel Larrabee, Biomed, DISHS will be attending the University of Maine for Biomedical Engineering.
Paulette Paul, Media, EHS will be attending either University of Maine or Husson University.
Lillian Philbrook, Biomed, EHS will be attending Central Maine Community College for Forensic Science.

Program Awards were handed out. A small plaque is given to an underclassmen with outstanding academic achievement and character. This student is in the 1st year of a program continuing on into the 2nd year of the program next year.

A large plaque recognizes 2nd year students who have completed a 2 year program and have outstanding academic achievement and character with plans to continue in their field.

Program dedication is given to a student who has shown outstanding commitment to the program and to the trade. Their passion for the program goes above and beyond

Automotive Technology: Mr. Hunter Havel

Small Plaque: Junior, Ellsworth High School, Aaron Lynch
Large Plaque: Senior, MDIHS, Zander McMannis
Program Dedication: Senior, Ellsworth HS, Andrew Gulya

Biomedical Science: Mrs. Sarah Petroulis

Small: Junior, Bucksport High School, Emma Howard
Large: Senior, Ellsworth HS, Kerrigan Andrews
Program Dedication: Senior, DISHS, Ariel Larrabee

Culinary Arts: Mr. William Baker

Small Plaque: Junior, MDI High School, Li Ana Young
Large Plaque: Senior, Ellsworth HS, Zachary Garnett
Program Dedication: Sophomore, Sumner Memorial HS, Carter Hanna

Diesel Technology: Mr. Andrew Trowbridge

Small Plaque: Sophomore, Deer Isle Stonington HS, Miacyn Lebel
Large Plaque: Senior, MDIHS, Andrew Clark
Program Dedication: Senior MDIHS, Jack Murch

Early Childhood Education: Mrs. Meghan Stubbs

Small Plaque: Junior, Bucksport HS, Emily Keniston
Large Plaque: Senior, Ellsworth HS, Stacia Johnson
Program Dedication: Senior, Ellsworth HS, Meagan Skaggs

Health Occupations: Mrs. Michelle Cote

Small Plaque: Junior, Sumner Memorial HS, Alexis Coombs
Large Plaque: Senior, Connections Academy, Autumn Schiner
Program Dedication: Senior, Sumner Memorial HS, Belinda Catheron

Hospitality, Travel and Tourism: Mrs. Tara Mason

Small Plaque: Junior, Ellsworth HS, Alexis Higgins
Program Dedication: Junior Ellsworth HS, Sunny Wight

Law Enforcement: Mr. Scott Baillargeon

Small Plaque: Junior, Ellsworth HS, Alexandria Doty
Large Plaque: Senior, MDIHS, Jaiden Scott
Program Dedication: Senior, Ellsworth HS, Chase Johnson

Marine Service Technology: Mr. Steve Keblinsky

Small Plaque: Sophomore, DISH, Gavin Eaton
Large Plaque: Senior, DISH, Jacob Gell
Program Dedication: Senior, MDIHS, Bradley Pelkey

Multimedia Design: Mr. Jamie Anderson

Small: Junior, Ellsworth HS, Ryan Ulichny
Large Plaque:Senior, Ellsworth HS, Warren Dowling
Program Dedication: Senior, Ellsworth HS, Nicholas Cormier

Welding Technology: Mr. Joel Pelletier

Small Plaque: Junior, George Stevens Academy, Griffin Werner
Large Plaque: Senior, Bucksport HS, Julian McDermott
Program Dedication: Junior, Bucksport HS, Tyler Hallett

The MACTE Student of the Year was awarded.

This award is given annually to one student at each Career and Technical Center across the state. The award winner must have completed a program, have good attendance, behavior, outstanding academic achievement and excelled in their program area.

This young man has attended Hancock County Technical Center’s Biomedical Science program for two years. His greatest strength is in his character. He is polite and respectful to adults and fellow students. Bryce often will work with students who are struggling with a concept being patient and genuine.

He takes every opportunity available to challenge himself. In 2020 and 2021, he competed at the Maine State Science Fair with a project in which he examined overcrowding in stocked ponds. won third place in the Plant Sciences category at the Maine State Science Fair and was awarded the RICOH Sustainable Development Award, recognizing his "outstanding efforts in addressing issues of environmental responsibility and sustainable development”.

He is part of the Bridge program, earning college credits his junior and senior year in high school. He was selected as a SkillsUSA State Officer, and has served on the State Officer team for the past year, helping to plan the State Conference. Along with two other classmates, he entered into the National Exploravision competition, which asks students to examine the history and current status of a technology and hypothesize about the future of that technology. In all of these events, he was a fantastic team member, attentive mentor, and strong leader. He is also a member of the Ellsworth HS track team.

He has been certified in OSHA, Bloodborne Pathogen Safety, CPR, First Aid, and Chemical and Laboratory Safety. This year’s award winner is Biomedical Sciences Senior from Ellsworth HS, Bryce Carter. He will be attending the University of Maine Presque Isle to major in Environmental Science and Sustainability.

Top Drawer Awards to two students who exude the types of characteristics that best personify career and technical education. These students are to be not only tops of their class and program areas, but also top people. They are to be invested in our school either by dedicating time to our school or by exuding those types of characteristics we want our top career and technical education students to possess. These students will also pursue their program areas beyond graduation..

The First Award ....

This young lady is a quiet, studious student who works hard and has high expectations. This student has maintained a 4.0 average during her two years in the Biomedical program. She takes every opportunity to change herself and expand her knowledge. She has competed at the Maine State Science Fair for the last two years, addressing soil and water contamination that occurs around cemeteries as a result of embalming. She used synthetic biology to design a microorganism that breaks the harmful chemicals into nontoxic products. As part of a class project involving synthetic biology, she presented her idea to a group of scientists at MIT, and they were very impressed with the design of her project.

Although the SkillsUSA competition was canceled last year, this student was going to compete in the Prepared Speech competitions. She interviewed and won a spot on the SkillsUSA Maine State Officer team, which she has served since the summer. She has joined our Cybersecurity Club at HCTC and competed in the national Cyberstart America competition. She is part of our Bridge Academy program, earning college credits her junior and senior year in high school.the National Technical Honor Society and the EHS National Honor Society.

She is active in our community. She has been an active member of Girl Scouts. For the past 8 years, Lily has made Christmas a little more special for over 50 less fortunate children each year through the creation of Lily's Angel Tree Project. Lily collects toys and gifts for area children with the help of family, friends, and community members. While a member of our Biomedical program, she has been certified in OSHA, Bloodborne Pathogen Safety, CPR, First Aid, and Chemical and Laboratory Safety.

Our first award winner is from Ellsworth HS, Biomedical Sciences student Lillian Philbrook, who will be attending Central Maine Community College for Forensic Science.

Our second award winner…...

This award typically goes to a two year student. However, this student has only been with us for one year. He is the prime example of a motivated student and class leader, bringing commitment, leadership, and maturity to our school and his program. He leads class discussions, able to think on his feet and problem solve. His ability to work with his fellow classmates does not go unnoticed. He provides support and guidance to other students with kindness and understanding.

He was selected to sit on the Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Advisory board for our school as a student representative, as well as selected as Student of the Month in December 2020. Not only a standout student in Hospitality, he has stepped up to the plate each week to work alongside our Culinary Arts students to deliver curbside meals to our take-out patrons for Brookside Restaurant. Not only do his customer service skills shine every week as he greets customers with a smile. He has shown exceptional organizational skills, managing the orders as they come in daily to communicate with Culinary Arts.

He is also a stand-out student all around. He is a member of the golf team, this year making it to the State Tournament. He is also a proud member of the baseball team and their 2019-2020 Championship win. He has served as captain of both the golf and baseball teams. Nate works tirelessly with our local Challenger Little League team, putting in hours practicing and in games alongside his buddy, but also sitting on their board of directors. He is now a member of the National Honor Society at EHS and NTHS at HCTC.

Finally, this student has earned the following certifications in one year at HCTC: First Aid/CPR, COVID 19 Readiness in Lodging and Restaurant Service, ServSafe, Guest Service Gold, and is sitting for both year one and year 2 certification exams for Certified Hospitality Tourism Management Professional. He has had to double his work and commitment to sit for the year 2 certification. He exemplifies what being a CTE student embodies and shows it in his quality of both hard and soft skills every day.

Congratulations to Hospitality, Travel and Tourism senior from EHS, Nathan Smith. He will be attending Eastern Maine Community College majoring in Business.

Finally, we have several significant scholarships to award this evening.

Embark Scholarship: The Maine Community College System and the Embark program will help each Embark Scholarship student matriculate in a program of study at one of the seven Maine community colleges. This scholarship is $500 per semester, up to $1000 for a one-year program and $2000 for a two-year program, for a maximum of four semesters. We are pleased to announce our winner this evening is Autumn Schiner. Autumn is a Connections Academy student who will be attending Eastern Maine Community College majoring in Medical Assisting.

Hancock County Technical Center: This 1000 scholarship is given to a senior matriculating into a 2 or 4 year accredited certification program or pursuing a degree from a technical/vocational school, college, or university that is aligned to their program of study at Hancock County Technical Center. He/she must have good attendance, outstanding academic achievement and excelled in their program area.

Congratulations to Ellsworth HS Law Enforcement senior Reece Jagels, attending Eastern ME Community College majoring in Criminal Justice.

Maine Blue Collar Scholarship: Business leaders in Maine have collaborated to create the Maine Blue Collar Scholarship Foundation as an incentive to individuals to pursue a career in the trades. Scholarships range from 500-2500.00. The Maine Blue Collar Scholarship honors those students entering the trades. Over 200 applications were received and we are happy to announce that a $500.00 award is being given to Lillian Philbrook, an Ellsworth HS Bridge Academy senior. Lillian will be attending Central Maine Community College majoring in Forensics.

Rotary Club Scholarship: The Rotary Club of Ellsworth respects the value of vocation to its members and the community. The club is pleased to offer four seniors enrolled at HCTC a scholarship in the amount of $1000. Criteria includes: academic achievement, need, and community and school engagement. This year’s recipients are:

Ellsworth HS Biomedical Sciences senior Bryce Carter. He will attend the University of Maine Presque Isle to major in Environmental Science and Sustainability.
Ellsworth HS Biomedical Science senior Lillian Philbrook. She will attend Central Maine Community College to major in Forensics.

Congratulations to each of you on your 1000.00 scholarship!

Bar Harbor Bank and Trust Scholarship: Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is pleased to award scholarships to students graduating from the class of 2021 who have been enrolled in programs at Hancock County Technical Center.

Bar Harbor Bank and Trust created the Career & Technical Education Scholarship Awards for deserving students who met the application criteria and had immediate plans to further their education beyond high school. Each award is in the amount of $1,000. This scholarship is renewable for an additional 1000.00 in the fall of 2022 with successful completion of your first year of college or your technical program.
Application criteria included attending a technical career program (in designated geographies) as part of their high school curriculum, describing their career aspirations and college choice in a personal statement, as well as sharing their leadership and community service experiences

The four students receiving the Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Scholarships totalling possibly 2000.00 each are:

Ellsworth HS, Biomedical Science student Bryce Carter. Bryce will be attending University of Maine Presque Isle for Environmental Science and Sustainability
Sumner Memorial HS, Health Occupations student Belinda Catherton. Belinda plans to attend Husson University for a Physical Therapy and Exercise Science.
Ellsworth HS, Biomedical Science student Lillian Philbrook. Lillian plans to attend Central Maine Community College for Forensic Science.
Sumner Memorial HS, Biomedical Science Student Hannah Shorey. Hannah plans to attend Husson University for Forensic Science

The Maine’s Career and Technical Education partners with the MELMAC Education Foundation. This year a $2,000 scholarship to a seniors’ second semester of study at a post-secondary institution was awarded

The award recipient must meet the following criteria:

Be a solid school citizen
Make a difference in the lives of others and that of his/her community
Make a positive contribution to the school environment
Exhibit a commitment to public service
Demonstrate satisfactory academic progress in their chosen program
Have the potential to make a difference in the world

In December of 2021, this student will receive a $2000 check towards their second semester of study if successfully completing their first semester.

This scholarship was awarded to Early Childhood student Sophia Watras from Mount Desert Island High School. Sophia will be attending Eastern Maine Community College and majoring in Elementary Education.

Finally, FRANKLIN SAVINGS BANK:

Franklin Savings Bank Community Development Foundation was established in 2000 as a charitable organization to make grants/contributions to organizations and individuals within the communities served by Franklin Savings Bank. New this year, Franklin Savings Bank is offering 4 additional scholarships, totaling $12,000 to seniors from local technical schools, who will be entering 2 or 4 year accredited certification programs or pursuing a degree from technical vocational schools, colleges, or universities. The criteria is: high academic achievement in desired tech program, community citizenship, participation in extra-curricular activities including athletics, band, drama, language club, etc, and financial need.

This $3,000 scholarship was awarded to Ellsworth HS senior, Health Occupations Student, Elaine Hutchins who will be attending the University of Maine Fort Kent for Nursing.

If you would like any photo, please email chris.popper@townsquaremedia.com and just let him know what the IMG_ number is.