What does it take to operate a successful school system?

Dedicated staff

Commitment to excellence

Continuity

Strive to reach high expectations

Understanding and patience

Willing to put in extra time to make a difference

SAD 61 has staff members that exemplify these characteristics.

The Lake Region School Board would like to thank all staff members for their service to our children, our families and our community. You are a very important part of our childrens’ lives and our community and we truly appreciate you!

The School Board would like to thank the following staff members that have worked in the SAD 61 school system for 25 years or more: Sandra Arris, Timothy Bell, Dagny Berry, Lori Beyea, Karen Bolduc, Dawn Bonneville, Lynda Boutin, Mary Cleveland, Sandra Curtis, Kelly Davis, Vicki Deveau, Kimberly Flanagin, Aimee Gedney, Bruce Harmon, Edward Hatch, Nancy Hayes, Roxanne Mayhew, Betsy Mayo, Amy Mayo, John Mayo, Sue McMahon, Steven Mercer, Virginia Nadeau, Lili Needham-Fox, Vicki Norris, Julie Perry, Francine Phillips, Jeff Porter, Shantelle Roberts, Jennifer Schaeffer-McDaniel, Nancy Sczurko, Roger Smith, Kathryn Thibault, Kathleen Tragert, John Warren and Katherine Wentworth.

The following staff members very graciously submitted some information about themselves for this article:

Lori Beyea

Position: Kitchen Manager, Lake Region Middle School

Why did you decide to work for our school system? I decided to work for the school department when my two children were in school. It started as a part-time job that worked well with my family’s schedule.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I’ve always enjoyed working with children since I was a co-teacher at a preschool. It is always rewarding to watch the students grow into young adults. Over the years, I have met some wonderful students. After 25 years, I am now seeing their children.

What are your favorite hobbies that you enjoy in your free time? In my free time, my husband and I enjoy camping. We try to spend as much time as possible with our family and four grandchildren, as well as NASCAR racing and the local racing, as well.

Kim Flanagin

Position: Grade 2 Teacher at Songo Locks School.

Why did you decide to work for our school system? I am a LR grad and I live in the area.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I love watching the students grow both academically and personally during the course of the year.

What do you enjoy about the Lake Region area? I love that I can take a day trip to the lake, ocean, or mountains.

Nancy Hayes

Position: Grade 7, Social Studies Teacher at Lake Region Middle School.

Why did you decide to work for our school system? I grew up in Bridgton. My family was/is here. The idea of being close to them and this area that I loved was very tempting. In addition, I am a believer in Middle School Philosophy. LRMS /LRJHS was not only following this education view, but also Larry Thompson, the Principal, was on the NELMS board. It seemed like a perfect fit.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I can’t say one thing. I still love middle school students. I like the age and the individuals. There have also been so many outstanding faculty members who have encouraged and inspired me over the years. Finally, I really enjoy the curriculum I teach.

What are your favorite hobbies that you enjoy in your free time? I like to read and make jewelry.

What is your favorite author, book or movie? Too many to name.

What advice would you give current students? The most important thing you can do is try. If you don’t try then you can’t succeed.

What advice would you give graduating students? Don’t limit yourself. Try lots of things before you settle on one. You have time.

Who was the person that was the biggest influence in your life and why? My parents have both passed away, but they still influence me every day. Family was hugely important to them and they passed that on to my brothers and my sister and I. We are close. I love that.

Roxanne Mayhew

Position: Physical Education and Health Teacher at Songo Locks School.

Why did you decide to work for our school system? I decided to work for the Lake Region School System so I could work full-time for a district that was considered high quality.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I most enjoy working with students and making wonderful connections with them and their families.

What would I say to graduating students? Take risks and don’t be afraid to make mistakes — it’s important for your growth. Look forward to the future but enjoy the present. Be careful what you post on social media — employers can look and see! Build new friendships but stay in touch with old friends.

John Mayo

Position: Business Instructor at Lake Region High School.

Why did you decide to work for our school system? I am an alum of Lake Region High School. I started out as an Ed. Tech at Stevens Brook Elementary and JV basketball coach. I enjoyed working with kids and decided I wanted to teach. I have a Business degree so I got certified to teach and began my current job 25 years ago.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I really enjoy interacting with the students. I also really enjoy teaching topics that are relevant to them (personal finance) and topics they may use in their future careers.

What advice would you give current students? Take advantage of the opportunities that are available to you, and don’t be afraid to try something new.

Ginny Nadeau

Position: Secretary at Lake Region Middle School.

Why did you decide to work for our school system? One of the schools in this district was looking for a year-long secretarial sub and I applied. When that ended, a position at the middle school opened and I’ve been here ever since.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy the spontaneity of it. No two days are ever alike. I enjoy meeting new people, which in this position is a constant.

What are your favorite hobbies that you enjoy in your free time? We own a Christmas tree farm which keeps me busy. I enjoy traveling, hiking, kayaking, gardening, spending time with my grandchildren and all things summer.

What is your favorite author, book or movie? I love to read, but one of my favorite books is “The Secret Garden.”

What advice would you give current students? There is more to life than social media. Enjoy the world around you. Be respectful, take responsibility, and always be kind.

What advice would you give graduating students? Enjoy life as you move forward in whatever career path you choose. Work hard, try new things, treat others as you’d like to be treated. Believe in yourself!

Vicki Norris

Position: Third Grade Teacher at Crooked River Elementary School.

Why did you decide to work for our school system? My husband and I had recently moved to this area and we wanted to raise our family here. 1989.

What do you enjoy most about your job? It is different every day, every year! The people.

What are your favorite hobbies that you enjoy in your free time? Horseback riding, spending time with family, singing, participating in Lake Region Community Theater’s summer show.

What is your favorite author, book or movie? Stephen Lawhead, JRR Tolkein, and C.S. Lewis.

What advice would you give current students? Keep trying, find your gifts and talents and share them with others.

What advice would you give graduating students? Work hard, don’t take anything for granted, consider other people’s feelings/perspectives.

What do you enjoy about the Lake Region area? The outdoors, the lakes, and the people.

Who was the person that was the biggest influence in your life and why? My mom (and dad). She taught me the importance of family.

Julie Perry

Position: Librarian at Songo Locks School.

Why did you decide to work for our school system? I first started volunteering at the CRES Library with Honey Morrison, when we moved back to Maine from Ohio. My daughter was in fifth grade and I wanted to help in the school somehow. A few years later, I had the opportunity to apply for the library position. I’ve had the chance to work in the CRES, SES, and SLS libraries in my 25 years.

What do you enjoy most about your job? The most enjoyable part of my position is to instill the love of books. Watching students magically read a story and share the excitement with me. Their eyes just light up. Also, when I invite an author or illustrator to the school and see how engaged the students are with the visitor. They make me so proud. Many of my past students come back and volunteer in the library. It’s so nice to see how these young adults have grown through the years.

What advice would you give graduating students? This is the advice I’d give to all the young adults; volunteering is a special gift to give to the community. Volunteering keeps you grounded and have a purpose.