Julie-Ann Baumer
P. O. Box 82
Lisbon Falls, ME 04252
jabaumer@gmail.com
facebook.com/groups/UMaineClass1986/
Zipping north on Interstate 95, a Maine State Police cruiser passed me by. I was glad they were not after me. They were just doing their job, keeping the highways and the state safe and secure, thanks in part to the leadership of Colonel John Cole. John, a 29-year veteran of the agency, was sworn in as the chief of the Maine State Police on June 8. Nominated for this prestigious post by Governor Paul LePage ’75G, John is a 29-year veteran of the agency. A native of Aroostook County, he spent the majority of his career there. Congratulations, John!
School’s back in session and once again, UMaine alumni are playing an important role in the education of the state’s youth. Cary James G teaches chemistry at Bangor High School and if you think chemistry is boring, you’re in the wrong class. Cary has received numerous awards and accolades in his now-19 years at BHS, including a 2015 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Most notably, he pioneered the creation of the BHS STEM Academy. This curriculum is responsible for Bangor High School students dominating the Maine Science Bowl over the last five years and many of James’ students have received scholarships to further their studies at UMaine and beyond. More than just studying the periodic table of elements, James is known to be practical, too. Former student Paige Brown, now studying at Stanford University, told the Bangor Daily News, “One time he told us he found out a student in a class didn’t know how to change a tire, so he took the whole class out and changed a tire.”
Another big winner this year, Bill Guerrette was named Aroostook County’s 2018 Teacher of the Year. Bill, an eighth-grade English language arts and social studies teacher at Presque Isle Middle School, uses his passion for local history to inspire his students. For the past 11 years, he has led an “Amazing Race” style program that takes students on chaperoned bicycle trips through Presque Isle, stopping at historical sites like the Perry Opera House on Main Street. Students are then tested on what they learned. Bill also started a history club at the middle school. The Maine Teacher of the Year program recognizes one outstanding teacher from each Maine county.
Kathleen Murphy is the founder and CEO of Market Me Too, a marketing and management consulting firm. Her company works in corporate sales, marketing, and helps develop strategies to improve results and motivate members of a team. Kathy is known for her creative problem solving and has worked with Barracuda Networks, Constant Contact, Staples, and other companies.
Friends and classmates, I enjoy hearing from you, whether it be an accomplishment, a recollection, or just a quick hello. Take care and we’ll meet again here next time!