Local dancers receive awards

Students of the Dance Studio of Maine in Gorham received awards in all categories at the Olympic Miss Dance Competition held in South Portland on April 29.

Rachel Lloyd received first place overall in the age 7-10 category for her solo musical theater performance.

In the 15 and over solo category, first and second place both went to the Dance Studio of Maine. Andrew Wojtal was first for his solo and also was awarded a high platinum award. Brittany Swett received second place overall in this category for her solo.

Another high platinum award was presented to a duet performed by Wojtal and Victoria Perreault.

In the duet/trio category, Meaghan Gilbert and Amber McDonald received third place overall for their duet, “Wild Horses.”

Awards received in the groups section of the competition included a first place to the Dance Studio of Maine’s pro team. The piece, entitled “Sleep,” also received the judge’s choice award. Members of the pro team include Kristi Colarusso, , Emily Robinson, Laura Shaw, Swett and Wojtal.

In the lines division, once again the Dance Studio of Maine received firstt and second place. The adult tap team received first place with “Bye Bye Blackbird” and second place was awarded to the advanced hip hop team with their performance of “Night Club.”

The choreographers behind these award winning performances include Patricia Moulton, Victoria Perreault and Rhonda Cook.

Park pass returns

The free pass to the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray is available once again at Baxter Memorial Library, 71 South St., thanks to the board of trustees.

The library is offering the passes this spring, summer and fall. Those interested in reserving the park pass should call the library at 839-5031with their library card numbers and the specific date(s) they have in mind.

For more information about the park, visit the Maine Wildlife Park Web site, www.maine.gov/ifw/education/wildlifepark.

U.S. taxpayer debt

The Bureau of Public Debt reported on May 31 that the U.S. public debt was $8,828,992,459,660.72.