NYA gets grant

North Yarmouth Academy was awarded a $25,000 grant from the Davis Family Foundation for the creation of a new innovation lab. The lab will be designed to enhance existing class courses, provide resources for new courses, and cultivate exploration and discovery among students at NYA. “In addition to the core academic disciplines, NYA recognizes the importance of preparing our students for success in today’s changing world,” Head of School Ben Jackson said. “This initiative will both enhance existing courses and electives and open up new opportunities for our students.”

Educational tools in the new lab will include a 3D printer, design software, new Dell Precision desktops, film making and music recording equipment, robotics hardware, and more. The lab and all contents will be available to NYA students as early as first grade. Significant professional development for faculty is also included in the funding. A portion of the funds raised at the school’s annual Soiree will be allocated to further enhance the resources in the lab and the integration of technology across campus.

North Yarmouth Academy is an independent, college preparatory, coeducational school for toddlers to students in grade 12. Since 1814, NYA has fostered integrity, character and intellect in its students. For more information, please contact NYA at 847-5423 or visit nya.org.

Local student studies ‘Down Under’

Dorothy Eckhardt of Cumberland studied in Australia during the fall semester at Susquehanna University as part of a cross-cultural experience offered by the Pennsylvania-based campus. Eckhardt is an early childhood education major in the Class of 2017. A 2013 graduate of Greely High School, she is the daughter of Dorothy and Kurt Eckhardt.

Susquehanna’s Global Opportunities program requires all students to spend at least two weeks off campus to immerse themselves in an alternative culture. Susquehanna students can choose from programs ranging from a few weeks to as long as a full semester semester in Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, Europe, New Orleans and Washington, D.C., among other options.

Students called to sea

Registration is now open for SailMaine High School Spring Sailing, which is open to  sailors in eighth through 12th grade. Register online at http://bit.ly/20b8Koo.

SailMaine hosts eight high school teams, including a conglomerate team for sailors whose high school does not have a team and a development team for sailors honing their race skills. Area schools with teams include: Falmouth High School, Cape Elizabeth High School, Yarmouth High School, Portland High School Waynflete School and Cheverus High School.

For more information, call SailMaine at 772-7245 or email Program Director Charlotte Kinkade at charlotte.kinkade@sailmaine.org.

Dean’s lists

Bucknell University

Daniel James Schmidt of Falmouth, enrolled in the College of Engineering

Castleton University

Hannah Williams of Freeport

Holy Cross

William D’Agostino of Falmouth, who is majoring in economics

Kent State

Sophia Siddall of Yarmouth

Lyndon State College

Lauriana Gaudet of Falmouth

Morrisville State College

Leanna Smith of Freeport

Springfield College

Jacob Buhelt of Falmouth, who is studying criminal justice

Maxwell Pacetti of Falmouth, who is studying emergency medical services management.

Haley Estabrook of Yarmouth, who is studying English.

Thomas College

Cathryn Thurston  of Yarmouth, a communications student.

United States Air Force Academy

Cadet Wesley Crawford of Yarmouth

University of Delaware

Anna Dedon of Cumberland

Ryan McKenna of Cumberland

University of Hartford

Rachel Rivera of Cumberland Center

Samantha Harmon of Falmouth

Andrew Murry of Falmouth

Luke Bray of Yarmouth

University of New Hampshire

Andrew Therriault of Cumberland, who is majoring in business.

University of Oklahoma

Taylor L. Readio of Cumberland, a senior who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice.

Western New England University

Nicole E. Powers of Brunswick, majoring in mechanical engineering

Marysa N. Alexander of Falmouth, who is majoring in social work

Laura J. Verdi of Falmouth, who is majoring in neuroscience

Charlotte Schatz of Gray, second from left, and Anna Greene of Falmouth, both students at Levey Day School in Portland, served as honorary pages in the Maine Senate Jan. 19, as guests of Sen. Cathy Breen, at left. At right is Schatz’s mother, Margaret Hathaway. Students from third grade through high school are invited to serve when the Senate is in session. For more information, call Breen at 287-1515.