BIDDEFORD — Representatives from schools across Maine attended a celebration Dec. 11 hosted at Berlin City in Portland and at that event both Biddeford High School and Dayton Consolidated School were awarded $1,500 and $2,000 respectively from Berlin City’s Drive for Education grant.

The Drive for Education is a forward-looking program created by the employees of Berlin City Auto Group as a way to strengthen the neighborhoods in which they live and work. This initiative supports schools in hopes of allowing educators to shape future scientists, engineers, artists or musicians.

Berlin City’s Drive for Education has supported the purchase of library books, interactive whiteboards, music programs, audio equipment and automotive testing equipment. Since 2011, Drive for Education has donated more than $557,452 to schools all over Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire.

Biddeford High School’s proposal was submitted by Dolores Charest and the grant funding will be used to improve the school’s Civil Rights’ Team presence and ensure any new students transferring will receive a warm welcome during their transition.

Dayton Consolidated School’s proposal was submitted by Deidre Braley and their grant will be used to help create “toolkits” for each classroom with resources for teachers to better meet students where they are at in their learning.

“We are grateful for these type of grants provided by local businesses,” said Superintendent of Biddeford and Dayton Schools Jeremy Ray. “The Drive for Education allows teachers to think outside the box, students to get involved and provide resources to K-12 schools with limited budgets. On behalf of all our students and educators, thank you Berlin City.”

Biddeford High School serves 777 students in Grades 9 to Grade 12 and is the 17th largest public high school in Maine. Jeremie Sirois is the principal of Biddeford High School.

Dayton Consolidated School offers instruction to 138 students in Kindergarten to Grade 5 and the school placed in the top 30 percent in Maine last year for overall test scores. Kimberly Sampietro is the principal of Dayton Consolidated School.