Mitchell Scholar Alumni: Profiles in Promise
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Megan Quackenbush is the 1999 Mitchell Scholar from Sanford High School. She graduated from St. Joseph's College in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Immediately following graduation, Megan entered a Master's program at the University of Southern Maine and earned her Master's in Special Education in 2007.
"I have always dreamed of being a teacher. I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. I worked hard in school, volunteered in various educational programs, and never lost focus. In preparing for college, however, I realized how vast the financial obstacles really were. My family could not afford to send me to college. With the support of the Mitchell Institute, I was able to achieve my dream. Ten years have passed since I was first named a Mitchell Scholar, and I continue to be grateful for the generosity and kindness that has been granted to me by the people of the Mitchell Institute."
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Son Nguyen is the 1998 Mitchell Scholar from Bangor High School. He graduated from University of Maine in 2002 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. His family moved to the U.S. from Vietnam when he was twelve years old. Son attended Bangor High School, where he excelled in math and science. During his junior year, Son was selected to attend the "What's an Engineer?" summer program at the University of Maine, which inspired him to choose that path of study. After college, Son worked in the paper industry in Maine, and then moved to Hannaford Brothers. He recently accepted a supply chain analyst position with Delhaize Group, the parent company of Hannaford.
"With the financial support of the Mitchell Institute, I was able to further my education beyond high school and realize my career goals. Along the way, I have developed great friendships with many Mitchell Scholars and members of the Mitchell Institute staff. It is now my privilege to be involved with the Mitchell Institute Alumni Council so I can help other young people pursue their dreams."
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Robin Caron is the 2003 Mitchell Scholar from Ashland Community High School. She graduated from St. Joseph's College with a major in biology in 2006 and is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program at the University of New England. "With the Mitchell Scholarship, I have been able to pursue my dream of becoming a physician. Grants from the Mitchell Institute, through the Career Opportunity Summer Awards (COSA) program, allowed me to take two research positions in Maine Medical Center's emergency department. The financial support helped with travel and living expenses and enabled me to get invaluable experience in the field of medicine."
"The Mitchell Institute's dedication to the education of Maine students like me and the difference that it makes in our lives is remarkable. The Institute's staff members truly care about their jobs and the students they serve."
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Ezra Berry is the 2002 Mitchell Scholar from Washington Academy. He attended Southern Maine Community College, where he first earned a degree in Industrial Electricity before going back for a second degree in Welding.
"I've been awarded several other scholarships, but none from organizations that were like the Mitchell Institute. Because of their efforts in education and the impact of it on the economy of Maine, I felt really honored to be a Mitchell Scholar and want to do my part to give back. Being a Mitchell Scholar goes far beyond your four years at college. I know this first hand. Recently, I received a Libra Future Fund Grant. The Libra Foundation gives money to young entrepreneurs to help them start a business. I have owned a residential remodeling business for three years, but my true aspiration is to have a machine shop. I went into the grant interview with a solid, practical plan and proof that I can run a business, but it was the Mitchell Institute's testimonials that really made the difference. They wrote me a great letter of recommendation and called the chairman of the awards committee to let him know how much they believed in my potential. It wasn't part of their job, and they didn't have to do it. But at the Mitchell Institute, the staff cares enough about the Scholars to take their own time and effort to make sure that we will do well."
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Jason Long is the 2001 Mitchell Scholar from South Portland High School. He graduated from Bowdoin College in 2005 with a major in Government and Legal Studies and a minor in education. After graduation, Jason was hired to teach at Oxford Hills High School in South Paris, Maine.
I consider an academic scholarship to be an investment, not just a gift. It makes sense, then, that a scholarship program should do everything in its power to make sure its investments mature successfully. This is where the Mitchell Institute shines; it is more than just a scholarship, it is a web of support that nurtures and directs Maine students to achieve their full potential.
On three occasions, I attended MILE Weekends, or Mitchell Institute Leadership Experiences. Not only did I develop close friendships with fellow Mitchell Scholars, but I strengthened the skills that allowed me to take on a variety of leadership roles at my school and on a state-wide level. MILE weekends are also used to encourage Scholars to network with people in the professional world. Because of that, I had Duke Albanese, the former Maine Commissioner of Education, advising my career in education.
As a first-generation college student, the Mitchell Institute didn't just provide me with a scholarship; it gave me access to a world my family never knew existed.
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Cassandra Cote is the 2000 Mitchell Scholar from Falmouth High School. She graduated from Colby College with a double major in religious studies and French in 2004 and completed her Masters Degree in health communications at Emerson College and Tufts Medical School in 2006. Cassie is now the Project Coordinator in the Clinical Integration Department at MaineHealth.
"When I was awarded a Mitchell Scholarship, I could never have imagined the opportunities that would open up for me. My entire family works in education, so I didn't have connections in the business world or opportunities to network with industry professionals in other fields. The Institute helped me get my first internship at Swardlick Marketing Group – they even called the President of the company to recommend me! I am grateful to the Institute's staff for encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone to pursue that job, since working at Swardlick helped me find my passion in communications.
I've also had the chance to work for the Mitchell Institute – once as an intern and again as the Major Gifts Campaign Coordinator. I saw firsthand how much the staff of the Mitchell Institute truly cares about its Scholars and the future of Maine. Being on the Alumni Council allows me to remain connected to shaping the future of the Mitchell Institute and helping other young people realize their dreams."
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Michele Savage was the 1999 Mitchell Scholar from Scarborough High School. She graduated from the University of Maine in 2003 with a major in Journalism. After graduation, Michele worked for a small newspaper, then was hired at TD Banknorth, where she is currently the Assistant Vice President of Corporate Sponsorships. She also chairs the Mitchell Institute Alumni Council.
"The Mitchell Institute opened many doors for me as a college student and a working professional. By being a Mitchell Scholar, I gained access to internship opportunities, on- and off-campus events, community service initiatives and networking functions. It has also been great to be identified with the Mitchell Institute -- and to make lasting connections with other Scholars who have similar goals.
In my role as a Mitchell Scholar Alumni, I now want to make the Mitchell Institute proud and show them a strong return on their investment in me. The Mitchell Institute has created a solid network of Scholars, and they will be a tremendous asset to the state of Maine."