The first Gauvin Scholars were selected in May 2014. A
scholarship committee of approximately 12 members from
throughout the county worked diligently over the winter to
create a selection procedure focused on finding the students
who best meet AAI’s criteria. Although the organization
gives priority to first-generation college and economically
disadvantaged students who plan to attend one of the
colleges in The County, seniors with average grades, who
are hard-working, demonstrate strong work ethic and
volunteer spirit, and plan to attend a college in The County,
are also invited to apply. These scholarships will be awarded
annually each spring at class day or graduation in each
County high school.
at Fort Kent. During this time, students will have an
opportunity to attend sessions on topics such as financial
literacy, job application skills, interviewing skills, and job
opportunities in Aroostook. There will be several prominent
guest speakers and workshop leaders to provide knowledge,
guidance, and support.
So, not only has the first step been taken, but the journey
is well underway – the journey of countless “miles” to help
The County and its kids. We welcome anyone who wants
to join us in whatever way they feel they can. The County is
a unique place – one that should be retained and revitalized
for future generations. After all, this is the way life should
be!
Scholarship winners will then participate in SHANTE
(Skills, Habits, Aspirations, Networking, Teamwork, For more information, please visit our Web site at www.
Education): a weekend designed to help ease the transition gauvinfund.org. You can also join us on Facebook and
between high school and college. Gauvin Scholars will have Twitter.
the opportunity to meet each other and create a
bond within their group that will allow them to
network, not just at this event, but throughout
their college experience. They will work on
topics such as healthy ways to deal with the
stresses of college life, time management and
study skills, goal setting, leadership, and other
topics as directed by the Gauvin Scholars.
Northern Maine Community College has
agreed to host this event for the scholars.
In September, Aroostook Aspirations’ gala,
titled “A Night With the Stars,” will be held
at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
Senator Susan Collins will be the keynote
speaker, and the 16 scholarship recipients
will be celebrated. The Gauvin Scholars will
begin their college experience knowing how
much Aroostook County supports them. It
will be an elegant event our scholars and our
audience will remember.
Heidi’s Hope, a first-of-its-kind, county-wide
community service project will be held in
October. In addition to providing volunteer
opportunities for students to help in their
communities, it is also the major fundraising
project for the Aroostook Aspirations
Initiative. The experience of service will help
students relate their classroom education to
the real world, become more engaged in their
communities, meet scholastic standards, and
gain self-confidence. This project is named in
honor of Heidi Graham, the first person asked
to join the Aroostook Aspirations Initiative
Board of Directors and the person who was
in great part responsible for the success of the
business, Advantage Payroll Services, which
allowed the founders to create this initiative.
The spring of 2015 will see the first Aspirational
Weekend, hosted by the University of Maine
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