Saco Parks and Rec staff and community volunteers put together and distribute meals .
While the program was ultimately successful , it was not without complications resulting from COVID-related limits to group gatherings . According to Dube , adopting the necessary COVID-19 prevention practices in order to keep patrons and staff safe was the top priority . “ Recreation professionals are known for our ability to bring people together to create community , which currently poses a risk . Now , we must identify creative ways to meet the needs of our community … [ Another ] challenge is planning programs during a time of much uncertainty and constant change . We no longer have the luxury of planning one or two seasons ahead . We ' re tasked with developing a variety of scenarios dependent on future circumstances , and then implementing the appropriate option in a very short turnaround .”
Despite the added layers of complexity that marked the last several months , both Sommer and Dube found the experience profoundly rewarding , and an added reason to take pride in SPR ’ s programs . “ We have a team dedicated to our community , and in return , the support of our community ,” remarked Dube . “ The residents of Saco know we are offering programs with their interests in mind .” Similarly , Sommer appreciated providing some normalcy to the community , and opportunities to connect , even during a quarantine .
“ We enjoy bringing people together ... The inability to provide the space , programs , and activities that our community has grown to expect was very challenging for us . [ This program ] gave us a sense of being able to do what we do best , which was bringing the community together again .”
As students at TA , both Sommer and Dube were very involved in athletics and student activities . Football , basketball , track , Jazz Choir , Peer Helpers , and Student Council took up much of Sommer ’ s time , and his TA memories include some of his “ most enjoyable moments .” Dube ’ s time as a Trojan was also marked by much more than academics ; she played field hockey , ran track , sang in Jazz and District Choir , participated in Portland Youth Wind Ensemble and All-State Band ; and took part in Drama , Interact , and Math Clubs , and Student Council . Such active student schedules undoubtedly prepared them for the busy life and fast pace of the world of recreational programming .
“ I think TA played a pivotal part in my career path because it allowed me to see my true passion , which is providing an opportunity for the community to come together and actually be a community ,” shared Sommer . “ I had some great guidance from the teachers at TA , some of whom are still teaching there today ... TA prepared me for my future .”
Dube ’ s experiences at TA , both as a student and an alumna , were also influential , and she continues to find ways to stay connected to TA through her work . " Saco Parks and Rec is one of the largest employers of young people in the community ; many of our seasonal staff are current TA students , recent graduates , and alumni like Ryan and me . In addition , we have great partnerships with TA athletics and educators connecting to our programs . I would never have guessed during my time as a student that so many important connections later in life would be fostered by TA — I ’ m very grateful to the school for creating that network .”
7