Page 19 - Spring 2025

“Partners in Education” Initiative, continued...

This initiative builds upon existing community ties
within Houlton, where educational opportunities
are already well-supported by various local entities,
including students taking courses at Region Two CTE,
along with early college classes through University of
Maine system and Maine Community colleges. We are
excited to continue our partnership with the Olympia
Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute, which already
serves 12 Houlton High School students through
mentorship.
Houlton High School’s “Partners in
Education” is more than just a program; Pictured: Jack Hodgkins, class of 2025, earned his private pilot
it’s a commitment to investing in the Jack Hodgkins Ready to Soar
future of its students and the prosperity Thank you for encouraging our district to be creative in meeting student
needs. Jack was allowed to have an every other day outside of school
of the Houlton community. By fostering schedule this year to take flying lessons. He took his oral exam and check
these vital connections, the school is empowering ride on Tuesday and passed on 5/13. He now has his private pilot’s license.
the next generation with the skills, knowledge, and After graduation, he plans to attend aviation school at Blue Line Aviation in
North Carolina. He aims to become a corporate pilot and fly a Gulfstream
relationships they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving jet. Less than 1% of the US population holds a Private Pilot’s License. It took
world. The success of this initiative will undoubtedly many, many hours of studying and flying.He starts flight school on August
serve as a testament to the power of collaboration 4th with a good start to his training. Had he not had the alternative sched-
and a shared vision for educational excellence and ule, this would have been very difficult, if not impossible. Thank you, RSU
#29, for making this possible for Jack! Submitted by Holly Hodgkins
community growth.
We are seeking businesses to help us grow our
program. This also includes Alumni from all over
the world, who can connect with students through
technology, offering an opportunity to experience
what may be available for future careers and inspire
the next generation of Shires to achieve great things.
All businesses can reach out to our team, or use the QR
Code provided. We would love to hear from you.

If you have questions, ideas, or would like to know
more about Partners In Education, please reach out
to Houlton High School Alum and Alumni Board
members:

Assistant Principal of Academic Services Danielle
Thibodeau ‘03, danielle.thibodeau@rsu29.org, 532-6551

Katherine Currie ‘04, Director of Guidance, katherine.
currie@rsu29.org, 532-6551
Pictures:
Joe Fagnant, Superintendent, joe.fagnant@rsu29.org, Students in Construction Trades begin working on future skills and cover
532-6555 (Exofficio Alumni Board member) carpentry, electrical, plumbing, welding, ground work, and finishing.

www.houltonalumni.com 19