A Poland student gets attention for his efforts to honor the flag.
By Emily Tuttle
Special to the Sun Journal

POLAND – A Vietnam veteran in Minnesota, a woman in Nevada, and a senator in Washington have something common.

They all believe that Mike Maberry of Mechanic Falls, a sophomore at Poland Regional High School, must be someone special. Maberry doesn’t believe it, but it seems that everyone who knows him can give examples of how this soft-spoken and unassuming teenager serves as a role model for other students.

“The word that comes to mind is ‘noble’,” said Poland Principal Derek Pierce. “I know that that’s kind of a weird description to use these days. But Mike acts out of conviction and honor, not to get attention or to be popular.”

Maberry gained fame after the Sun Journal reported on his successful efforts to institute the Pledge of Allegiance at the high school. After reading the story, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, decided to have a United States flag flown over the nation’s Capitol Building in his honor, said Chuck Mahaleris, staff assistant to the senator.

Mahaleris will attend the school’s kick-off assembly at 7:40 a.m. Monday on behalf of the senator. The plan is to present Maberry with the flag that flew last Thursday in recognition of Maberry and the school’s accomplishments, said Mahaleris.

Monday will mark the first day that students will be able to say the pledge in school. The pledge will occur in the school’s lobby before classes begin, so that students and teachers who do not want to participate won’t be required to do so.

“The senator feels that it’s very appropriate to recognize Mike and the school, especially during this time of war,” said Mahaleris.

The story was also picked up earlier this month by an Internet news service. Since then, Maberry has received e-mails through the school congratulating him on his efforts. American Legion Post 150 has invited Maberry and his family to a dinner on March 13, and the Christian Civic League also invited the family for an award and dinner on Feb. 6.

A solid citizen

Maberry said he never expected that his simple proposal to say the Pledge of Allegiance in school would result in such widespread attention. Maberry doesn’t consider himself a rebel, a leader or a popular student. He said he just loves school, and he loves history.

Maberry is the first sophomore at Poland Regional High School to take the advanced placement history course, which is worth college credit. Along with earning high academic honors, Maberry also plays the saxophone in the school’s concert and show bands. He serves on the student government board and as a school ambassador for visitors and new students.

“Mike is just a really great guy,” said Carolyn Hricko, senior class president. “I never really knew him before except that he has a locker close to mine, and he would always say hello. But he’s so passionate about what he believes in, and he’s so smart.”

Maberry gives credit for his beliefs and love of school to his family and to his teachers. Ed Tucker, a history teacher at Elm Street School, remembers Maberry as one of the most solid citizens he has taught in his 36 years in Mechanic Falls.

“He always wanted to go beyond what he had to do,” said Tucker. “He always paid attention and did first-class work.”