PORTLAND – Ten Maine high school graduates were awarded $2,500 each by TD Banknorth, formerly Peoples Heritage Bank, as part of the bank’s annual scholarship program to reward Maine students and help offset their higher education costs.

Senior students receiving the $2,500 scholarships were: Benjamin D. Barker of Topsham, Mt. Ararat High School; Erin M. Beasley of LaGrange, Penquis Valley High School; John R. Chisholm of Freeport, Freeport High School; Samuel S. Dyar of Strong, Mt. Abram High School; Charles K. Howes of Oxford, Oxford Hills High School; Danica A. Koenig of Hallowell, Hall-Dale High School; Benjamin J. Lofton of Jay, Maine School of Science and Math; Gina M. Luchini of Ellsworth, Ellsworth High School; Nicole M. Stevens of Falmouth, Falmouth High School; and Michael M. Whiston of Kennebunkport, Kennebunk High School.

Recipients were also offered an optional three-month paid internship position with TD Banknorth after their first year of postsecondary education. The scholarships are being administered by the MES Foundation. This is the seventh year for the program.

Other TD Banknorth-sponsored programs helping Maine youth include TD Banknorth Strike Out Cancer in Kids, benefiting the Maine Children’s Cancer program; and the TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon, a 10K road race that benefits a different children’s charity in Maine each year. This year’s beneficiary is the Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland and Auburn/Lewiston.

For more information on TD Banknorth, visit online at www.tdbanknorth.com.