LISBON – Lisbon Detective Bernard McAllister was awarded a commissioner of education Recognition Award from the Office of Truancy, Dropout and Alternative Education on May 25. Eight awards were presented, and McAllister was the only recipient who was not an educator.

The award states, “We are pleased to recognize Bernard McAllister as a recipient of the 2006 Commissioner’s Recognition Award. Bernie began working with the high school groups like SADD and Dropout Prevention in 1985 and has been a volunteer ever since. For 21 years Bernie has quietly served as a role model, teacher and coach in a volunteer capacity.

“He is also directly responsible for a new program in Lisbon entitled, Lisbon Education Employment and Delinquency Prevention Program.’ The goal of this program is to get students a diploma/and or a GED through regular school or adult education.”

The program, designed for 16- to 19-year-olds, has helped several adolescents involved in the criminal justice system. The program was created with the assistance of the Lisbon School Department, Maine Department of Corrections and local employers. Lisbon has been awarded a grant to formalize the program through Weed and Seed of Androscoggin County.