Leo Club President Nathan Hewett and Stratton-Eustis Lion King Bruce Marcoux exchange gifts at the charter meeting of the new Maine Western Mountains Leo Club at Mt. Abram High School. Hewett received the Leo gavel and bell from the Lions Club. Marcoux received a certificate of appreciation for sponsoring the new club. Seated, from left, are Nick Crawford, Ashley Gordon, Josh Viles and Tony Arruda; standing, Marcoux and Hewett.

New Leo Club formed in Western Mountains

SALEM – A new Leo Club came to Salem on Nov. 15 when 17 charter members celebrated the organization of the new Maine Western Mountains Leo Club at Mt. Abram High School.

More than 70 people attended the informal dinner, charter signing and officers’ installation ceremony for the new club for high school students. The Stratton-Eustis Lions Club is the sponsor of the new Leo Club.

Nathan Hewett of Coplin Plantation has been elected to serve as the first president; Ashley Gordon of Carrabassett Valley, vice president; Josh Viles of Phillips, secretary; Nick Crawford of Wyman Township, treasurer; and Diana Allen of Strong, Hope Gould of Phillips and Chelsea Bachelder of Stratton, activity directors.

The club plans to become involved in many service activities in the SAD 58 area.

Lion advisers Marge McHugh and Janet White said, “We are excited about this important work. Through this new club, we plan to provide an opportunity for the area youth to make a difference in their community.”

The club will meet twice a month at 2:45 p.m. at Mt. Abram High School. Lions Tony Arruda, McHugh and White are the club advisers and Laura White, Mike Ellis and Danielle London are the Mt. Abram High School staff Leo advisers.

High school-age students who would like more information about the Maine Western Mountains Leo Club may contact Arruda at 246-5555 or [email protected].

Lions clubs sponsor approximately 5,500 Leo clubs in more than 130 countries. While helping others in their community, Leos develop leadership skills and experience teamwork in action.

For more information about the Leo Club Program, visit the youth programs section of the Lions Web site at www.lionsclubs.org.