FARMINGTON – The top scholars in the Mt. Blue Class of 2008 were honored during the SAD 9 board meeting Tuesday.

Principal Joseph Moore awarded 11 students certificates for their academic achievements.

“We try to honor the top 10 percent of the senior class based on their (grade-point averages) and this year we were fortunate to have 11 students qualify,” Moore said.

After certificates were handed out, students, along with family and friends, mingled with board members and teachers to chat about college plans while sharing refreshments.

Some students plan to remain in Maine, going to colleges such as Colby and St. Joseph’s, others will travel to the University of San Francisco or the University of Tampa.

Senior Kinda Lilley said she will attend the University of Maine at Presque Isle next year, and plans to obtain her doctorate in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Tampa.

Also on the agenda Tuesday was the introduction of a grant for the Chinese Guest Teacher Program by SAD 9 language teacher Lisa Dalrymple. The grant will bring a teacher from China to teach at Mt. Blue for the 2008-2009 school year.

“We worked with the Department of Education, who worked with the College Board to find and promote Mandarin Chinese teachers in the states who will be able to assist in developing language programs, as well as teach Mandarin Chinese to the students,” said Dalrymple. She also noted a possibility that the guest teacher will have the opportunity to discuss Chinese culture with elementary and middle school students.

The grant was approved last week on the condition that the district supply housing and transportation for the guest teacher, in addition to approximately $2,000 in visa and health insurance costs. Dalrymple said that she is searching for a host family for the teacher.

Director Robert Flick voiced concerns regarding the expense of the program, saying that the timing is off because of numerous strains on the budget, but said he respects the program.

After further discussion of costs, which Moore said could be covered with leftover grant money from this school year, the motion to allow permission for Dalrymple to pursue the grant was approved.

The next SAD 9 board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. June 10 in the high school library.