LIVERMORE FALLS – SAD 36 Superintendent Terry Despres was named Superintendent of the Year by the Maine High School Guidance Counselors, SAD 36 Chairman Ashley O’Brien told fellow directors Thursday night.

O’Brien and Despres arrived at the board’s meeting from the presentation in Portland.

O’Brien said Despres received the award for being extremely supportive of all of the students.

“It was a very special award because it brings you very close to the kids,” Despres said. “Every once in a while you get a chance to connect with why you did it.”