JAY — Three students from the Jay Schools Alternative Education Program attended the Alternative Education Association of Maine’s Annual Conference on Nov. 5 at the Augusta Civic Center.

The conference draws an audience of educators from a variety of public and private alternative education programs from all over Maine and provides presentations, hands-on workshops and time for networking. The two high school and one middle school participants from Jay, along with the program coordinator, Patty Schoen, were Desiree Smith, Dalton Autrey and Lucas Choate.

The students sold their crafts at the conference as they, along with other students and through the Jay Alternative Education Program, operate a small candle and jewelry business. The students sell their wares at school and have a special business relationship with the Better Living Center in Farmington where they sell their signature hand-dipped rainbow tapers.

Proceeds are used for the end of year field trip, to restock supplies and to cover costs associated with the group’s assistance with the free community luncheon at the UCC church in Farmington.

Business at the display generated nearly $64 for the students. The students also had the opportunity to present themselves in a professional manner as they fielded questions about Jay Alternative Education. Largely used to peer relationships, the conference provided a forum for a different type of socialization as they mingled with adults from numerous schools and agencies.