RUMFORD — Dorothy Peters, a 24-year veteran English teacher at Mountain Valley High School, is a finalist for the Maine Principals’ Association Larry LaBrie Award.
Peters, 61, is a longtime adviser for the local National Honor Society and an adviser liaison for the state organization.
“She does so much for the whole state, for the (National Honor Society) directors and leadership, and she does an awful lot at Mountain Valley High School and the RSU 10 region,” Assistant Principal Christopher Decker said.
He, Principal Matt Gilbert and Bucksport High School Principal Robert Doar nominated her.
Decker said Peters is being recognized for her contributions to both the regional and state levels of the National Honor Society.
Recipients of the Larry LaBrie Award are cited for their involvement in the development of youth in Maine. LaBrie is a retired teacher and administrator who serves as associate executive director of the Maine Principals’ Association.
Peters has led the local National Honor Society for 16 years and has served as a state National Honor Society liaison for about six years.
The National Honor Society is important for many reasons, she said.
“Students are recognized for going above and beyond academics, to practice leadership and service,” she said. “It’s really important to recognize those students.”
Being an adviser for the group is also important, she believes, because an older mentor can encourage young people to take on more challenges.
The local National Honor Society, along with the state group, is working on a service project known as Project Linus. In this program, blankets are made and given to any child in crisis. Many of those will be assembled at the state National Honor Society convention in March.
The goal at Mountain Valley High School is to make 100 blankets. The local National Honor Society is preparing to sell carnations for Valentine’s Day. The money from those sales will go toward buying fabric for the blankets.
The top three Larry LaBrie Award winners will be honored at a Maine Principals’ Association banquet in the late spring.
Peters has been honored by her peers at a recent staff meeting, and Decker said she would also be honored at a schoolwide assembly.
He said Peters was the first teacher or coach to be a finalist for the Larry LaBrie Award.
“I’m extremely thrilled,” Peters said.
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