RUMFORD — Muskie Auditorium was filled with Region 9 students and their family members for the Region 9 School of Applied Technology awards ceremony late this spring. The evening celebrated the students, their accomplishments and their future.

The graphic arts students created the evening’s program, a slideshow and all of the certificates that were presented. The ceremony began with the slideshow that featured each program and every student within that program.

Director Brenda Gammon announced each program and its instructor. The instructors led their students onto the stage.

Cheryl Ellis, student services coordinator, asked students to step forward as she called the name of a college they would be attending. This year’s seniors have been accepted at Central Maine Community College, Eastern Maine Community College, Husson University, Kennebec Community College, Southern Maine Community College, Universal Technical Institute, University of Maine (campus at Augusta, Farmington, Orono and Presque Isle), White Mountain Community College in Berlin, N.H., and Wyo-Tech in Blairsville, Pa.

Several students will join the Army or Marine Corps. One will go to Job Corps and several will enter the world of work, including one headed for Alaska.

Since two students were unable to attend the National Technical Honor Society Induction Ceremony due to Advanced Placement testing, they were formally inducted. Brooke Holmquist and Devarae Gurney received their honor cords. Both have completed the one-year certified nursing assistant program.

Then Gammon read congratulatory letters from the two superintendents of the sending schools, Dr. David Murphy, superintendent of SAD 44, and Dr. Tom Ward, superintendent of RSU10.

Daniel Hart, principal of Telstar Regional High School, and Mike Poulin, principal of Dirigo High School, offered their congratulatory remarks. Matt Gilbert, principal of Mountain Valley High School, sent written remarks that Gammon read.

Peter and Jenn Barlow presented awards to students who participated in SKILLS USA. According to its website, “SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student excel.”

Gammon introduced three students who were nominated for Career and Technical Education Student of the Year. The students were Taylor Savage, Caleb Holmes and Misty Steward.

Region 9’s CTE Student of the Year was Misty Steward. Gammon said, “Misty has accomplished a lot during her high school years and her time in the early childhood program at Region 9. Misty was recognized as one of 25 CTE students of the year at a statewide recognition ceremony in April in Lewiston.”

Ellis presented Steward with a $300 scholarship from the Northern Oxford Area Counselors.

Gammon presented a $1000 scholarship from the River Valley Rotary to Michael Chow. Chow completed his second year in metal trades.

The spotlight shifted from the students to their dedicated teachers. With Pomp and Circumstance playing, Terri Provencher, early childhood education teacher, was called to the stage.

“This month Terri completed a bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in special education from Libery University,” said Gammon. “This summer she plans to begin her graduate degree program.”

Metal trades teacher Peter Barlow was selected at the beginning of the school year as Maine’s CTE Teacher of the Year.

Gammon explained, “Peter’s position at Region 9 is a combination of two of his passions – teaching and the field of metal trades. He strives to enhance the CTE experience for each of his students through his caring, compassionate and respectful interactions with them.”