FARMINGTON — Jacob Presley Rutberg, son of Eric and Lena Rutberg of Wilton, was recognized as the Foster Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center Student of the Year on Saturday during a statewide ceremony in Lewiston. While there, he was also awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

Jacob is an advanced student in the Early Childhood Occupations Program at Foster CTE Center. As part of that program, the students help staff a pre-school program for area children.

Next year, Jacob plans to spend one year at the University of Southern Maine studying elementary education. His long term goal after that is to move to New York where he will continue his studies and live.

On Tuesday, Jacob said there are 27 Maine schools that have programs similar to the Foster CTE Center on the Mt. Blue Campus. Each school selects one student to be honored annually. “I was very surprised when told I would be one of them,” he said.

The state recognition was held in the Green Ladle, a restaurant run by students, at Lewiston High School. The names of two of the students were drawn to receive a $1,000 scholarship and Jacob was one of the recipients. “That was a very lucky moment,” he said.

Jacob said the scholarship was very open ended and can be used to purchase tools, clothing, etc. He doesn’t have any specific uses in mind yet for the money, but will probably use some of it for educational toys. “Toys play such an important role in education,” he said. They are often used in developing and later helping to identify a child’s progress with motor and language skills.

Jacob credits his teacher, Leilani Gordon, for what he has learned. She even taught him how to snap his fingers, something that he wasn’t able to do until she helped him master the feat.

Jacob realized that he loved teaching through times spent with his 10 year old sister Maddie. Other experiences also drew him to the education part of working with children. The minute Jacob walked passed the Early Childhood Occupations room, as an incoming Freshman, he knew he wanted to take the class.

While referring to his work with pre-school children Jacob said, “A lot of the basics of learning happens now.” It can influence all future learning. He said it’s a really important time and can have a huge impact very early in the child’s life.

Jacob also loves the theater and has been active since he was 9 years old. He first participated in the Missoula program in the Wilton schools, then was part of the theater program at Mt. Blue Middle School and later the high school. “Theater gives me a lot of confidence and helps with my teaching,” he said.

Through his theater connections, Jacob has learned how to speak up and hold a room’s attention which is important in the classroom. “You’ve got to be on,” he said.

Jacob’s creative energy, sense of humor, and enthusiasm has been essential to the positive learning environment in the Early Childhood Program. The connections he has formed with children, parents, peers, and school staff has enriched the lives of all. Jacob plans to continue theater parallel to his studies.

For Jacob, there are many rewards from working with children. “It’s all about the kids,” he said. Seeing the children walk in, knowing his name, giving him hugs, and wanting to share what they’ve done are fulfilling. “Seeing what they’ve learned is the most rewarding part,” he said.  

Last year, there were three boys in the Early Childhood Occupations Program. This year, Jacob is the only one in a class of girls. “That has taught me a lot too,” he said. He loves working with the girls but admits that sometimes he has to step out.

His peers report that he is great with children, a great problem-solver, has a great sense of humor, and is willing to try new things. They also said it feels empty when he is not there.

Jacob also feels it’s important for the preschoolers in the program to have a male role model. “There are a lot of strong moms out there,” he said. Having someone to look up to is needed for families that don’t have an adult male in the home. His creative energy, sense of humor, and enthusiasm have helped foster a positive learning environment. 

Jacob’s abilities in Early Childhood are balanced by his academic accomplishments as demonstrated by his standing in the top 20 of his graduating class. He received recognition as a Mt. Blue High School Student of the Month for February 2013.

Other accomplishments Jacob has achieved while at Mt. Blue include four years with the Mt. Blue Theatre Company and hosting two Poetry Slams/Open Mic Nights. Jacob was a participant in the pilot P.A.C.E. Program (Personalized And Cooperative Education) and was active in Fundraising/Organizing the 2014 American Sign Language Showcase at Mt. Blue. He won 2nd Place in the Lions Club “Speak Out” Public Speaking Competition in 2012.

Jacob has amassed 700 hours in the Early Childhood Occupations Program at Foster CTE Center. He can’t imagine what his high school career would have been like without it.

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