ELLSWORTH, PORTLAND — The 2015 class of Maine Policy Scholars were recently honored at a special graduation ceremony held at the Buchanan Alumni House on the University of Maine campus.

One student from each campus of the University of Maine system pursued a year-long program of applied research in the area of Maine public policy. Issues addressed included the economic struggles of dairy farmers, impact of the spruce bud worm epidemic and development of broadband infrastructure.

The 2014-2015 scholars are Andrew Radford, University of Maine at Augusta; Charles Young, University of Maine at Farmington; Victoria Boone, University of Maine at Macias; Kasandra Foster, University of Maine at Presque Isle; Alexandra Courtney, University of Maine; and Travis Powers, University of Maine at Fort Kent.

The scholars presented their policy recommendations to a panel that included Dovey Balsam, 2013 alumna, Maine Policy Scholars Program; Seth Goodall, regional director, Small Business Administration; James Page, chancellor, University of Maine; and Tony Cox, business owner and son of program founder Peter Cox.

During the academic year, the scholars work with faculty advisers to research a policy issue facing Maine. They produce a report, in the form of a memo to the governor or appropriate policymaker, which outlines the issue and offers policy solutions.

The Maine Policy Scholars program is managed by the community foundation with input from an advisory committee. FMI: 207-564-3236, [email protected], 1-877-700-6800, www.mainecf.org.