HARRISON — Maine Connections Academy’s STAR Student of the Month for April 2023 is Skyy Worster, an 11th-grade student from Harrison. The STAR Student recognition is awarded to a Maine Connections Academy scholar who embodies the school’s values and spirit.

Skyy is committed to giving back to her community one gymnastics lesson at a time. As a volunteer coach, she’s logged over 1,000 hours of community service teaching gymnastics to young children. A gymnast herself for nearly eight years now, Skyy became a coach in hopes of helping others find confidence through the sport.

She coaches three to four classes a week at Western Maine Dance and Gymnastics in Bridgton and has been doing so since 8th grade. “It’s been my home since I was young. I’ve always loved it there,” she said.

Skyy also spends time each week volunteering at the Poland Animal Hospital. She says her passion for volunteering is rooted in the tight-knit western Maine community she was raised in. “You help a friend anytime they need help, and they’ll help you when you need help,” she explained.

For Skyy, the most rewarding part of coaching gymnastics is seeing the kids’ faces light up when they learn new skills and encourage their teammates. She works with gymnasts of all ages, ranging from kindergartners to high schoolers.

She knows all too well that dedication and good mentoring are key for young gymnasts. She didn’t pick up the sport until around age 10 and initially struggled to the point of nearly quitting. However, her coach at the time encouraged her to stick with it and she eventually mastered her first major skill – fueling her passion for the sport. She’s combined that passion with a love of helping others, emphasizing that “the people who benefit from the volunteering are going to take what you give and return the favor when they get older.”

In addition to her volunteer work, Skyy is an outstanding scholar and dedicated honors student at Maine Connections Academy. She finds the school’s flexible online learning environment, which allows her to work at her own pace, particularly helpful for her fast-paced learning style. She is also able to tailor the curriculum to best fit her needs as a student and currently attends one in-person class at a local high school.

Skyy was also nominated as a STAR Student for her leadership experience, which includes participating in the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute and the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment.

Maine Connections Academy is proud to recognize Skyy Worster as its April STAR Student for her hard work, perseverance, and community service.