Rosita Friel was presented the Androscoggin Retired Educators’ Leadership Award on May 4 at the Retired Maine Educators Convention.

Friel has worn many hats during a career that spanned 33 years. She taught English at Elm Street School in Mechanic Falls, and also taught at Buckfield Junior/Senior High School as well as Leavitt Area High School where she was chairperson of the English Department for 24 years, according to a news release from Elizabeth Bell.

She has been the president of the Androscoggin County Retired Educators’ Association and served in the Maine House of Representatives from 1997-2004.

Friel has held several offices at Grace Lutheran Church where she sings in the choir.