RAYMOND — Kylie Thibodeau, a 2024 Gray-New Gloucester High School graduate, was awarded a Mainely Character Scholarship for $5,000.

These are awarded annually to Maine high school seniors who demonstrate exemplary concern for others, responsibility, integrity, and courage. She was selected from 350 scholarship applicants statewide. Her scholarship is sponsored by Biddeford and Mechanic Savings Charitable Foundation.

Kylie Thibodeau Submitted photo

Empowered by her grandfather’s story as a Vietnam refugee, Thibodeau has dedicated much of her thus far short life to pursuing her passion for inclusiveness, bettering the lives of immigrants through increasing awareness particularly of the youth in surrounding communities, according to a news release from Marcia Weston with Mainely Character, based in Portland.

Throughout high school she has been involved in both the Civil Rights and Model UN Club, and created two additional organizations: Engaging Diverse Perspectives, and Global Maine. She received a $10,000 grant to support these programs, which seek to increase global engagement from youth in rural communities such as her own and counter xenophobia in rural Maine’s youngest populations. Approaching public libraries in rural communities, she created story times using children’s books that told honest, accurate and positive stories by and about immigrants.

Thibodeau has been involved with the Maine Youth Action Network throughout high school. Its vision is to “foster the healthy development of youth and create a thriving network of engaged leaders.” She holds a leadership position that allows her to put into practice her understanding of group dynamics and organization skills while remaining respectful and open to diverse ideas and opinions.

As part of an honors curriculum her senior year, she researched the effect of immigration on Maine communities, focusing specifically on the job market. This motivated her to submit letters to the editors of local newspapers.

Thibodeau plans to attend Columbia University.

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