Directors of Maine School Administrative District 58 vote Jan. 16 at Mt. Abram Regional High School in Strong. The board approved using the school fields for the annual Western Mountain 7v7 Soccer Classic in August and an overnight camping experience for high school students Feb. 21-22. From left are Superintendent Laura Columbia, Chairperson Jessica Cain and Directors Laura White and Amanda Coolong. Leo Goddard/Franklin Journal
STRONG — Maine School Administrative District 58 directors on Jan. 16 approved the use of Mt. Abram Regional High School fields for the annual Western Mountain 7v7 Soccer Classic.
Science teacher and Outdoor Club Adviser Jim Danala said this is the first time he had been asked to get approval from the board.
The tournament has been a tradition since 2008, he said, bringing in a lot of schools and people outside of the district.
“Local businesses have shared on Facebook how appreciated it is for bringing in business,” Superintendent Laura Columbia said.
The tournament will take place Aug. 1-3. There will be spaghetti dinners and pancake breakfasts, as well as food trucks. Tents and campers are allowed for participants and their families. Registration will open soon. Danala said there is usually a long waiting list for the tournament by the time it begins.
Danala said a couple of years ago there were some septic issues. “We have learned a lot from the past, have porta potties in the budget,” Danala said.
Unrelated to the tournament, Danala also proposed overnight camping for Mt. Abram Regional High School students Feb. 21-22. They will camp outside the school, but indoor facilities will be used if it gets too cold or if there are any emergencies.
Danala said students are especially excited to cook and eat freeze-dried food. “This is an opportunity for the kids to come together and have a good time.”
The board approved the request.
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