Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School Principal Paul Bickford has announced that this year’s alumnus of the year is none other than the school’s dean of students, Alicia Sadler.

By tradition, the ceremony honoring Sadler was held at the Gouin Athletic Complex Sept. 27, during Homecoming Weekend.

Sadler graduated from OHCHS in 1990, started her career as an English teacher and returned to her hometown school after earning her masters degree in special education.

Now focused on teachable moments, as a student she said the ones she received impacted her future career as an educator. “Some of my most important (lesson) came from the encouragement and guidance of my teachers, who showed me the lasting impact educators can have on students’ lives.”

As the school’s dean of students Sadler is best known to students and families who have some of the biggest day-to-day challenges – achieving regular attendance.

During the 2022-23 school year, about 42% of the district’s students were counted as chronically absent. Coming out of the pandemic, administrators set a goal to decrease that statistic to 32% within three years. With one year to go, chronic absenteeism is hovering between 32-32%. 

“I truly love my role as Dean of Students, where I have the opportunity to build connections, support students, and foster a positive school culture,” she told the Advertiser Democrat. “Some of the most meaningful moments in my career have been when I’ve seen students overcome challenges and realize their own potential.”

Sadler works with students and parents to set goals and address barriers that affect a family’s ability to make it to school regularly. It involves positive instead of punitive communications: personal calls, regular checkins and a continuing focus on solutions.

Her commitment extends beyond the school’s walls. “For me, community means investing my time and heart into helping others grow. I’ve chosen to stay rooted in Oxford Hills because I believe in the strength of this community, and I am proud to play a part in supporting students and families.”

Sadler is married to an educator and they share three adult children and one grandchild. She said her greatest joy comes from moments spent with family. “We have a love of hiking and gardening,” she says. “Cooking and reading are two more passions of mine. At my core, I love helping all things grow—whether that’s plants or kids.”