Michelle Legare sees her role as the school resource officer at Oxford Hills Middle School and Paris Elementary School as helping to bridge the gap between the school and the community.

“I’m always here to be another trusted adult in the building,” Legare said. “I support the kids and their families and try to be a good role model and steer them in the right direction.”

Legare has been a school resource officer in Paris for the past four years. She formerly worked as a police officer in Fryeburg for 11 years before moving to the Paris department. Two years later, she jumped at the opportunity to work in the schools, where people say she’s the first one in the building in the morning and the last to leave.

Legare is also known for her volunteerism in the community, helping with winter coat, food and school supply drives, and she coaches middle school softball.

“Day in and day out, she is looking for opportunities to help students better themselves,” middle school counselor Brandon Baer said. “She’s actively in the community getting kids to come to school. She’s helping the students get the best possible education they can, regardless of the situation at home.”

That extends into summer, when she volunteers as a counselor at Camp Postcard in Wiscasset, a weeklong camp for kids who otherwise would not have that opportunity. Campers are referred by teachers, principals and school resource officers, Legare said.

Legare, who lives in Lovell with her wife, two cats and a dog, said she is just helping students and their families, and she loves to celebrate their successes along the way.

“I can’t think of anything I’d rather do,” Legare said. “It makes me feel good to help other people. I love working with kids and making that connection to families. I think everyone deserves the same fair shot at life.”