MEXICO – Dr. Thomas Ward was guest speaker at the Rumford Area Rotary Club luncheon meeting at the Congregational Church on Oct. 20. SAD 21 Superintendent Ward was introduced by visiting Rotarian Dan Hart, principal of Dirigo High School. Hart described Ward in four words: “Yankees, Temple, Aspirations and Family.”

Ward filled in the blanks. He originates from New York and is, indeed, a Yankees fan in this community of Red Socks fans.

Ward owns a home in Temple. He told the club of his love of Western Maine. He has had a long connection to Western Maine. “Superintendent of SAD 21 is definitely the right fit,” he said. He told the club that he has been overwhelmed by the support he has received from those people he has known in the past.

Ward’s connection to Western Maine is deep. His first teaching job was at Rumford High School. He also served as principal of Mount Blue High School and Dirigo High School. He started work in his new position as superintendent of SAD 21 July 4. He pointed to Jane deFrees, Rotary member, and recalled her service on the state board. “It’s been great renewing friendships,” Ward said.

Ward spoke of aspirations and family as the SAD 21 family working together for aspirations. He spoke of the importance of promoting a sense of belonging; children first, then staff, administration, school board, and ultimately the whole community.

“We will continue to promote that,” he said. He acknowledged that teachers work hard and they are having more and more dumped on their plate. In speaking of leadership, he said that we are all leaders. The classroom teachers are. “To be an effective leader,” he said, “you have to be able to really show you care.” And, in terms of respect, he said, “I have to earn respect. You can’t demand it.”

A member of Rotary International, the Rumford club performs local service projects and raises funds for local and international charities and scholarships for local high school graduates. For more information about Rumford Area Rotary, contact club president, Jane Bubar, at 369-1143 or past president Eddie Paterson at 364-2595.