Earlier in March, the three Art and Music departments in the Wells-Ogunquit Community School District (WOCSD) presented their annual Festival of the Arts. This was the 26th year for this event which began in 2004.

Featured were artwork and music created and performed by hundreds of students. This event is where students of all ages enjoy sharing their artistic talents with a large public audience. Behind the scenes, it is also requires lots of work and coordination among school staff. A rough estimate of the attendance this year was about one thousand attendees.

Over a three hour period one could find music playing in the gymnasium provided by school bands and choruses. Along the hallways, the cafeteria and in a large common area of the school were hundreds of displayed K-12 visual art including ceramic creations.

In the gym, attendees sat in the bleachers to hear music from the Wells High School and Wells Junior High School bands, including a jazz band and two ukulele groups. There were also performances by the winter color guard teams and live previews of upcoming stage productions in the Olenn Performing Arts Center (OPAC).

“I was very impressed by their poise and their preparation.” said band and chorus director Chad Dickerson about the music performances. “It’s always great to see kids that take their craft very seriously and excel and then get to show people what they do and how hard they work behind the curtain.”

One of the most striking art displays of the evening was a collection of several super-sized portraits of several WHS’s staff created by nine AP Art students. According to WHS Art teacher McKenzie Philbrick, this project focused on color theory, with students choosing the media and whom they wanted to paint.

Principal of WHS Eileen M. Sheehy summed up the evening this way. “Our students' artwork displayed incredible creativity and skill, while the band, chorus, color guard, and theater performances brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the evening. All works of art, both visual and performing arts, highlighted our students' incredible talents and abilities.”

Art, music, and performing arts teachers, presenting student work for 2026 Festival of the Arts included Jenna Larochell-Parry (WES), Shannon Petrie (WJHS), McKenzie Philbrick (WHS), Allison Graichen (WJHS), Katie Mercier (WJHS), Andrew Lopez (WHS) and Chad Dickerson (WHS & WJHS).

In late February, a representative from the non-profit organization, Stay; for Life, presented informational suicide-prevention kits to principals and other staff of Wells High School and Wells Junior High School (WJHS). Presenting these kits in the WHS gymnasium to school officials was Angela Whitten, the Director and co-founder of Stay; for Life. Also present were representatives of the Wells Rotary Club, who presented Whitten with a $200 donation in support of her organization’s mission to advocate for mental health and suicide prevention.

Days after his graduation from Wells High School in 2022, Whitten’s son, Trent L. Gibson, 18, took his life, leaving behind no clues as to why he did so. To turn her grief into action, Whitten formed Stay; for Life in 2023 in memory of Trent in hopes of preventing others from ending their life.

“You truly never know what they have in their mind,” said Whitten regarding her son and others who may be thinking about or planning suicide but exhibiting no signs of it before unexpectedly taking their life. Regarding Trent, Whitten added, “No words can express how much he will be missed.” She said he had everything going for him, including interests in 3D printing, beekeeping, and photography, among others. He had a girlfriend and was going to begin an internship at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. According to Whitten, Trent seemed normal in all respects but for some after-graduation anxiety.

Whitten said that Stay; for Life is available for school presentations, to help organize self-help groups, and to receive the aforementioned informational kits. WJHS Guidance Counselor Kristie Soucy indicated that these kits will be a valuable resource for her, the school nurse, social worker, health teacher, and other staff. She said that each May, WJHS features Mental Health Awareness Week, involving various related educational activities for students.

The kits include informational resource cards, bracelets with the emergency 988 phone number, refrigerator magnets, and self-care cards that instruct the reader where and how to ask for help using the right verbiage. For more information from Stay; for Life, visit their website: www.stayforlife.org/

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers suicide a major, preventable public health problem and a leading cause of mortality worldwide. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.” CDC statistics show that in 2023, 49,000 people in the United States died by suicide. If ever needed, the national suicide and crisis hotline is available 24/7. To reach it, call or text 988.

For their annual spring musical, the Wells High School Players are presenting Grease beginning March 18th and continuing through March 21st. This production features 27 student cast members singing and dancing on stage at the Olenn Performing Arts Center (OPAC) at WHS.

“Grease is a classic musical that will have you singing along, dancing in your seat, and cracking up,” commented Andrea Hernandez, the musical’s producer. “The cast and crew do an excellent job of transporting you to a simpler time (1959). Our Greasers and Pink Ladies put their own spin on beloved characters, and bring them to life right here in Wells, Maine.”

“The musical is a satire about rebellious teens. It celebrates the idealistic youth in the fifties,” described Director Andrew Lopez. According to him there are 14 students and 7 adults behind the stage and scenes bringing this production to life.

Some of the songs performed throughout the show are "Greased Lightnin'", "We Go Together”, and “You're the One That I Want”.

The March 18th show begins at 3:30pm. This matinee performance has special pricing, including free admission for students and senior citizens, and $6 for general admission. The following shows are priced at $6 for students and senior citizens, and $9 for general admission. These dates are March 19th and 20th at 6:30pm, with a final show on March 21st at 2:00pm. Reserve tickets will be sold in advance at Wells High School’s front office, at the door of the Olenn Performing Arts Center the day of the shows, and online at: https://wellshs.booktix.com/

The Grease book, music, and lyrics are by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. This musical is presented through a special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

Wells High School 7th-grade student, Lauren Daly, learned in January that she had won first place in a local history essay contest sponsored by the Rebecca Emery Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. To honor this special milestone, contestants were required to research and write about a prominent or ordinary family living in the American Revolutionary era (1773-1783).

“I was very happy, and I was proud to honor our school system,” said Lauren Daly about her essay that focused on Dr. Josiah Bartlett (1729-1795).  “I chose to study Josiah Bartlett because I really liked that he was a doctor and the work that he did,” added Daly, who aspires to study medicine and become a physician.

Beth Harlow is the Rebecca Emery Regent.  “Her essay was thoughtful, well-written, and demonstrated strong historical understanding and creativity,” commented Harlow, who added later, “Lauren…was recognized as our wonderful Rebecca Emery Chapter, NSDAR student winner for her 7th grade entry. I look forward to reading and receiving her entry next year for 8th grade.”

Dr. Bartlett was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.  Months later, he became a delegate to the Continental Congress that created the Articles of Confederation, the country’s first constitution.  Bartlett was the 4th governor of New Hampshire and became a justice on New Hampshire’s highest court.  In 1790, the newly incorporated town of Bartlett was named in his honor.

At the Rebecca Emery Chapter’s Awards gathering at the Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk on February 7th, Lauren read aloud her composition to an audience of about 40.  There, she received a certificate and a medal from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution as well as a pin, a candy cup, and an Amazon gift card.

“She did a beautiful job reading her essay to the audience,” commented Daly’s social studies teacher, Susan Dugovic. Lauren’s essay was later submitted to be judged at the state level of the DAR contest.”

The American History Essay Contest is open to 5th through 8th-grade students. It was established to encourage young people to think creatively about our nation's great history and learn about history in a new light.

Wells High School Principal Eileen Sheehy has announced that senior Gabriel Hatfield has been selected to receive this year’s Maine Principal’s Award sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association. This annual award recognizes a high school senior’s academic achievement and citizenship.

“Gabe is an exceptionally deserving student for this recognition,” wrote Principal Sheehy. “He is a quiet leader who leads by example, consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, and is actively involved in the school community. His positive attitude and strong character make him a role model among his peers.”

WHS math teacher Chad McCormack considers Hatfield to be an exceptionally good student in mathematics. “Gabe really is as top-notch as they come,” commented McCormack in an email. “If I were to pore over my 24 years of rosters and assemble an ‘all-star’ class of math students, Gabe would be in the running for captain. McCormack added, “Not only is he incredibly gifted in the realm of mathematics; he is a kind and caring human being who makes a positive impact in all that he does.

Outside the classroom, Hatfield has participated in the WHS Cross Country and Track Team, the Math Team, the (Maine Public) Quiz Team, and the early morning ‘Prayer at the Flagpole’ group. In addition, he is enrolled in the Engineering program at Sanford Regional Technical Center.

“I have a God-given gift” said Hatfield modestly about his approach to his studies, sports and work ethic in an interview. “I work harder, not to just excel, but (I believe) it is a good thing to work hard.” Along with good grades, he credits receiving the Principal’s Award to his positive attitude and helpful interactions with his classmates. He indicated he strives be a “light” in the school community.

Matthew Howard is with the WHS guidance department. “From the moment Gabe entered our school, he distinguished himself as a student with a deep-seated commitment to excellence,” commented Howard. “Gabe’s pursuit of a degree in Engineering is no surprise as he has consistently demonstrated an aptitude for problem-solving and a thirst for understanding complex systems.”

The Maine Principal’s Award was established in 1984 to recognize students for academic excellence and good citizenship. Each member school in the MPA is encouraged to select one senior each year to receive the Principal’s Award.

At their January 14th meeting, the Wells-Ogunquit CSD School Committee and Superintendent James Daly recognized and thanked invited community members for their ongoing contributions to the WOCSD community. These supporters of the District were presented with plaques in recognition of their generosity.

First to be recognized were Jillian and Chris Shomphe, who are the owners of Congdon’s Doughnuts in Wells. For years, this business has generously donated food to Wells Junior High School’s annual Thanksgiving Senior Dinner and other events. “We are lucky to have you in our community, and we want to thank you and say we really appreciate it,” said Superintendent Daly.

Paul Goyette was recognized next. “All you do for our kids in our drama club is tremendous,” said Superintendent Daly about the contributions of Paul Goyette, who has donated almost 17 years to building ingenious stage settings for multiple drama and musical productions at Wells High School.

Director Andrew Lopez added later in an email that Paul Goyette has “…. provided set pieces, props, carpentry experiences, food for the cast, and support for 32 WHS Productions. Lopez added, “He truly loves working and forming relationships with the kids and staff members…he has become a fixture, an integral part of the Wells Drama directing team.”

Nick and Nicki Hunter are the owners of the IGA Super Food Market in Wells. For many years, the Hunters have also generously donated food for the annual WJHS Thanksgiving Senior Dinner. In addition, they have donated school supplies to students. Due to a prior commitment, the Hunters were unable to attend this school committee meeting.

At its January 14th meeting in honor of National School Board Recognition Month, Wells-Ogunquit Community School District (WOCSD) Superintendent James Daly recognized the District’s School Committee members and high school student representatives. They were acknowledged for their support and commitment to the students and staff of the WOCSD. For their efforts each received a Wells High School Warrior blanket.

For the first item of the agenda, Daly mentioned each by name along with their years of service. They are: Chair Jason Vennard (in his 12th year-11 years as Vice Chair), Vice-Chair Boriana Dolliver (in her 9th year, 1st year as Vice-Chair), Heather Sittig (9th year), Jeff Sullivan (6th yr.), Michele Tourangeau (5th yr.), Kevin Chabot (in his 1st yr.), Student Representative Senior Abe Medrano, (in his 2nd yr.), and Student Representative Junior Carys Ramsey (in her 1st yr.).

School committees and/or school board members are elected officials who volunteer a great deal of time overseeing the complexities in the management of school districts. National School Board Recognition Month is celebrated each January.

Early in the morning of January 9th, students, staff and guests at Wells Junior High School (WJHS) streamed into the Ward Gymnasium to attend the school’s annual spelling bee. At the end of the event, eighth-grade student Carmen Puliafico emerged as this year’s winner. Lucy Minogue (6th gr.) became runner-up, and Natalie Shaw (5th gr.) received third place. 

“Needless to say, the audience was outstanding, and the spellers all did a great job,” commented the spelling bee’s pronouncer, Julie Esch. “The final winning words spelled correctly by Carmen were ‘repugnant’ and ‘renowned’. “It was another fun event, and a way for our WJHS students to support and cheer for each other in healthy competition,” added Esch.

For prizes, Puliafico received a deluxe edition Scrabble Board, and runner-up Minogue received a gift certificate to Books a Million. All contest participants received goody bags with treats, pencils, and certificates.

The judges for this contest were English Language Arts (ELA) teachers from grades 5 through 8. Teacher Mary Rand was tasked with managing the hundreds of students entering the gym as they took to their seats.

On February 9th, Carmen Puliafico and his backup, Lucy Minogue will represent Wells Junior High School at the York County Spelling Bee to be held in the library at Saco Middle School. That event is scheduled to begin at 4 pm.