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By Diana Bowley, Of the NEWS Staff - GUILFORD - An award named for the late Warren "Pete" Myrick in honor of his energy and commitment to higher learning in Piscataquis County was presented Tuesday to SAD 4 at a board meeting. Christine LeGore, director of educational services, University College of Augusta, and Merlene Sanborn, director of Penquis Higher Education Center in Dover-Foxcroft, told directors that Myrick's impact continues today. Sanborn said Myrick's name is spoken often by students who inquire about classes at the Penquis Higher Education Center, a facility he championed. Myrick died in 2002 at age 58 from complications after falling down stairs at his Guilford home. LeGore, who presented SAD 4 with a plaque in Myrick's memory to be displayed at Piscataquis Community High School, spoke about his pioneering efforts to bring education to adults through the ITV system. Myrick knew how to deal with students one-to-one and was able to convince them they were college material, she said. LeGore said a similar plaque would be awarded each year to other deserving adult education leaders. Directors also were praised for their support of adult education programs. In other business, directors weren't eager Tuesday to fully fund girls varsity soccer in 2004. The issue of funding the sport led to much debate last year, but this year's discussion was put to bed after several minutes when directors voted to contribute $2,000 of the approximately $4,000 cost for the sport, the same amount provided last year. Because the district is faced with another tough financial year, the directors left it up to the parents of those who participate in the sport and their supporters to raise the remainder, as they did last year. Director Lorna Marshall and team players Stephanie Taylor and Katie McKusick urged directors to support the program. Piscataquis Community High School Principal Kevin Jordan said the sport has seen growth, with 14 and 16 students participating on the 2001 and 2002 teams, respectively. The sport, which was sanctioned by the Maine Principals' Association this year, had 20 students participating, he said. Jordan said the new offering has not affected field hockey, which also has experienced an increase in participation. Superintendent Paul Stearns said Piscataquis County commissioners selected PCHS students to develop a Web site for the county. About 20 students participated in a technology boot camp at the school last summer where they were introduced to Web site development. The students will receive a financial reward at the end, he said. Directors also learned of several problems that had to be corrected involving the computer system. Crystal Priest, technology coordinator, said the district is so advanced that some of the problems had never before been encountered by engineers who designed the system. |