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On May 3, 2016, Biddeford mayor, Alan Casavant, presented three 91ֱ����Ƶstudents with City of Biddeford 91ֱ����ƵStudent Volunteer Awards at a city council session at Biddeford City Hall.

Sarah Hoover (Applied Social and Cultural Studies, ’16), Megan Perry (Biochemistry and Applied Mathematics, ’16) and Samantha Shepard (Medical Biology, ’17) received the awards, which recognize 91ֱ����Ƶstudents who demonstrate integrity and character and who strengthen the connection between the University and the city of Biddeford.

Hoover has been an active and valued citizen in the 91ֱ����Ƶand Biddeford communities for the past four years. She served as an English-as-a-second-language mentor in the Biddeford schools, completed an internship with the United Way of York County and was instrumental in designing and developing the inaugural 91ֱ����ƵDay of Service, which took place on April 9, 2016. Up to 300 91ֱ����Ƶstudents, faculty and staff volunteered on this day at more than 25 sites in the Biddeford, Saco and Kennebunk communities, generating more than 3,000 hours of community service.

Perry has volunteered extensively in Biddeford since 2012. She was a member of the 91ֱ����ƵRotaract Club, serving as vice president (2013-2014) and as president (2014-present). She participated in and organized numerous volunteer opportunities for the club and raised funds to support Camp Sunshine for terminally ill children and their families. During her time at UNE, Perry also volunteered at St. Joseph Convent and the Heart of Biddeford, served on the Relay for Life Committee to raise money for cancer research and programs for those diagnosed with cancer, and assisted in the Universal Recreation program at Biddeford Primary School where she participated in the organization of fun activities for special needs children and their families.

Shepard has had extensive volunteer experience with UNE’s K-12 outreach program, making regular Biddeford school visits and volunteering at UNE’s annual community Brain Fair. She has also invested significant time in organizing PechaKucha talks at Engine, a community based, arts programming non-profit in Biddeford and has volunteered for the past two years with the Chronic Pain Support Group of Southern Maine.

“Recognizing 91ֱ����Ƶstudents for their involvement in the greater Biddeford community is not only a wonderful acknowledgement of their work and their growth as citizens, but it also serves as inspiration to others to get involved,” said Theo Dunfey, coordinator of Citizenship and Service Learning. “The Office of Citizenship and Civic Engagement is proud of the many 91ֱ����Ƶstudents who find time in their busy schedules to give back to the community, and we’re particularly proud of these three students honored by the city of Biddeford for their extraordinary efforts.”