Awards and Recognition

National Awards

Best Program in the Nation - July 2012
JMG has been named the "Best Program in the Nation" by Jobs for America's Graduates for exceeding national outcome standards for 18 consecutive years.

Maine Awards

Education Leadership Award - December 2010
The Maine Coalition for Excellence in Education awarded JMG the Weston L. Bonney Education Leadership Award. The award is presented to those who show "commitment, vision and courage in support of Maine students."

Best Places to Work in Maine - August 2010
JMG was recognized as one of 40 Best Places to Work in Maine for 2010 by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), Best Companies Group, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, Employment Times/MyJobWave.com, and Mainebiz.

Community Spirit Award - April 2010
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine presented JMG with the Brendan Batson Community Spirit Award in recognition of all the JMG students who have contributed to the Foundation's cause over the years.

Giraffe Award - October 2009
JMG was honored to receive the Giraffe Award from the Maine Children's Alliance for "sticking its neck out" for Maine's children, youth, and families.

Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy for Maine - November 2007
The students of JMG were awarded Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy for Maine by the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Northern New England, recognizing the students' commitment to their communities through financial support and development of charitable programs.

Champion of Economic Development - September 2006
JMG was named a "Champion of Economic Development" by the Maine Development Foundation for its commitment to Maine's economic growth.

Specialist Awards

Chad Larrabee - 2012 recipient, Maine Educators' Hall of Fame Starting 9 Inductee
Chad Larrabee, the JMG Project Reach Specialist at Mount View Middle School in Thorndike, was selected as a Maine Educators Hall of Fame Starting 9 Inductees for 2012. Sponsored by Unum, the Maine Coalition for Excellence in Education, and the Portland Sea Dogs, this award is intended to recognize, honor and celebrate the good work of Maine teachers who are preparing Maine students for the future.

Barbara Jewett and Maria Morris - 2012 recipients, Maine Educators' Hall of Fame Starting 6 Inductees
Barbara Jewett, JMG Specialist at Spruce Mountain High School in Livermore Falls, and Maria Morris, JMG Specialist at Morse High School in Bath, were both selected as Maine Educators Hall of Fame Starting 6 Inductees for 2012. Sponsored by Unum and the Portland Pirates, this award recognizes teachers who represent excellence in the educational profession.

Ed Leeman - 2009 recipient, Michael McPherson Volunteer Award
Ed Leeman, JMG Specialist at Calais Area High School, was presented with the 2009 Michael McPherson Volunteer Award by the Calais Recreation Department. This award is presented annually "to a person who has donated considerable time to the youth, programs, and facilities within the Calais Recreation Department."

Keith Piehler - 2008, MSAD #53 Board of Education Faculty Award
Keith Piehler, current JMG manager, was the Project Reach Specialist at Warsaw Middle School in Pittsfield when he received this award. In presenting the award, MSAD #53 Superintendent Mike Gallagher said, "[Keith] is a teacher who goes way above and beyond for his students. He is always looking for ways to involve them in school and community projects."

Chris Poulin - 2008, Maine Educators' Hall of Fame Starting 6 Inductee
Chris Poulin, who is currently a JMG Specialist at Madison Area Memorial High School, was selected as a Maine Educators' Hall of Fame Starting 6 Inductee by Carrabec High School in North Anson. Sponsored by Unum and the Portland Pirates, this award recognizes educators who have created rigorous and relevant classroom experiences.