News + Events › Awards
National Awards
Best Program in the Nation – July 2009
JMG was awarded as the “Best Program in the Nation” by Jobs for America’s Graduates for exceeding national outcome standards for 15 consecutive years.
Maine Awards
Giraffe Award – October 2009
One of 5 honorees, JMG received the Giraffe Award in October 2009 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 JMG students’ demonstrated commitment to their communities through direct 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
Ed Leeman – 2009 recipient, Michael McPherson Volunteer Award
Ed Leeman is the JMG Specialist at Calais Area High School. He was presented with the 2009 Michael McPherson Volunteer Award by the Calais Recreation Department on February 15 at a 7th & 8th grade championship basketball game. This award is presented annually “to a person who has donated considerable time to the youth, programs, and facilities within the Calais Recreation Department.” Ed is the 10th recipient of the Michael McPherson Volunteer Award. He was recognized by the rec department for his “many hours spent at the Community Center working with youth in the grade 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 programs,” for his time volunteering as a referee, a team coach, a travel team coach, and for his assistance with getting “a top-notch basketball court” at the DiCenzo Athletic Complex.
Keith Piehler – MSAD #53 Board of Education Faculty Award
Keith Piehler is the Project Reach Specialist at Warsaw Middle School in Pittsfield. He was surprised when the award was announced at a district meeting just before his school’s holiday break in December 2008. MSAD #53 Superintendent, Mike Gallagher, read at the ceremony, “[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…He has a great sense of fun and balances it with his incredible dedication to his work.”
Chris Poulin – Maine Educators’ Hall of Fame Starting 6 inductee
Chris Poulin, the JMG Specialist at Carrabec High School in North Anson, was selected in December 2008 as a Maine Educators’ Hall of Fame Satrting 6 Inductee. Sponsored by Unum and the Portland Pirates, this award is an opportunity to recognize [educators] who, in particular, have created rigorous and relevant classroom experiences based on the standards in Maine’s Learning Results as a way to ensure student success.” Chris was nominated by his JMG manager, Sherrye Haney, and his principal, Ken Coville. Chris and the other 5 inductees will receive a check, a personalized Portland Pirates’ uniform top, choice tickets for eight, and will participate in Unum’s on-ice ceremony at the Cumberland County Civic Center during a Portland Pirates’ game on Friday, January 23, 2009.