Former United States Senator Olympia Snowe Graduates More Than 150 Young Women From Her Leadership Institute
PORTLAND, ME –On Wednesday, May 26, the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute (Institute) hosted its sixth annual Year End Celebration. During the virtual event, the Institute graduated its fourth class of seniors—comprised of more than 150 young women from high schools in every Maine county.
More than 750 students, mentors, and school contacts participate in the Institute’s program each year, which is a three-year progression through the themes: “My Values” (10th grade), “My Voice” (11th grade), and “My Vision” (12th grade). The evidence-based curriculum is designed to raise the confidence and aspirations of high school girls by helping them develop the skills required to be leaders in their lives, families, careers, and communities. Without confidence, girls are less likely to take the lead or pursue some classes, passions, and opportunities.
“Olympia’s Leaders,” as participants are called, engage in unique programming blending statewide events, experiential activities in small groups, individual development and reflections, and tailored connections with Maine’s business and community leaders. Throughout all three years, each Olympia’s Leader is supported by one or two trained mentors, who facilitate monthly activities and serve as an advisor and role model. Throughout the pandemic, the program adapted to Maine CDC guidelines and continued without pause—enriching the content and continually operating in in-person, hybrid, remote, and mail-based models to match each of the 540 students’ needs.
The 2021 Year End Celebration included remarks from: the Honorable Olympia J. Snowe, former United States Senator and Founder of the Institute; Erin French, Owner of and Chef at The Lost Kitchen; Christina McAnuff, Executive Director of the Institute; and Craig Larrabee, President and CEO of Jobs for Maine Graduates.
Class representatives also shared creative presentations—including an original song and music composition by senior Ashley Blais of Belfast Area High School, a recorded speech by juniors Fallon Eggett and Madison Miller overlaid with artwork from their peers, and live remarks by sophomore Emma Norelus of Lisbon High School.
In her final words to Olympia’s Leaders this school year, Senator Snowe shared,
“Indeed, when we find ourselves outside of our comfort zone, that is where we discover the heights to which we can rise. And I certainly cannot think of a zone much less comforting for anyone than a global pandemic, so you should all be immensely proud of yourselves for rising above such unprecedented circumstances and making it to the end of this school year. It is always possible to distill triumph from adversity, but do not just take my word for it—all of you are the proof.”
The Institute distinguished the graduating class of Olympia’s Leaders by celebrating each senior for their accomplishments with the Institute, throughout their high school career, and for their distinct post-secondary visions. All seniors are also receiving a shipment with graduation cords, commemorative pins, certificates of completion, letters written to themselves three years prior, and, thanks to the generosity of Unum, a corporate partner of the Institute, a signed copy of Erin French’s book, “Finding Freedom: A Cook’s Story; Remaking a Life from Scratch.”
Four Olympia’s Leaders were presented with scholarships exclusive to Institute participants.
Ashley Blais of Belfast Area High School and Amaya Ireland of Sanford High School received Sharon Y. Miller Leadership Awards—named in honor of the Chair of the Institute’s founding Board of Directors and celebrating students who have used their values and voice to positively influence their school community.
Hailey Calder of Calais Middle/High School and Jacie Nickerson of Mount View High School received Former Governor John R. McKernan Jr. JMG Scholarships after excelling academically, within the Institute, and during their Jobs for Maine Graduate programs.
From the Class of 2021, 98% of Olympia’s Leaders are graduating high school immediately; 100% will begin higher or specialized education, military service, or enter the workforce by 2022; 76% will stay in Maine; and 59% will study a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field. This statistic is significant because it demonstrates that those Olympia’s Leaders interested in STEM now have the confidence to pursue it.
The Institute’s latest class of alumnae will be graduating from the following public schools: Bangor, Belfast Area, Biddeford, Boothbay Region, Calais, Camden Hills Regional, Cony, Edward Little, Ellsworth, Houlton, Lawrence, Leavitt Area, Lewiston, Medomak Valley, Mount Ararat, Mount Blue, Mount Desert Island, View, Narraguagus, Nokomis Regional, Oak Hill, Oceanside, Oxford Hills Comprehensive, Penquis Valley, Piscataquis Community, Poland Regional, Portland, Presque Isle, Sacopee Valley, Sanford, Skowhegan Area, Spruce Mountain, Westbrook, and Winslow High Schools.
About the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute
The Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising the aspirations of high school girls by helping them develop the skills required to be leaders in their lives, families, careers, and communities. The Institute was founded by Senator Olympia J. Snowe in 2015 to address the decreasing confidence levels of young women in Maine. For more information, visit http://www.snoweleadershipinstitute.org/.