Barrows named Region Two Student of the Year

By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Erin Barrows has only spent a year at the Region Two School of Technology, but what a year it has been.
    The daughter of Dale and Michelle Barrows of Ludlow, Erin Barrows received the Region Two Career and Technical Education “Student of the Year” award. Congressman Mike Michaud and Don Cannan presented her with the award during a special ceremony in Lewiston May 5.
    Barrows, 17, graduated from Houlton High School June 7. Attending classes at Region Two is a family tradition of sorts as her mother also took classes at the facility while attending Houlton High School.
Contributed photo
STUDENT OF THE YEAR — Erin Barrows of Ludlow received the Region Two CTE (Career and Technical Education) “Student of the Year” award from Congressman Mike Michaud, left, and Don Cannan at an awards ceremony in Lewiston on Saturday, May 5.
    By taking the culinary arts class Barrows has learned to make a number of dishes that she wouldn’t normally thought of creating. Her favorite things to cook, though, are cakes and decorative desserts.
    Barrows said she had to write an essay to be considered for the award. She spent about a week putting that essay together, discussing how attending the Region Two school had impacted her academically.
    “Region Two has made a phenomenal impact not only in my high school career, but outside of school as well,” she wrote in her essay. “I am in the Culinary Arts program, and I learn something new each day. The class has taught me not only how to cook, but also has helped me develop my skills with the public.”
    When not studying for classes, Barrows can be found working at Dow’s Market and Houlton Farms Dairy Bar. She has also served as a waitress in the past, which was a focal point of her essay.
    “Being a waitress and interacting with customers gave me confidence that I never thought I possessed,” she wrote. “I especially enjoy waiting on the elderly customers. I pay special attention to their needs and try to anticipate anything that will enhance their dining experience.”
    The culinary arts class not only helped her blossom in the classroom, but prepared her for life outside of school.
    “Taking this class will help me down the road, whether I am cooking at home, or working in a restaurant,” she wrote. “I will feel more confident applying for a job in the food industry because of the training and experience I have working with industrial-grade mixers, ovens and other restaurant grade equipment. Thanks to the culinary arts class, I now have a career option and the training needed to be competitive as I enter the workforce.
    “The lessons learned in this class will serve me well in life,” she continued. “Whatever I do, I now realize the importance of doing it to the very best of my potential.  I also realize the importance of working together as a team. Thanks to this class, I feel confident as I leave high school and further my education. I feel so lucky to have had the chance to participate in the Culinary Arts program.”
    This fall, Barrows plans to attend Southern Maine Community College, majoring in behavioral health and human services.