Two Mapleton students were recognized this year at their schools.
Following Mapleton Elementary School’s 5th grade graduation ceremony, Mrs. Angela Bernier, grade 5 teacher, named Derek Perry as this year’s top reader. Derek was able to read 20 of the 24 books on the 5th level Maine State Book Award reading list.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
Bernier said he was one of the most successful readers she has had over her years of teaching. Frequently good readers will read eight to 12 books during the school year, but Derek is one of the few to accomplish reading 20 books from the list.
Derek’s favorite book is “Dead Lands Hunted,” about a young dinosaur who set out to make friends in a challenging and dangerous land.
He attributed his interest in reading to Bernier, who suggested he step up to regular books from graphic novels. Graphic novels have loads of pictures in them with less actual reading than a whole book. Derek found books to be better and more interesting, even though he still enjoys an occasional graphic novel.
When asked what his parents, Valerie and Spencer Perry, think about his reading, Derek explained, “They like to see me reading quietly in a corner at home, but I do get in a little trouble when I bring a book to the supper table.”
Besides reading, Derek enjoys basketball, kickball, dodgeball and cup stacking, in which he won third place this year and second place last year.
Bernier taught Derek how much fun it is to read a good book, such as the “Phantom Tool Booth,” which helped him understand you have to make fun instead of waiting for it to come to you.
Bernier and Derek thanked the Mark and Emily Turner Foundation for providing a grant to the school so the 24 books on the reading could be added to the school’s library. The foundation will be providing another grant to purchase the books on the reading list for next year.
Derek is ready for Presque Isle Middle School next year. “I have some summer reading to do between summer sports,” he said.
Also recognized was Meredith House, a recent Presque Isle Middle School graduate. During the eighth grade graduation on June 16, House received the Maine Secretary of State’s Eighth Grade Citizenship Award.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
This award promotes civic engagement, scholastic achievement and community service among Maine students. It seeks to inspire students to become engaged in their schools and communities. Students submit an application detailing their accomplishments, and must demonstrate leadership, faithfully attend school and participate in citizenship or character-building organizations and school activities.
Meredith was one of 19 applicants. Barbara Bartlett, school principal, listed many of Meredith’s qualifications for the award. They include volunteering for the Mapleton Lions Club, her church’s activities and helping with donations to the Presque Isle Animal Shelter and Aroostook Homeless Shelter.
At school, Meredith was a high honor student and had excellent school attendance. She participated in many school activities that included work on the yearbook, being a student ambassador, participating in Odyssey of the Mind and various athletic sports.
In addition to receiving this recognition, Meredith was also selected to be the class speaker at the graduation ceremony.
Trisha and Jason House, her parents, are proud of Meredith and her accomplishments. They are looking forward to seeing what she will accomplish in her coming years at Presque Isle High School.
Daze A Success
Mapleton Daze 2025 was a success even though Saturday was rainy and cool. Committee members reported good turnout throughout the week.
The largest crowed turned out Friday evening, June 27. The Mapleton Lions chicken barbecue and homemade pies of the Mapleton Methodist Women were well received. The band Trainwreck opened for the popular Star City Syndicate, who entertained well into the night after the fireworks.
The Mapleton Baptist Church sponsored an enjoyable cornhole tournament at the school.
Saturday’s breakfast on Haystack Mountain was canceled after some rain, but people enjoyed the free breakfast sandwiches and drinks provided by area churches. The Haystack Historical Society sold out of pie and ice cream at the museum.
The parade stepped off from Dudley Road at 10 a.m. led by children and their decorated bikes.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
Winners for best decorated bikes and wagons were: Jezebel Pena, age 4 and under; Lizzie Chase, 5-6; Jordan Leblanc, 7-9; and Carter Boulware 10-12. Jacob Benjamin won a special award for traveling the farthest to be in the parade — Vermont.
Activities at the school included food vendors, face painting, touch-a-truck, bouncy houses, games, bike giveaway raffle and annual Mapleton Daze Truck and Car Show.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
On Sunday, the Mapleton ATV Club hosted a ride with lunch on the trail. Singing was led by churches at the Mapleton Lions Hall.
Terry Sandusky is the Star-Herald correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 764-4916 or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.
