PIHS announces
2013 commencement speaker
PRESQUE ISLE — Donna Lisnik, Presque Isle High School principal, has announced that Aroostook Partnership for Progress President and CEO Robert Dorsey will offer the keynote address at this year’s commencement.
The ceremony is set for Friday, June 7 at 7 p.m. A ticket is required.
Robert Dorsey graduated from Fort Fairfield High School, the U.S. Air Force Academy and received his MBA in information systems from Golden Gate University. 
He served 26 years in the Air Force, including three tours at the Pentagon before returning to Aroostook County. In his role at APP, Dorsey is committed to economic development, expansion of present businesses, and the creation of jobs so area youth will be able to stay in or return to the area.
During an “Education to Industry” initiative meeting held May 1, Dorsey said improving the link between businesses and educators is going to be key to sustain the younger population.
“The 18- to 44-year-old population in Aroostook County is at 29 percent, down from 42 percent in 1990. Economists tell us this is unsustainable from a business standpoint,” he said. “We will not have enough young people to fill future jobs. To increase our future workforce, we will need to retain and attract people to our area and from a retention perspective, the best way to start is to better link businesses with educators.”
“It is obvious that Mr. Dorsey cares about Aroostook County and its economic growth. He also cares about providing our young people with the opportunity to find satisfying employment in the area. He understands the importance of an educated workforce to fill the jobs of the future,” said Lisnik. “This will be a timely message for the PIHS Class of 2013 and one that is important for them to hear. I am pleased to have Mr. Dorsey as this year’s keynote speaker.”
For more information, contact Judy Cleaves at PIHS at 764-0121.
