Above: Boatyard owner and Lincoln Academy parent Leon MacCorkle spoke to LA Launch participants about opportunities in the boatbuilding industry at Padebco Custom Boats in Round Pond; LA Launch students toured alumni-owned Morning Dew Farm in Newcastle to learn about environmentally sustainable farming as part of their pre-orientation to high school.
Lincoln Academy rolled out a new orientation program for incoming ninth graders this year, thanks to a grant from the Maine Outdoor Leadership Initiative (MOLI), a program of the Maine Department of Education.
The program took place during two sessions during the two weeks immediately preceding the start of classes at Lincoln Academy, with the goal of providing a supported transition into high school by connecting new students through community-based-learning field trips.
In total 37 students participated, with support from five current high school students who served as student mentors. Field trips brought incoming students to Morning Dew Farm, Glidden Point Oyster, the University of Maine’s Darling Marine Center, Padebco Boats, Hearty Roots, and a lobster boat tour of Muscongus Bay on the Snowgoose III.
These local partners offered students a chance to learn about their work, as well as potential internship opportunities for later in their high school careers. The field trips off campus were complemented by in-depth school tours as well as educational projects and activities designed to build confidence and connection. The program used the entire Lincoln Academy campus during their activities as a way to become familiar with various spaces.
“This was LA Launch’s inaugural year, and I think it proved itself as a great concept,” said program director Andrew Jonash, who also serves as assistant librarian and metal shop teacher at Lincoln Academy. “We were able to form new partnerships with local community members and business owners who shared their passion with students. Also, campers formed positive new relationships across different feeder schools, which has helped make the first days of school less scary. I really hope this program can continue on for years to come.”
Sophomore Ayesha Giberson served as a student mentor for LA Launch. “Being prepared and having fun can happen at the same time,” she said.
Serving as a Launch mentor was Ayesha’s first job and “she knocked it out of the park” Jonash said.
The Lincoln Academy class of 2028 began their high school experience with orientation on August 28, and classes began for all LA students on August 29.
“We are thrilled to welcome more than 585 students to LA this fall, including 145 incoming freshmen,” said Head of School Jeff Burroughs. “The ninth graders are off to a great start, and those who began their year with LA Launch already know their way around campus, as well as having new friends in the class. We look forward to continuing this program in future years.”
