Jordan to lead Raymond Elementary School as principal

By Ed Pierce

When students return to Raymond Elementary School this fall, it will be under the leadership of new principal Diana Jordan.

Diana Jordan, left, will succeed Beth Peavey, right, as the
principal of Raymond Elementary School. Jordan has
been serving as assistant principal at Windham
Primary School. Peavey will become Assistant Director 
of Special Education for Early Childhood Education
for RSU 14.  SUBMITTED PHOTOS  

RSU 14 Superintendent of School Christopher Howell said that Jordan, who has served as Windham Primary School’s assistant principal for the past nine years, will succeed Beth Peavey as RES principal.

“Beth will be leaving her position at Raymond Elementary school to become the Assistant Director of Special Education for Early Childhood Education for RSU 14,” Howell said. “Within this role, she will help lead the work that the district is doing as we take on special education services for 4-year-olds this year and 3-year-olds next year. This is part of the statewide transition of special education services from CDS to public schools.”

A longtime teacher and school administrator, Jordan is entering her 30th year overall working in education. At Windham Primary School she assisted and supported the school’s behavior specialist with parents, staff, and student communication; supervised attendance; resolved school bus issues; class lists; crisis planning; served as chair for Individualized Education Plans for students; handled major and minor disciplinary issues; and led the school’s student support team. She was also responsible for school scheduling, a member of the school’s Response to Intervention member; answered student or staff questions; provided staff supervision and evaluation and the evaluation of Special Education educational technicians.

According to Jordan, the best part of her job as a school administrator is helping to support students, staff, and families.

“I love working as a team to meet the needs of our students,” she said. “We have the best students, staff, and community. My number one goal is to help support all the students, staff, and families. I want to be a positive influence and support for our students, and it is so important to take a team aspect toward the teaching of our students. I truly care about each and every member of our school, and helping support the needs of our students is always my number one goal.”

Jordan grew up on a farm in West Baldwin and attended Baldwin Elementary School, and then Sacopee Valley High School. After graduation from high school, Jordan earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Saint Joseph's College and then worked as a fourth-grade teacher in Lebanon with SAD 60 for three years.

She went on to work for SAD 6 as a fourth-, fifth-, and second-grade teacher before returning to Saint Joseph’s College to obtain a master’s degree in educational leadership and became a math interventionist as well as the first elementary Dean of Students for SAD 6. Overall, she worked for SAD 6 for 16 years before accepting the Assistant Principal position at Windham Primary School starting with the 2016-2017 school year.

“We are excited that we have such a highly qualified candidate that we were able to promote from within our district,” Howell said. “Diana is an amazing educator who has demonstrated a strong ability to balance the management side of schools with the need to build strong relationships with students, parents, and staff. Diana will be a wonderful addition to RES.”

Peavey has led Raymond Elementary School as principal since 2020 and was the school’s assistant principal for three years before her eventual promotion to principal.

“The role of the principal is complex and not easily defined in a few sentences,” Peavey said. “The principal is responsible for administering and supervising the total school program and providing opportunities for educational leadership for the students, staff members, and the community consistent with the educational goals of the school system.

She says that her role as RES principal was to foster a positive, safe school climate by facilitating team growth and leadership, engaging parents and community members as partners, and ensuring student growth academically, socially, and emotionally.

When Peavey was in seventh grade, her parents moved her and her brother across the country from Santa Rosa, California to China, Maine. Upon finishing eighth grade at China Elementary School, she attended Oak Grove Coburn High School which has since become the Maine State Police Academy.

In 1987, she attended the University of New England as a business major but after her first year chose to change her major to Elementary Education and Special Education. She graduated from UNE in 1991 and in 1998, she earned a master's degree from the University of Southern Maine in Special Education and her Educational Leadership certification from St. Joseph’s College in 2012.

“My love for working with students began early in my life in part due to my brother who has special needs. In high school, I enjoyed volunteering at his summer program and Special Olympics,” Peavey said. “Although I originally went to school for business, after my freshman year, I transferred into the education program. During my time in college, I worked at the Spurwink Program as a respite worker for several of the group homes. When I graduated, I was offered a position as a special education teacher educating students with autism.”

In 1994, she was hired by SAD 6 as a special education teacher for Kindergarten to Grade 3. She also taught kindergarten, second, and fourth grades and worked at Windham Primary School as a second-grade teacher and served as Assistant Principal at Songo Locks Elementary School for three years.

“When I reflect on what I have learned during my time at Raymond Elementary School, the African proverb, ‘it takes a village to raise a child,’ comes to mind. We must work together collaboratively and with creativity and flexibility to meet the needs of our individual unique learners.” <

Windham Hometown Hero brings light to community

By Erin Rose

Longtime Windham resident Karen Rumo was selected as the 2026 Modern Woodsman Hometown Hero and honored at Windham’s Summerfest on Saturday, June 20.

Longtime volunteer Karen Rumo of
Windham has been honored as the 2026
Modern Woodmen of America Hometown
Hero and was a featured honoree during
the Annual Windham Summerfest Parade
and festivities on Saturday, June 20. She
has served as a member of the Summerfest
organizing committee for al most a decade 
and a volunteer at the event for even longer.
COURTESY PHOTO

“I would never have thought,” she said, adding that she “was in good company” being chosen for an award that has been given to prestigious names in the past. “I am honestly so grateful.”

A member of the Summerfest organizing committee for almost a decade and a volunteer at the event for even longer, Rumo looks forward to learning who is chosen each year as the Hometown Hero.

“I always get excited because I want to see who people connect with,” she said. “There are so many good people in our community that do so many wonderful things.”

Deb Matthews, the President of the Summerfest Committee, explained that Rumo was the perfect choice this year.

“Karen is a spark,” she said. “She brings an enthusiasm that everybody needs in their life.”

“She loves her hometown and loves our community,” Matthews said. “She is so welcoming and she draws people in.”

 

Rumo, who has lived in Windham since the 1970s, dedicates more than 60 hours a month to volunteering in the community, through her church, her professional career, and any organization or friends who may need a hand.

“There is always something, whether it’s with work or in the community, the school, friends or whatever it is,” she said. “It’s about helping people and supporting people. It takes a village, no matter what you’re looking at.”

To select the Hometown Hero, the committee puts out nomination forms to the community, allowing residents of Windham to make suggestions to the committee for someone who meets the criteria.

“The person must, as we say, ‘bring unity to the community,’” Matthews said, naming one of the core principles of the community event.

Another of the criteria that unexpectedly came into play for this year’s nominees is that the person must be alive.

“We presented two names for nominees,” Matthews said, “Karen was dumbfounded” when they announced Rumo was one of two people chosen by the majority of the community’s votes. “We got to talking and realized the other person had passed away.”

“Someone made the joke that Karen has the pulse of the community,” she said. “She is the pulse of the community.”

After many years at Summerfest, Rumo has more fond memories than she can count, but one mother has stuck in her mind, after a brief interaction at the Information Booth where she dedicates her time during the event.

A lone mother approached the booth with her three young children. One of her toddlers looked excitedly at the items that were displayed on the table, asking how much the lollipops, glow sticks, and other items the committee has on offer for attendees were to purchase.

“I said ‘It doesn’t cost anything. It’s free,’” she recalled. “He looked at his mom and said ‘Mom, it’s free!’ She had tears in her eyes.”

“You could tell she was going to have to say no if there was a cost, and it was going to be hard for her,” Rumo continued. “When she heard they could have it, she saw the happiness in her kids, and I got tears in my eyes.”

“What we are doing makes a difference,” she said.

Rumo inherited her love of her community from her mother, Beverly, and her grandmother Althea.

“One of the things my grandmother always said is that no matter what is going on in your life, don’t ever lose your sense of humor,” Rumo said. “Your sense of humor is what is going to get you through.”

“My mom added, ‘kindness really spreads,’” she said. “Anything can spread but be one of those do-gooders in the world.”

Those previous generations are looking down as Rumo continues their legacy in the community, including passing that dedication to her daughter, Alyssa.

“I know my mom and grandmother are proud,” she said. “They passed that torch and that responsibility to us.”

“We need to help take care of people and help spread that kindness,” Rumo added.

Rumo spreads that same kindness through her work as a Psychiatry Technician at Spring Harbor Hospital in Westbrook, where she serves as a resource and mentor for new technicians.

“After 40 years at SHH, even with the different roles and jobs I’ve had here, I feel like there is experience and authenticity in my training when the new techs know I’ve been doing the job I’m training them to do for as long as I have,” she said. “I love it. I would never claim to know everything as I’ve done a lot of different jobs, so I hope that I’m a resource and a motivator for people.”

Another organization Rumo dedicates her time to is Out of the Darkness, overnight walks in communities across the nation to spread awareness of suicide, sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Through the events, she has the chance to interact with patients and their families outside of the hospital.

“They love seeing Spring Harbor because that’s what we do- we try to help people find their light and hope and purpose again,” Rumo said. “Former patients come over and celebrate wins, or we give them hope when they need it. The mental health population deserves it. Sometimes they feel like they’ve been voted off the island of society.”

Throughout her volunteer efforts, both in the community and professionally, Rumo has discovered a universal language.

“What I’ve learned through both work and life – it doesn’t matter if you speak the same language,” she said. “Everybody understands a smile and they understand kindness and the energy around them.”

And, as Matthews said, Rumo’s energy is infectious.

“You can’t help but get excited around Karen,” she said. “She brings that ray of sunshine that we all need in our lives.” <

Local Revolutionary War patriots subject of historical presentation

By Ed Pierce

As the nation celebrates its 250th birthday this weekend, contributions made by Raymond and Casco patriots to the cause of liberty are easily overlooked. But thanks to a new presentation being offered by the Raymond-Casco Historical Society, the bravery of Revolutionary War patriots living in Raymond and Casco will not be forgotten.

Sue Pride of Raymond will highlight the lives and
service of 28 Revolutionary Way patriots during a 
free program at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 6 at the
Raymond-Casco Historical Museum, 1 Shadow
Lane in Casco. SUBMITTED PHOTO  

Sue Pride, the Collections Manager for the Raymond-Casco Historical Society Museum, will discuss and highlight the lives and service of 28 Revolutionary War patriots from the area during a free public program at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 6 at the museum, 1 Shadow Lane in Casco.

Her presentation includes a richly illustrated PowerPoint talk focusing on the remarkable stories of early local settlers who answered the call to defend America long before Maine became a state.

Pride was inspired to create the presentation while sorting through the historical society’s collections to organize them. It prompted her to research how Revolutionary War veterans ended their journeys in Raymond and Casco.

“This year is the 250th birthday of the United States, and I thought the museum should do something to bring Raymond and Casco into it. I thought we must have some veterans.”

In conducting research, Pride found that some patriots were living in Massachusetts on April 19, 1775, and responded immediately to the alarm of the Lexington and Concord opening of the American Revolution. Others were already living in the district that would become Maine, and they enlisted shortly afterward and marched to Cambridge to join American troops during the Siege of Boston.

When the Revolutionary War for American independence from Great Britain erupted, Raymondtown, now known as the towns of Raymond and Casco after the communities split in 1841, was part of the Cumberland County Militia territory, with its members serving under the command of early settler Captain Joseph Dingley of Raymondtown. Their membership roll was used as a recruitment tool for soldiers to join the Continental Army once it was founded and placed under the leadership of the Continental Army’s General George Washington in June 1775.

“Before the army, it was just the militias fighting,” Pride said. “Lexington and Concord were fought by the militia.”

The area’s sparse population at the time meant that not many men from Raymond enlisted and Pride’s research found four residents who had traveled south to fight. However, she has discovered at least 28 Revolutionary War veterans are buried around Raymond and Casco, which shows the influx of former soldiers locally after the war ended.

“Many of the 28 patriots later served under Capt. Richard Mayberry, taking part in the Saratoga Campaign, a turning point in the war, and enduring the harsh winter encamped at Valley Forge alongside General George Washington’s troops,” Pride said.

Her new program will also touch on the broader story of Maine during the Revolutionary War, including the Battle of Machias, which is often called the first naval battle of the war, and the devastating burning of what is now known as Portland in 1775.

“I found one veteran who only served three days and never served again, but he was at Lexington and Concord, so it was a pivotal three days,” Pride said. “I think there were four who were living in Massachusetts and marched to Lexington and Concord.”

She also found a story of one soldier who was captured by the British and then held in the notorious prison ships afloat in the harbor of New York City, which were decommissioned or damaged ships that were used to hold prisoners in overcrowded conditions, where many died due to illness or malnutrition. He survived to be discharged from the army six months after his service was meant to have ended. Pride also discovered two men buried locally that died while serving. One drowned after falling from a floating bridge and the other died of fever.

Both Dingley and his son Samuel volunteered for military service at the start of the Revolutionary War in the company of men from Raymond and Windham and returned to the fast-growing Raymondtown as Captains, a title that Joseph retained for the rest of his life, even though he later held the rank of Colonel in the militia.

The 28 patriots highlighted in Pride’s presentation came to reside locally and helped to build and shape the community’s legacy.

“As the nation marks its 250th birthday, the Raymond-Casco Historical Society emphasizes the importance of honoring their service and recognizing their influence on the region’s early growth,” Pride said.

To learn more about Raymond and Casco’s role in the Revolutionary War, visit www.raymondcascohistoricalsociety.org or find them on Facebook. <

Bridge replacement work starts in Windham

By Ed Pierce

After a lengthy delay, a 26-foot steel girder bridge on William Knight Road over the Pleasant River is being replaced.

Bridge replacement work has started on Varney's Bridge
on William Knight Road in Windham. The $2.2 million
project will create a new new bridge with $1.5 million
in funding from MaineDOT and the remainder on a 
bond authorized by Windham voters in 2023. The bridge
is expected to be completed by Oct. 12.
PHOTO BY  MELISSA CARTER 

While making repairs on Varney’s Bridge in 2015, engineers from the Maine Department of Transportation recommended that the town explore options for closing or replacing the bridge because of ongoing structural deterioration.

Size, complexity and increasing age were key factors in making the decision to replace the steel girder bridge. MaineDOT engineers reported that capacity issues and faster and heavier loads stressed this type of bridge past its original design parameters. Typically, steel girder bridges can be more expensive than other types of bridges because of the rising cost of materials and for construction and this type of bridge may not be suitable for very heavy loads and may not be able to support the weight of heavy vehicles.

Windham Town Engineer Mark Arienti said MaineDOT engineers found issues with the bridge’s concrete abutments and reduced the allowable load to three tons. That made it not possible for construction trucks, dump trucks, garbage trucks, and other large vehicles to cross the bridge because of the weight limitation.

“For example, when the town plows, it has to stop at the bridge, turn around, and then go the other way,” Arienti said.

Right now, there are concrete abutments that support the current bridge, which is a steel structure and scouring from the river has caused erosion where the concrete makes contact with the water. There has also been rusting on the steel supports which need to be replaced. The bridge has lasted quite a long time, but Arienti said it has aged because of erosion and corrosion of the concrete foundation and abutments and needed to be replaced.

Because Varney’s Bridge had been upgraded and repaired numerous times over the past three decades and its structural issues persisted and continued to worsen, members of the Windham Town Council in 2021 determined that replacing the existing bridge to be the most cost-effective method to ensure the safety of the community upon the recommendation of the town manager.

In June 2021, Windham residents approved spending $25,000 for a study at the Annual Town Meeting about how to best move forward to replace the aging structure. That study was completed in the summer of 2022, and the results were forwarded to the MaineDOT.

Using the MDOT Bridge Program Design Guide, a preliminary design report was created, and mandated that any other survey work needed to define right-of-way and bridge layout and alignment be performed and any geotechnical engineering evaluations required to design a new bridge support structure be initiated.

When the new MDOT Three-Year Plan for upcoming projects to be undertaken by the state was released in January 2023, some $1.5 million in funding from the MaineDOT was authorized for a $2.2 million project with the town picking up the remaining $700,000 for the project.

Under the direction of Arienti, Windham then developed preliminary and final design plans in accordance with standards in the latest editions of MaineDOT’s Bridge Design Guide and followed Standard Specifications and Standard Details requirements. Those design plans included a specific plan for the project, a bridge profile including cross-sections, and geometry for approach design.

The plan also featured design computations, load ratings, and evaluation information for the new structure meeting MaineDOT specifications. That included development of an engineering estimate of construction costs and creating a final plan for review by the state.

During Windham’s Annual Town Meeting on June 17, 2023, a warrant item was approved by voters to contribute $700,000 to complete the bridge replacement project. 

A public meeting was subsequently held to obtain community feedback about the project, and the town set about coordinating the project with utilities in the area. That was followed by MaineDOT and the town preparing a set of Design Plan Impacts listing all design features, topographical details and impacts associated with the project.

MaineDOT also conducted and documented quality control design checks and provided engineering support during the competitive bidding process and any other additional services as was requested by the town.

Windham Town Councilors put the project out to bidding in November 2025 and awarded the project to Wyman & Simpson, Inc. for the town’s portion of costs in general obligation bond funding for replacing Varney’s Bridge. Seven bids were submitted to replace the bridge, which was originally built in 1950.

Work started on the existing bridge demolition and replacement on June 15 and could take up to 120 days to complete.

The reconstruction work requires a full road closure on William Knight Road and local detours have been put in place for traffic and emergency vehicles for the duration of the bridge replacement. The project is expected to be completed by Oct. 13, 2026. <

Unique interactive exhibit asks library visitors to grab art and explore

By Erin Rose

Visitors are welcome to touch and explore art in a new exhibit by artist and Windham resident Tony Prizio on display until the end of July at the Windham Public Library.

A unique new hands-on exhibit by Windham artist Tony Prizio
at the Windham Public Library features a collection of 500
different works ranging from as large as a sheet of paper to
as small as an index card and will be displayed through
July 31.  PHOTO BY ERIN ROSE  

“A lot of artists say, ‘don’t touch my stuff, that’s why it’s on the wall,’ said Sally Bannen, Technical Services Librarian. “This is very different. He really did create it to be interactive.”

Prizio has curated a collection of 500 different works ranging from as large as a sheet of paper to as small as an index card, and divided them into different easels, crates and boxes. Visitors are asked to take a crate or easel and go through the selected art pieces to see what sparks their inspiration or starts their mind thinking.

“I’m encouraging people to pick up one of the crates, and take a seat and thumb through them,” Prizio explained. “Art is instructive; it’s supposed to bring you out of the shell you’ve built around you so you can expand your view to see.”

The works range from photographs, both new and from the past, to collages, pen and ink and watercolors, and include some realism, pointillism, and pieces for the viewer to interpret. They are on top of the stacks on the second floor, as you exit the stairway, along with some works hung around the area.

“Some of the pieces, to one person they may look incomplete or just an idea, but to other people it may look like a cool piece,” Bannen said. “It does really make you look at things.”

The artist hopes that viewing the pieces will help others expand their mind as to what art may be, and potentially inspire them to start to create works of their own.

“It’s as simple as a scribble or a doodle on a piece of paper that’s representative to the way you’re thinking or what’s on your mind,” Prizio said.

“People say they ‘can’t draw a straight line with a ruler’ or ‘I can’t draw a tree.’ There are plenty of pictures and photographs of trees,” he said. “So, do your thing instead of trying to imitate what you saw at a museum.”

Prizio was inspired to shift to smaller canvases after retiring and needing to create in a way that considered his smaller surroundings.

“I used to be able to paint in a large barn and in an attic space, and now, I live in an apartment, so I don’t have a ton of space,” he said. “I started making a lot of desktop items in paint, collage, pen and ink, and drawing.”

Retired after a career in construction, Prizio has spent his life making art and even majored in painting and sculpture at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, New York.

“I did not make my living that way [through art], because you can count on two hands the number of people who have actually made successful living from painting or sculpture,” he said. “Throughout it all, and I’m 76 years old, I’ve painted and made drawings and whatnot the whole time.”

Exhibits that infuse artwork into the library’s stacks help bring art to those who may not otherwise have access, Bannen said.

“It’s important especially since not everyone can get into places like galleries or museums,” she said. “To be able to look at and interact with art because you just happen to be at the library, and here’s something like this, whether you’re looking at art on the wall or sitting down and interacting with it, I think it’s important.”

“That might be the only time that someone is exposed to it,” Bannen said. “Like Tony says, if it gets someone thinking about ‘hey maybe I can do this,’ I think that’s great.”

Prizio is a longtime visitor to the Windham Library making the exhibit more meaningful for the staff who have gotten to know him over the years.

“I love getting anyone in to show their work at the library, but it’s extra special when it’s someone you’ve interacted with and chatted with, and you find out there’s an aspect to them you didn’t even know about,” Bannen said.

The exhibit will continue through July 31. More information can be found on the library’s website at https://www.windham.lib.me.us/. <

Windham Raymond Adult Education celebrates graduates who overcame obstacles with resilience and hope

By Masha Yurkevich

For the 18 graduates recognized last week during the Windham Raymond Adult Education commencement ceremony, earning a diploma represented much more than completing coursework. It marked perseverance, renewed confidence and the courage to pursue a different path.

Windham Raymond Adult Education recognized 18 graduates
during its 2026 commencement ceremony held on Wednesday,
June 10 at Windham High School. Three students earned high
school diplomas and 15 completed the HiSET high school
equivalency program. Top row, from left, are Kynzlea Trefethen,
Logan Thompson, Alex Barnhart, Caleb Brown and Trey Soksrey.
Middle row, from left, are Emily Willings, Ellissa
Steeves-McCormick, Tre'jon Williams and Eitan Freiden.
Bottom row, from left, are Allyssa king and Makayala Cormiea.'
COURTESY PHOTO     

 

Windham Raymond Adult Education recognized 18 graduates during its 2026

commencement ceremony held on Wednesday evening, June 10 at Windham High

School. 

The graduates' stories showed determination in the face of significant challenges. One student completed her final HiSET exams just days before giving birth to her daughter. Another will enter military service shortly. Another student had already begun taking community college courses before graduation and is enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in forensic science this fall.

Giuffre-Renaud said many students arrive believing graduation is out of reach.

"I want our graduates to know how much we are in awe of what they have overcome to reach this milestone," she said. "I want them to know what it feels like to be seen and to feel special for the right reasons."

Many participants overcome barriers that extend beyond academics. Transportation is often a challenge after students leave traditional high school and lose access to school buses. Others struggle to obtain government-issued identification required for HiSET testing or juggle employment while trying to complete coursework.

The commencement speaker this year was artist Charlie Hewitt, who echoed those themes throughout his keynote address.

Windham Raymond Adult Education Director Thomas Nash said he invited Hewitt after hearing him speak at a statewide wellness summit last winter.

"His genuineness, approachable nature and his powerful message of remaining hopeful in times of turmoil, stress as well as in our everyday lives resonated with me," Nash said. "I thought his message would be well-received by our graduates and their families and friends."

Known nationally for his illuminated "Hopeful" public art installations, Hewitt spoke about growing up in Lewiston, pursuing his dream of becoming an artist in New York City and eventually returning to Maine to begin a new chapter in his life. His message centered on determination, resilience, and choosing hope during difficult times.

The ceremony also recognized exceptional student achievement through the presentation of the Scholar of Distinction Award to Eitan Freiden. Freiden earned his HiSET while taking advantage of multiple educational opportunities offered through Windham Raymond Adult Education. In addition to completing pre-college course work that included a college success class in partnership with Southern Maine Community College.

Freiden also completed a statistics course through York County Community College's Early College program and is now pursuing an Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification through YCCC that will lead into an associate degree in behavioral health.

Windham Raymond Adult Education graduates are now embarking on a variety of next steps. According to Maine College and Career Access Coordinator Jessica Trimmer, members of the Class of 2026 are enrolled in programs including forensic science, behavioral health and business administration at York County Community College, Central Maine Community College and Southern Maine Community College. Several graduates are exploring apprenticeships and careers in skilled trades, while another has chosen military service.

Support from Windham Adult Education does not end when students receive their diplomas. 

Through the Maine College and Career Access program, students receive individualized college and career advisement designed to prepare them for post-secondary education and employment. Services include career interest inventories, pre-college courses in math and writing, assistance completing college admissions and financial aid paperwork, as well as resume and cover letter support.

For Nash, adult education creates benefits that extend throughout the community.

"When adults go back to school, whether to learn English, finish a high school equivalency, pick up a trade or master digital tools, the benefits ripple far beyond the individual student," he said.

He noted that adult education strengthens the local workforce, fosters connections among people from diverse backgrounds and contributes to healthier communities through improved literacy.

As one graduating class celebrated its achievements, Giuffre-Renaud was already looking ahead.

"There is no rest for the weary," she said. "I am already enrolling students who will work this summer to also sit on stage and celebrate their graduation next June."

For the graduates on Tuesday night, however, the focus remained squarely on the accomplishment before them – proof that with persistence, support and hope, a second chance can become a life-changing opportunity. <