Windham High senior reflects on yearlong exchange in Japan

By Lorraine Glowczak

Some people spend years searching for their passion but for one Windham High School (WHS) senior, the thought of experiencing a way of life in another country began at an early age.

Windham High School senior Kate Lopes, left, shared an
opportunity of a lifetime by spending a full year in a
Japanese Exchange Program. Lopes is shown with
her host Japanese family. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Drawn to Japanese culture, Kate Lopes had a dream that went beyond learning about a different country. She wanted to experience its culture firsthand and did so last year by participating in an exchange program that took her through a full year of high school in Kamakura, a town that is about an hour directly south of Tokyo.

“It all began in seventh grade,” Lopes said. “I had always wanted something different and felt a strong connection to Japanese culture. I knew I wanted to be an exchange student, so I started taking steps around 11 years old to learn more about it. The biggest decision was how long I wanted to stay. I considered a summer program, a semester and a full academic year, but decided that a year felt right. I really wanted to experience daily life in Japan, and I felt that anything shorter would only scratch the surface. I wouldn’t get to experience everything I truly wanted to if I didn’t participate in a full year.”

The preparation to reach this goal included studying the language. When Lopes was a freshman, she decided to participate in WHS’s Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) program where she could learn the language.

“We don’t have a Japanese studies program at WHS, so I asked one of our World Language Department Chairs, Ms. [Tianna] Burton about how I could go about learning the language.” Lopes said. “She suggested reaching out to our ELO coordinator, Ms. [Lorraine] Glowczak and it was there I was introduced to the The Language Exchange program based out of Portland.”

Through the ELO and The Language Exchange programs, Lopes got to learn the basics of the Japanese language from a teacher who was born in Japan but now lives in Maine.

“Having this background knowledge was very helpful and prepared me for my experience, but I discovered that speaking it in everyday situations was difficult,” Lopes said. “By having this immersive experience, I was eventually able to talk with others in the context of daily life.”

Lopes learned about the cultural differences, and experienced surprising discoveries while living everyday life in Japan.

“The walkability really stood out to me,” she said. “The infrastructure is built around the city, making it easy to get from place to place. The train stations even have shopping malls, and there’s food available within walking distance. Everyone uses bikes, including electric bikes to get up the hills, and you can get almost anywhere by foot.”

Attending a private school rather than a public school, Lopes said that her educational experience may be different from the American perspective of Japanese education.

“People often think teachers in Japan are really strict, but they also know how to make learning fun,” she said. “The classes were lecture-based, but the teachers had fun personalities, and we were allowed to joke around and chat during instruction. The atmosphere was more relaxed and casual than I expected.”

Lopes said the classes were big, with about 30 to 40 students packed into a room.

“The school day started at 8:25 a.m., with classes running until 3:30 p.m.,” she said. “We had 10-minute passing periods and 45-minute classes. Extracurricular activities were just as important as academics, with clubs often meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. I had school five days a week, although I knew some students who attended six days. Dinner was usually around 7 p.m.” 

The biggest takeaway from her experience was how important community and family is to the majority of Japanese people.

“The biggest part of my experience was definitely the sense of belonging and community,” Lopes said. “I felt incredibly lucky to be welcomed into the community in the first place, because I knew that being accepted in Japan as a foreigner can be difficult. I never took that welcome for granted and I was always grateful for how kind and accepting people were toward me.”

Lopes said that one of her favorite experiences was celebrating New Year’s with her host family.

“New Year’s Day is a very family-oriented holiday, and it was fun to experience a tradition that is so deeply rooted in Japanese culture,” she said. “Being able to take part in that tradition made me feel even more grateful for my host family and for the opportunity to experience their culture firsthand.”

Lopes hopes to build a future in Japan through her interest in ceramics. After graduating from WHS in the spring, she plans to attend Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) for two years before pursuing further studies in Kyoto, or seeking an apprenticeship at a ceramics studio in Japan. Ultimately, Lopes hopes to turn her passion into a career working alongside Japanese ceramic artists. <

Dignitaries dedicate North Windham Wastewater Treatment Plant

By Ed Pierce

It’s been said that success in life is about project management in determining deliverables, making milestones, and always pursuing the critical path. For years, the Town of Windham has sought to find a solution to effective wastewater treatment and on Oct. 8, all those efforts were achieved with the dedication of the new North Windham Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Dignitaries watch as U.S. Senator Susan Collins of Maine
cuts the ribbon to open the new Windham Wastewater
Treatment Plant on the grounds of Manchester School in
Windham on Oct. 8. From left are Scott Firmin and Bill Lunt
of the Portland Water District, Senator Collins, Windham Town 
Council Chair Mark Morrison, RSU 14 Superintendent of
Schools Christopher Howell, and Windham Town
Manager Robert Burns. PHOTO BY ED PIERCE   

With U.S. Senator Susan Collins of Maine on hand to cut the ribbon marking the new facility becoming fully operational on the grounds of Manchester School, Windham Town Council members and representatives of the Portland Water District and RSU 14 spoke about the collaboration it took to bring the $48 million project to fruition at no expense to taxpayers.

After decades of proposals, studies, and rejections from voters at the ballot box, Windham residents resoundingly approved sewer and wastewater treatment project for North Windham in a special referendum in June 2022. Partnering with the Portland Water District and RSU 14 to create the massive infrastructure project, the Windham Town Council covered the remaining costs for the initiative through a combination of grant funding, a $38.9 million award by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, and North Windham TIF funding supported by North Windham businesses.

Now completed, the new wastewater treatment facility will address environmental issues in North Windham by removing 25,000 pounds of nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants each year being dumped by septic systems into the aquifer and watershed. The installation of sewers is expected to stimulate significant economic growth in Windham and lead to development in the area by industries and businesses not willing to locate here because of associated septic system issues and costs.

Through an agreement between RSU 14 and the Town of Windham, in exchange for locating the new wastewater treatment site at Manchester school, the town built four new playing fields for youth sports at the school.

The new Windham Wastewater Treatment facility uses Membrane Bio-Reactor technology with innovative drip dispersal and will be the first system to use drip dispersal of this scale in Maine. This technology is designed to improve the quality of local groundwater and local waterways, and was selected for its reliability, flexibility, and cost effectiveness.

Portland Water District officials say that the facility will clean and filter community wastewater that is currently being discharged untreated into septic systems. The cleaned, high-quality water, which is extremely low in nitrogen and phosphorus, will be released into an advanced drip dispersal system that will be 2 feet underneath the new athletic fields at Manchester School. They say the sandy soils native to the area are ideal for this system.

Because of the lack of an effective sewer system in North Windham, over the years contaminants have continued to pollute the aquifer, threatening surrounding ponds and lakes, and stifling economic growth. For the past two decades increasing nitrate levels have been observed in the underlying aquifer that threatened local water resources including Sebago Lake. Current levels of nitrates in the ground water have exceeded drinking water standards and septic system pollution entering the aquifer directly impacts surrounding valuable water resources. This new wastewater treatment plant addresses the issue before the problem escalated and became irreversible.

Speakers at the dedication included Senator Collins; Windham Town Council Chair Mark Morrison; RSU 14 Schools Superintendent Christopher Howell; Windham Town Manager Robert Burns; Maine DEP Water Quality Division Director Gregg Wood; Bill Lunt of the Portland Water District Board of Trustees; and Portland Water District General Manager Scott Firmin.

Collins said she was surprised to learn that Windham did not have an existing sewer system but praised everyone who worked diligently to make this project a reality.

“I was shocked that an area this populated did not have a wastewater treatment facility,” she said. “It was essential that we help.”

Collins was able to obtain $2 million from Congress to contribute toward the project.

“It has the smallest carbon footprint, and this innovative technology will serve as a model for other communities in Maine,” she said. 

The project fits with an upcoming MaineDOT project for Route 302 redevelopment in Windham, the senator said.

“The two projects complement each other,” Collins said. “The vision of community leaders and citizens is truly impressive.”

Funding to support the Windham Wastewater Project included a $38.9 million Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund Award; a $3.25 million SRF Debt Forgiveness Grant, $1.7 million in American Rescue Plan Funds allocated to the town, $2 million in Congressional Direct Spending sponsored by Senators Collins and King, and $1.5 million from Cumberland County Government. <

Longtime retired Windham police captain dies unexpectedly

By Ed Pierce

One of the most familiar faces in law enforcement in Windham has died at the age of 62.

Captain Ray Williams served for 38 years as a member of the Windham Police Department and from a young age always wanted to work as a police officer.

Retired Windham Police Captain Ray 
Williams passed away Oct. 7 at the age
of 62 and spent nearly four decades in
law enforcement serving Windham. He
was known for his leadership,
professionalism and unwavering
commitment to public safety.
COURTESY PHOTO

Growing up in Cumberland, he graduated from Greely High School in 1983, he attended Southern Maine Community College and earned an associate of science degree in law enforcement technology. His first job in law enforcement was as a reserve officer for the Windham Police Department, and he was hired as a full-time police officer by Windham on Sept. 4, 1986.

In March 1987, Williams graduated from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, and he went on to successfully complete the Drug Recognition Expert School in 1991. He was the last active member of that first DRE School in 1991 who was serving with his department at the time of his retirement in May 2023.

He worked for the Windham Police Patrol Division for 20 years, 13 of those as a motorcycle officer. In June 2010, he accepted an interim detective’s assignment to the Criminal Investigations Division and was awarded the position permanently the following summer. Williams worked in investigations until November 2014, when he was promoted to Sergeant by the police department and was reassigned to the Patrol Division as one of two Evening Shift Commanders. He was promoted to the position of Patrol Captain in December 2020 and was instrumental in assisting the Windham Police Department’s transition in the construction and expansion of the Windham Public Safety Building on Gray Road in 2022.

As a certified instructor for the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, Williams taught Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and was also teaching Active Firearms and Urban Rifle Instruction there. He was a Drug Recognition Expert, skilled in the use of the Intoxilyzer 5000ES equipment to detect alcohol impairment and in firearms.

Starting in 2006, he ran the Windham Police Department’s firearms program until his retirement and was the department’s armorer. Williams also launched the department’s first Motorcycle Unit using forfeited assets he seized in a traffic stop from a drug courier transporting drugs from Connecticut to Maine. Enough money was seized to fund the Motor Unit, K-9 program and purchase other equipment not in the normal budget.

Through the years, Williams was instrumental in training hundreds of police officers across the state in the techniques of detection and processing alcohol and drug impaired drivers. For his diligence at protecting Maine motorists and keen ability to recognize impaired drivers before they harm others, Williams was recognized by the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety and the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in 2021 for his lifetime contribution as a Drug Recognition Expert and his devotion to keeping Maine highways safe. He continued to serve as a certified instructor for the Academy, traveling to Vassalboro when needed to teach officers and academy cadets.

Williams passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Oct. 7 and Windham Police Chief Kevin Schofield said Williams was known for his leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public safety.

“Among his many accomplishments was the creation of the Windham Police Department's motorcycle program,” Schofield wrote on the department’s Facebook page. “Over the years, he proudly escorted countless charity toy runs, memorial rides, and community events throughout the State of Maine. He also served as a Range Officer and Firearms Instructor, helping to train and mentor generations of officers.”

Fellow police officers say that the expertise and dedication shown by Williams helped to advance impaired driving enforcement and officer training statewide. 

Beyond his accomplishments in law enforcement, Williams was known as a trusted friend and someone with a knack for finding great fishing spots and he was a registered Maine Fishing Guide.

“His sense of humor, willingness to help others, and passion for the outdoors left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him,” Schofield wrote on the department’s Facebook page. “We extend our deepest condolences to Ray's family, friends, and all who had the privilege of serving alongside him. He will be greatly missed, and his memory will never be forgotten.”

Williams is survived by his partner Dawn Freeland, his sister Rhonda Williams, his brother Brad Williams, sister-in-law Renee Williams, nieces, nephews and great-nieces. He is predeceased by his son Nicholas Williams and his parents Scott and Nancy Williams.

A Funeral Service honoring the life of Captain Ray Williams will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Windham High School Performing Arts Center in Windham. <

WHS students discover power of serving others in earning Dempsey Challenge award

By Lorraine Glowczak

Giving back to the community and fundraising for a good cause is a way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and become part of something bigger than ourselves.

Windham High School students participated in the Annual
Dempsey Challenge in Lewiston and discovered what it
means to give back to your community. Some of the WHS
students in this year's Dempsey Challenge are, from left,
Morgan Clark, Brooklyn Roy, Anna Bowie, Nate Plati,
Miles Morrison, Sean LeBel, and Patrick Dempsey, the 
actor and founder of the Dempsey Center.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

For 15 Windham High School (WHS) students, the opportunity to make a positive impact became much more than a day of volunteering – it became a powerful experience that gave them a deeper understanding of themselves and what it truly means to be part of a community.

On Saturday, Sept. 19, the 15 students participated in the 18th Annual Dempsey Challenge in Lewiston. The challenge is a run, walk and bike fundraiser where the students saw firsthand the impact cancer can have on individuals and their families, and discovered how even a small act of service can make a significant difference in someone’s life.

Their commitment to giving back also earned them the award for the high school team with the most participants, an honor they captured for the second consecutive year.

WHS Junior Nate Plati, the organizer of the WHS team, said he is dedicated to helping others.

“I am a big advocate for giving back and being of service. Not only that, I learn a lot in the process,” Plati said. “With this experience, I learned what it really means to empathize with others. Hearing the stories of cancer survivors and families who have been affected by a loved one’s cancer made me realize how much people can go through and how important it is to be there for them.”

As Plati mentioned, part of the day included listening to stories from those who are experiencing or have experienced cancer and/or from family members whose loved one had cancer and were able to share their own stories.

For the students, this was one of the most impactful moments of participating in the Dempsey Challenge.

Morgan Clark, also a junior, said that her participation was an eye-opening experience.

“Seeing how many people that cancer touches was very heart-wrenching,” she said. “I saw one of my seventh-grade teachers there and I didn’t know that she had cancer. It was moving to connect with people I didn’t know and wouldn’t normally talk to. It was honestly beautiful to see everyone rally around each other and support one another.”

Junior Sean LeBel agreed with both Plati and Clark about the day’s activities and said the experience helped him to see things a little differently.

“Even though cancer is such a difficult thing, there was still so much happiness and hope throughout the day,” he said. “It made me appreciate my own life more and realize that I shouldn’t take things for granted. You don’t have to go through cancer yourself to understand how important it is to support others and be grateful for what you have.”

The mission of the Dempsey Center is “to make life better for people impacted by cancer through no-cost comprehensive supportive care” and Plati said that was obvious at the event.

“I was proud to see the support from all around the world,” he said. “It shows that no matter what you are going through, you are not alone.”

There were other unexpected discoveries by WHS students participating in the Annual Dempsey Challenge.

For Clark, the experience helped her to understand the importance of offering support for others during difficult times. She believes that being there can remind people that they are not alone.

“It doesn’t cost anything to let people know you care,” she said. 

LeBel learned that the financial aspect of medical bills is very expensive.

Helping one person to pay their bills can change their life for the better,” he said.

Perhaps Plati’s unexpected discovery might be a surprising fact for many.

“My generation, the Gen Z, often gets a bad rap,” he said. “We have the reputation for only caring about ourselves. But this proves that there are people in our generation that do care and come together to make a difference in others’ lives.”

According to Plati, the Dempsey Challenge event raised about $2 million. The Dempsey Center website emphasizes that all the money raised is used and goes directly to the services provided by the organization, which includes free cancer programs, counseling, and support for individuals, caretakers, and families impacted by cancer.

For more details about the Dempsey Center or to make a donation, visit www.dempseycenter.org. <

Historian to relate spooky ghost stories at Raymond-Casco Historical Museum

By Ed Pierce

Did a prominent 19th century Raymond resident predict how he would die years before a tragic accident claimed his life? This tale and other eerie ghost stories will be part of a free community presentation to be held at the Raymond-Casco Historical Museum later this month.

Eerie and spooky tales from the Lakes Region of Maine
will be related by historian Mike Davis from 4 to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 25 at the Raymond-Casco Historical Museum
during a presentation called 'Ghost Stories and Unusual
Happenings.'  COURTESY PHOTO 

Historian Mike Davis of Bridgton will relate spooky tales from the Lakes Region of Maine from 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 at the museum while surrounded by historical artifacts during a presentation called “Ghost Stories and Unusual Happenings.”

Raymond-Casco Historical Society’s Sue Pride says with Halloween nearing, this will be an event sure to interest many in the area.

“Mike’s storytelling brings together history, mystery, and local lore – perfect for the Halloween season,” Pride said. “These historical tales of curious happenings, scary ghosts and unusual circumstances will be sure to entertain everyone in attendance.”

Among the tales to be told by Davis is one about Edgar Welch, whose story was originally contained in the book “Historical Gems of Raymond and Casco” written by the late Ernest H. Knight, one of the founders of the Raymond-Casco Historical Society.

Welch was born close to the Raymond/Casco line on the County Road to Otisfield (Route 85) in Raymond in 1849. His grandfather, James Welch was born in 1765 and came to Raymond from Cape Elizabeth as an early pioneer settler. Edgar’s father was born in 1819 and taught his son how to farm.

For years Edgar farmed and eventually worked for a neighbor, David McLellan, whose barn and part of his house are still in use, the main house having burned in 1954.

According to Knight, Edgar was a bright, pleasant person though inclined toward strange ideas on work and physical activity, which were extreme to say the least.

“Besides hard work, running was his pastime for which the urge seized him after a week or so of labor,” Knight wrote about Welch in his book. “Dropping whatever he was doing at the time, winter or summer, he would be off running to Portland, Norway or wherever fancy directed, and on his return, he’d pick up where he left off.”

He wrote that on frequent occasions Welch’s route was through the White Mountains and once a year he would run to the top of Mount Washington, an event to which proprietors and guests looked forward to with anticipation. 

“For this event he wore a suit, boots and a tall beaver hat where on his ordinary runs his garb was his overalls with woolen socks in the winter and barefoot in the summer,” Knight wrote. “On one occasion he ran to Boston, circled through Tremont Street and Boston Common and then headed for home. Once an owner of a nice span of driving horses challenged Edgar to a race to Portland. Starting from Raymond Village, the team soon left him far behind, but when the team reached its destination on Congress Street, Edgar was there waiting for them.”

Knight said that Edgar had unique ideas about labor and benefits to mankind.

“An astute observation that the McLellan farm, being on the easterly slope of Rattlesnake Mountain, had the sun set much earlier than farms to the north or south, set him on a mission,” Knight wrote. “To correct this fact of nature, he worked for many years off and on as time permitted, day or night, rolling boulders from the top of the mountain to reduce this bothersome interference. In the stillness of the night, people would awaken to the sound of crashing on the mountain, and remark that Edgar was at it again, and go back to sleep.”

While piling logs on the ice at Crescent Lake (then Great Rattlesnake Pond) to be floated to Sebago when the ice melted, Knight said that Edgar would get hot feet, take off his boots and run on the ice or snow until he could go back to work in comfort.

“He was a great conversationalist and interested in the politics of the day. As a composer of rhymes and ballads, with a good voice always in true pitch, he would sing on picnic occasions accompanied by Carrie McLellan on her portable melodeon,” Knight wrote. “His physical make-up baffled doctors, though he never had need of their services as he never even had so much as a cold. With all his work and running, Edgar never perspired, which the doctors said should have killed him.”

But Edgar Welch is said to have had one more attribute which will be part of the presentation by Davis and that is clairvoyance, or a sixth sense.

Reportedly when Welch was young, a man named Eastman Bean of Otisfield fell from a haymow while holding a pitchfork, and he impaled on the pitchfork’s tines and died.

Knight said that bizarre accident was on Welch’s mind for all of his life, and over the years, he was overheard muttering some sort of rhyme or reference to Eastman Bean.

On Dec. 23, 1903, Edgar was working in the McLellan barn, which is still standing on the easterly side of Route 85 not far from the Raymond-Casco line, when he slid from the mow while pitching hay down for cattle. He was impaled on his pitchfork and died in the same manner as Eastman Bean.

His funeral was conducted from the old Village School at Webb’s Mills, now Crescent Lake Village, and it was attended by so many people that the overflow stood outside near the windows which were left open so they could hear the orations honoring their friend who may have predicted the manner of his death years before.

The “Ghost Stories and Unusual Happenings” presentation welcomes families to the event, although some of the tales in the presentation may be a bit spooky for the littlest ones. Participants are encouraged to wear a costume and enjoy trick or treat refreshments that will be available.

Admission is free, but donations that night would be greatly appreciated by the Raymond-Casco Historical Society to continue bringing these events to the community.

To learn more about the Raymond-Casco Historical Society visit raymondcascohistoricalsociety.org or find them on Facebook. <

Windham student learning confidence through pageants

By Erin Rose

Windham student Peyton Dore is learning to conquer the stage as she prepares to compete in the state’s Women of Service Pageant in March.

Windham student Peyton Dore, 7, a second grader
at Windham Christian Academy, won the Coastal
Maine Women of Service Young Princess title
in Windham in August and will compete in the
Maine Women of Service Pageant in March. 
COURTESY PHOTO

“I like playing dress up,” Peyton, 7, said when asked why she loves doing pageants. “It’s fun when I get to see the judges and my family” from the stage, including her dad, Troy, and 9-year-old brother Landon.

Kristin Dore, Peyton’s mother, explained that the duo decided to start competing in pageants at the encouragement of her pageant coach.

“Her coach, who is also the director of the pageant, Windham High graduate Morgan Wing, reached out and said ‘Peyton should do these!’” she said. “I figured she liked getting dressed up, so why not?”

Peyton entered the pageant world in January and has found success in the nine months since. She earned the Coastal Maine Women of Service Young Princess title at the local competition, held in Windham in August. That title guarantees her place at the state event and the potential chance to compete for national titles.

In addition to the overall competition, Peyton participates in a number of different optional categories that allow her to showcase beauty and fashion, including American Wear, Photogenic, Casual Wear, and Fitness. She most recently won titles in several of those categories as well.

In her most recent interview round, she was one of several contestants go through to determine who will take the crown, and Peyton’s judges have noticed how she’s improved in the short time she’s being doing pageants.

“Mrs. Maine was one of her practice judges, and then was a judge at the recent pageant,” Kristin said. “She said it was night and day, that Peyton had improved so much.”

One of the titles Peyton won in the regional competition is especially meaningful.

“She also won Miss Congeniality,” Kristin said. “All the contestants vote on that. That means she showed what the pageant represents.”

Peyton, who is in second grade at Windham Christian Academy, is known to be helpful backstage, cheering up younger contestants and helping them get pumped to walk the stage, even helping them with their clothes and accessories.

“One of them didn’t want to put her cute shoes on, and her mom was trying to put cute ones I liked on,” Peyton explained. “I told her, ‘You’re just going to wear them for a couple minutes and then take them off,’ and she started to wear them.”

“I was also telling her that her outfits were cute,” she added.

She also helps to get other kids energized before they take the stage.

“The little kids, if they’re in front of me, I try to get them excited so that they’re ready to get on stage” she said, adding that she wants to make sure “they’re not scared.”

Kristin says that Peyton’s actions are an example of how supportive the community is backstage at the Women of Service pageants.

“Everyone helps each other, even if you’re in the same group as someone,” she said. “It’s very helpful and very uplifting.”

One major component of the pageant is that each contestant must have a platform to provide service to their community. Peyton has chosen to pass out bags to homeless people in the area which includes granola bars, hand sanitizers, pretzels, gloves, and other small items.

“We did it in kindergarten and first grade as a fun project,” Peyton said, adding that they give out bags when they see people in need in the community. “I’ve kept doing it.”

Originally nervous when facing the competitions, Peyton is learning to embrace the stage, a skill that will help her as she enjoys dancing with the Maine Dance Center.

“I used to be scared, but then I get brave,” Peyton said. 

“She’s very nervous when she goes out there and then she’s a whole different kid,” Kristin added.

The pageants provide a great opportunity for Peyton to be the competitor, as the family frequently attends sporting events for her brother. It also provides time for Kristin and Peyton to spend together.

“She’s always been the sideline sibling so it’s great to have her moment,” Kristin said. “When she won the Natural Beauty award, she was very happy, and said, ‘Momma, you did this with me’. It was a nice moment.”

“She knows that we’re going all over the place with her brother, and it’s nice to have her shining moment,” she said.

The Maine Women of Service Pageant is part of the International and American Women of Service Pageant organization. It is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to empowering girls and women through a commitment to service, education and leadership development. The pageant has nine age divisions, ranging from girls as young as 5 in the Little Princess division to over 50 in the Classic division. <