The 2018 class of Maine Policy Scholars (MPS) was recently honored during a special graduation ceremony in the Bangor Room in the Memorial Union on the University of Maine campus in Orono.

One student from six of the seven campuses of the University of Maine system pursued a year-long program of applied research in the area of Maine public policy. Issues addressed included care of mentally ill inmates in Maine prisons; how public policy can support literacy promotion for school-aged youth; and increasing recycling in rural Maine.

by Phil Stuart

Gladys Ganiel of Harrington and a 1995 graduate of Narraguagus High School, without a doubt, is Washington County’s most accomplished athlete. Ganiel excelled not just in athletics but also in the classroom.

In 1995 she was the valedictorian of her class and received the Maine Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence and Citizenship.

The list of athletic accomplishments both as an individual and team member for her four years as a member of the cross country, girls’ basketball team and track teams are nothing short of mind boggling.

by Phil Stuart

Over the years, Downeast softball has lagged behind other areas of the state. There have been some outstanding teams but very few have excelled much beyond the season. Since 1976, only 12 teams from Washington County have made it to a state championship game in Class C or Class D.

by Phil Stuart

Washington County has had its share of outstanding coaches over the years. Many have left their mark at schools within the county while other have taken their talents elsewhere.

I.J. Pinkham of Milbridge is the winningest boys’ basketball coach in the state of Maine. Pinkham has over 620 victories, all at Boothbay Region High School.

Ordie Alley of Beals amassed over 500 career victories while coaching at Beals High School and Jonesport-Beals High School.

by Phil Stuart

All winning streaks eventually come to an end, but after four years, one in eastern Washington County is still alive.

For the past four years the Lubec Elementary School Pee Wee team for grades six and under have been undefeated. They have won four consecutive Downeast Basketball Association championships plus several invitational tournaments. During this incredible run the young Hornets have been coached by Shawn Tinker of Crowsneck and Jordi Tinker of East Trescott.

by Phil Stuart

The “mud season” of basketball is officially over by the time spring vacation starts in early April.

Once the high school basketball tournaments are over, junior high and elementary school teams play for another six weeks until spring break. These teams play a regular season of 10 to 12 games plus many go to weekend tournaments and play sometimes 12 to 15 more games.