Mark Castonguay, Central Maine Community College
Age: 20 GPA: 3.956 Major: Business Administration

Mark became the first college student in his family when he enrolled at CMCC in the fall of 2004. In addition to serving as vice president for Phi Theta Kappa, he holds a full-time job as a licensed pharmacy technician while enrolled as a full-time student. "The principals and qualities I have learned in my classes have allowed me to work with the pharmacy team to provide the best possible level of care to our patients." He credits his parents' "wisdom and encouragement" for leading him to pursue "higher goals of success." His educational goals include earning his bachelor's degree in business administration at the University of Maine and, eventually a master's degree in human resources.

E. Jeanette Hatch, Eastern Maine Community College
Age: 39 GPA: 3.517 Major: Business Management/Office Administration

Jeanette says that when she graduated from high school she had no desire to further her education, mostly because she didn't think she could afford it. Several years later, after having a family and losing her job, she got the chance to enroll at EMCC. "I knew I wanted a small class-size experience as well as the small student-to-teacher ratio," she says of her reasons for choosing EMCC. She is an active volunteer in her community and college, participating in numerous student senate fund raisers and events. She plans to find employment in her field after she graduates and hopes to eventually own her own business.

Katherine J. Cummings, Eastern Maine Community College
Age: 24 GPA: 3.980 Major: Computer Aided Drafting & Design/Liberal Studies

Katherine came to EMCC by way of the University of Maine, where she admits she struggled a bit and was unsure of her career path. From her experiences on the marching band she knew she enjoyed hands-on learning and transferred to EMCC's building construction technology program. "The community college's technologies are not only hands-on; as an institution the college provides the support and guidance to its students that I needed when I first transferred," she says. Katherine works part-time as a public relations and marketing assistant at the college and previously served as interim library assistant at EMCC. Her long-range plans include earning a master's degree in education.

Tina Willett, Kennebec Valley Community College
Age: 37 GPA: 3.77 Major: Business Administration Accounting

When Tina, a mother of two and displaced worker, decided to seek a degree in accounting she chose KVCC because of its small classes and friendly environment. "Everyone at KVCC, from the maintenance department to the Dean, is always very helpful. Without their patience many of the displaced workers, like myself, would not be where we are today. Through their understanding, guidance and support I strive to do my best and succeed in every endeavor," she says. Tina plans to continue her education and earn her bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting and find employment in her chosen field.

Michaele C. Black, Northern Maine Community College
Age: 19 GPA: 3.96 Major: Liberal Studies

As a home-schooled student from kindergarten through high school, Michaele knew she wanted some independence, but she also knew she wanted to be close to home when she started college. At NMCC she says she felt a sense of belonging to a community where "students are people not numbers." She is a peer mentor and tutor as well as a residential assistant. A talented violinist and cellist, she plans to transfer to the University of Southern Maine to study music education. Her long range plans include returning to Aroostook County to teach music.

Michael Schell, Southern Maine Community College
Age: 29 GPA: 4.0 Major: Liberal Studies

Mike dropped out of high school and joined the Air Force. When he got out of the service, he decided to apply to four-year colleges. But during that process, he realized he needed a stronger academic background in order to be admitted. As a result, he enrolled at SMCC in the fall of 2005. Since then he has impressed his instructors with his intellect, breadth of knowledge, and tireless work habits. And he has contributed in important ways to the college’s Learning Assistance Center where he works as a popular math and physics tutor. Mike was recently named the New Century Scholar for the state of Maine, one of fifty outstanding community college students from across the nation to be so honored. Next year, Mike will transfer to the University of Maine to study engineering.

Heather Huntley, Southern Maine Community College
Age: 30 GPA: 3.76 Major: Computer Applications and Administrative Management

Heather is a single mother of three small children whose first connection to SMCC was as a temporary office worker in the enrollment services department. “Prior to working at SMCC I didn’t think that college was a possibility for me. Working with the students at SMCC gave me the confidence I needed to make the decision to enroll myself. Many of the students here were not unlike me: older, non-traditional students with a life and responsibilities outside the classroom. I felt that if so many of them could do it, then so could I!” Heather works 20 hours a week during the school year and balances her children’s activities with her own school and volunteer work. Her long-range goal is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in business management.

Lori Barbee, Washington County Community College
Age: 44 GPA: 4.0 Major: Early Childhood Education

As the owner/operator of a successful home child-care center, Lori is already considered an expert in her field, says one of her instructors. Her quest for continued personal and professional growth brought her to WCCC to finish her degree. She was able to transfer previous college credits and, with flexible schedules and online courses, she attends college while working full time. She plans to continue operating her family child care program and possibly start a new preschool program. Her long-range goal is to earn a master's degree in early childhood education.

Maria Evans, Washington County Community College
Age: 26 GPA: 3.3 Major: Business Management

Maria is a busy working mother of two who took the initiative to return to college to finish her degree in order to improve her career prospects. "It is all worth it because I know when I am done I will have a degree and skills to obtain a job to support my family," says Maria. She volunteers her time to help fellow students and has helped organize and lead study groups in a number of subjects. Long-range plans include owning her own business and pursuing a bachelor's degree at the University of Maine, Machias.

Nicholas Johnson, York County Community College
Residence: Sanford Age: 22 GPA: 3.84 Major: Web Development

Nicholas admits he was unprepared to take on the demands of college when he enrolled at a university right after high school. He set goals for himself so he could return to a four-year program and has proven himself at YCCC. "YCCC was the perfect place for me to have a fresh start as a person and a student," he says. "Most of all YCCC presented itself as the perfect stepping stone between my current state and where I wanted to be in the future." He has become a leader and a role model for other students. Long-range plans include earning a bachelor's degree in Web programming from the University of Advancing Technology in Arizona.

Troy Williams, York County Community College
Age: 19 GPA: 3.88 Major: Liberal Studies

Troy truly is an entrepreneur. In addition to going to school and working, he owns several small businesses, including a skateboard company and a lunch cart at the Kittery Outlet Malls. And he still finds time to volunteer for several campus groups and be a mentor for troubled students. Troy plans to transfer this fall to a Maine university to study business administration and hopes someday to own his own company locally and expand it across the United States.