Throwback Thursday – Maine School of Science and Mathematics

LIMESTONE, Maine (WAGM) – While there are many things that make Aroostook County one of a kind, The Maine School of Science and Mathematics stands out as a unique educational experience for the County, and the State and it’s the focus of this week’s Throwback Thursday with Brian Bouchard.
Chartered and funded by the Maine Legislature, The Maine School of Science and Mathematics was one of just eleven residential magnet schools in the U.S. and the only one in New England and it remains the only magnet school in operation in the State of Maine. In this week’s throwback Thursday we dial the time machine back 30 years to 1994 where WAGM Reporter Andrea Barber brings us the grand opening of the Maine School of Science and Mathematics.
“3 1/2 years ago, Limestone had a vision. It was exclusive to this community. We shared that issue with the state. And now we have reality.”
That reality is the Maine school of science and mathematics. A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the grand opening of Maine’s first magnet school and the first day of classes on hand for the special ceremony, where a number of guest speakers, including Representative John Baldacci, Baldacci, praised the efforts of all those involved in making the magnet school a Reality.
Representative John Baldacci – (D) Maine
“I know it hasn’t been easy. I know that nothing that’s worthwhile is ever easy. And this school is worthwhile because it will enable this state to become more of a force for science and technology.”
The mission of the Maine school of science and mathematics is to provide the best possible science and mathematics education for achieving juniors and seniors, and, according to Jim Patterson, the school’s director, the state chartered boarding school will also offer a full balanced humanities program and a unique living experience to prepare students for the future.
Jim Patterson – Director, MSSM
“The students will be very heavily recruited by colleges. Because they were chosen to attend because they’ve already made the transition to being away from home and independence. So as a college looking to award a scholarship, I believe will look very strongly to these students.”
The Maine school of science and mathematics will be the first of its kind in the northeastern United States. The 135 students enrolled in the pioneer class come from some of the smallest rural high schools to some of the largest high schools in Maine. But regardless of where they come from, all the students seem to be optimistic that the school will provide them with a first class education.
“It’s exciting. There’s a lot of opportunities coming to the School that you couldn’t have going to normal public or private school it it’s just it’s going to be a really good experience.”
And according to state Senator Judy Paradis, this opportunity for experience is something the state desperately needs.
Senator Judy Paradis – (D) Aroostook
“We are basically a small state where million, two population, very low income, basically middle income. We don’t have much money but we what we do have is very, very intelligent Students, people that have been children that have been well raised, quality, quality person and so this is going to be giving them the opportunity to develop their skills.”
With the opening of the magnet school, the new students will now begin their intensive academic programs
In Limestone, Andrea Barber, News source.
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