For the first time, Yarmouth High School hosted a naturalization ceremony in a public assembly on December 7, 2017. With the Yarmouth Performing Arts Center full to capacity, the ceremony was live-streamed to viewers in the cafeteria. Thirty-one “candidates” from twenty-two countries took the oath of allegiance to the United States. Canada, Philippines, Brazil, Russia, Iraq, Rwanda, the Netherlands, and Ireland were among the countries represented.
Paige Reinfelder ’19, a member of the YHS Civil Rights Club, was the driving force behind this event. Last March Paige did her Career Exploration Program at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field office in Portland. She observed several naturalization ceremonies there, and decided to help bring one to Yarmouth. The Civil Rights Club, their advisor Deborah Johansen, school administrators, and Portland Adult Education assisted in organizing the event. Representatives from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officiated.
Superintendent Andrew Dolloff delivered the keynote speech. Harrison Middle School teacher Charlotte Agell also spoke. An immigrant from Sweden, she was naturalized on February 21, 1992 in the first naturalization ceremony held in the State of Maine.
Music and Post-season Athletic Awards
As usual, as number of YHS students have been selected for All-State musical programs.
All-State Orchestra: Lydia Dustin ’21, Lee Federle ’21, Hannah Grant ’19, Zoe Hardel ’19, Flan Sheehan ’20, Abby Van Lonkhuyzen ’19
All-State Mixed Choir: Eli Anderson ’19, Bay Hanson ’18
All-State Treble Choir: Gabby Colby-George ’19, Vicky Williams ’19
Athletic Awards
Cross Country: Luke Laverdiere ’18 was named the Portland Press Herald’s (PPH) Boys’ Runner of the Year. Luke won the Class B State Championship the second consecutive year. He will attend Harvard next year. Anneka Murrin ’18 and Sophia Laukli ’18 were named to the PPH’s Girls’ All-State team. They led the Clippers to the Class B State Championship.
Volleyball: Kaitlyn Bennett ’21 was named to the PPH’s All-State team
Soccer: Both teams had undefeated seasons, and won Class B State State Championships.
Luke Groothof ’18 was named the PPH’s Boys’ Player of the year. He was also selected for All-New England and All-American teams.
Eric LaBrie ‘19, son of Andrew LaBrie ’84, was named to the PPH’s All-State team.
Sara D’Appolonia ’18, was name the PPH’s Girls’ Player of the Year. She also garnered All- New England and All-American honors.