The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Alumni Board of Directors has announced that Megan (Fowler) Stanley, special education teacher in Ashland, has been named the recipient of its 2014 Distinguished Recent Alumni Award. Stanley will be presented with the award during the University Day luncheon at Noon on Wednesday, April 16, in the Campus Center.
A member of UMPI’s Class of 2009, Stanley earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education with a concentration in Special Education. She was immediately hired as the sole high school special education teacher in SAD #32 and provided a high level of service to the school district as she simultaneously worked toward her Master’s degree in Special Education, which she earned from New England College in 2013.
Stanley has made many contributions to Ashland District School. As the only special education teacher in the high school, Stanley supports and educates more than 20 special needs students daily. Her work includes facilitating several lessons simultaneously in one classroom, emotionally supporting those in need, and preparing students with special needs for college and the work force. She is known for her work ethic and commitment to her students.
Stanley is also heavily involved in educational activities outside of her classroom. In 2011, she started an Outing Club with the goal of bringing students outside to enjoy activities in which they might not typically have the opportunity to take part. These activities included downhill skiing through the “Ski For Life” program in Mars Hill, as well as canoeing and hiking. Stanley is also a teacher in Ashland’s 21st Century after-school program, a federally-funded program that provides extra-curricular activities and tutoring for students in grades 3-8.
In addition, she serves as SAD 32’s Response to Intervention Coordinator, helping to identify students with special needs earlier and providing techniques to support them. She also finds the time to serve as the district’s Class Advisor for the Class of 2015, as a Student Assistance Team member, and a Maine Content Literacy Project team member.
Stanley also provides service to her community. Since 2007, she has volunteered as a crew member at the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival. In 2012, she increased her responsibility by organizing the many volunteers that work at the festival every summer. This past fall, she added the responsibilities of contacting pilots, arranging accommodations and ordering volunteer/pilot branded clothing.
“Since graduating from the University of Maine at Presque Isle, Megan has exemplified to our current students what anyone with passion and dedication can accomplish upon graduation,” said Keith Madore, Director of Alumni Relations. “Megan has made, and continues to make, excellent contributions in her career field, to her school district, and to the larger community. If the past is any indication of the future, this region and the state will be well served by her for years to come. The University is proud to call Megan one of our own.”
The Distinguished Recent Alumni Award is given to a graduate who has been out of college between 2-12 years and has distinguished himself or herself in his or her career or service to community. Past honorees include Scott Boucher ’00, Craig Cormier ’06, Bryan Thompson ’03, Erika Valtinson ’05, Neal Labrie ’97, Michael P. Johnston ’02, Alana Margeson ’00, and Cory LaPlante ’13. This is the ninth time the award will be presented during University Day, an event that heightens student awareness of the work being done by peers and how that work applies to service and the professional life of a community.
