Katelin Bonney ’17 of Portland, Maine, attended the Cumberland County Retired Educators Association’s yearly May luncheon meeting as one of the two recipients for their annual scholarship award. Bonney, an education major at Saint Joseph’s and an aspiring classroom teacher, was touched to be recognized for her potential by fellow educators who know firsthand the challenges that come with working in the school systems.
“Receiving this scholarship was an honor,” says Bonney, “as I was chosen by a wonderful group of women who have devoted their lives to teaching. The fact that they saw something special in me as a future teacher was very meaningful.”
Katelin Bonney ’17 stands with Roberta Morrill, CCREA president, and shows off her scholarship award.
Recipients of the scholarship, in addition to being a resident of Cumberland County and in good academic standing, must submit an essay explaining why they’re passionate about pursuing a career in education. The luncheon reception, in many ways, is akin to members passing the torch, from one generation of teachers and administrators to the next group of bright-eyed, bushy-tailed educators. Bonney fondly recalls, “The women were very supportive and shared kind and encouraging words of wisdom from their years of experience in the classroom.”
The association, which is closely affiliated with Maine Educators Association – Retired (MEA-R), has functioned for more than 50 years to make a difference in legislation and in the lives of its members, new teachers, and nonprofits. For more information on the Cumberland County Retired Educators Association and their scholarship program, visit their website at ccreamaine.org.