Waldoboro Voices

Testimonies from a small coastal town in Maine

Schooling

“No detail seems to have been omitted. There were class parts, class colors, a Latin motto, class pins, printing invitations, programs, and even a brass band…Alida Keizer delivered the salutatory in Latin, and Emma Sproul the valedictory in Greek.”
– Jasper Stahl, The History of Broad Bay, Vol. 2, 1956

“It makes me sad that we ostracize people based on their looks and vibes.”

Jasmine Deabler

I grew up on a little homestead in Waldoboro, the kind with vegetables, flowers and animals.  My chores were tending the animals and gardens and … Continue reading about Jasmine Deabler

"What's the worst that can happen?"

Kay Flanagan

My parents, Frederick and Elizabeth Sproul, were teachers, and they subscribed to something called “Instructor Magazine.”  One day my father saw an … Continue reading about Kay Flanagan

“Learning a language is like opening a giant door.”

Claire Riser

Two events in my childhood were probably the greatest influences on my life.  The first was when my father took a teaching position at Fisk … Continue reading about Claire Riser

“They’re not loud yet, but they’re getting there.”

Katlin Puchalski

I grew up in South Addison Maine in the middle of 100 acres of woods with no running water, no electricity and no telephone.  We had horses, goats and … Continue reading about Katlin Puchalski

"Attitude matters."

Julia Adams

When I was really little, we lived in a first-floor apartment of an old, beautiful building, and upstairs lived a lady.  She was probably 40 years … Continue reading about Julia Adams

“May you be safe.  May you be wise.  May you be well.”

Linda Pease

When I was a little girl, Medomak Valley High School was almost our second home.  It was just built, and it smelled new, … Continue reading about Linda Pease

“I have to ask myself each time: ‘Is this kiddo really sick or not?’”

Miranda Jandreau

As a nurse, I have trouble staying in my office.  I like to go classroom to classroom.  I call it ‘house calls.’  I … Continue reading about Miranda Jandreau

“I drew a girl curled up in a ball to protect herself underneath a tent inside the house.”

Emmalynn Campbell

My biological father kidnapped me for a couple of weeks when I was two years old because my mom won custody, and he … Continue reading about Emmalynn Campbell

“I want the whole community to see our school and stand up for our needs.”

Andrea Curtis

I think a big misconception in our special ed world is that if a student can play, walk, and swing on the swings, they … Continue reading about Andrea Curtis