Jesse Blackburn

The first annual Elaine Hill scholarship winner is Jesse Blackburn of Harrington. A 2010 graduate of Narraguagus High School, Jesse is attending the University of Maine, Machias for his prerequisite courses and will complete his nursing curriculum at UMaine Orono. While at Narraguagus, Jesse acted in several drama club productions and landed a role in a UMM production as well. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Anatomy of leadership, EdGe and the track and cross country teams. He has also volunteered with the Cherryfield and Milbridge Historical Societies. Jesse hopes to return to Washington County after graduation and serve the local communities as a registered nurse. Jesse received a $2500 scholarship.

Olivia Perez

The first non-traditional student scholarship winner is Olivia Perez of Milbridge. Olivia is a native of Mexico and came to the US with her family after graduating from high school. Because she could not speak English when she arrived, she attended Narraguagus High School and repeated her senior twice so that she would have the language skills necessary to attend college. Her first year at UMaine Orono was especially challenging because she taped all her lectures, and then translated them after class. Olivia’s interest in nursing was sparked while still in Mexico where she participated in a community-wide children’s vaccine program. She has also spent summers working for the Maine Migrant Health program since moving to the area. Olivia is now a senior at UMO. Her goal: “…to be a very good nurse, to participate in my community and improve it.” Olivia received a $2500 scholarship.