I had the opportunity to present the eigth grade citizenship award to a fine young  man at Reeds Brook Middle School in June. Dustin Ramsay is a someone who I first met when he was in fifth grade at the Weatherbee School and he was spearheading the Green Team. Last year he visited the Augusta to advocate for legislation. I always enjoy visiting school events to recognize students for their achievement and it is even more special when I know the recipient as in Dustin’s case. Below are my remarks and the text of the award.

Secretary of State’s 8th Grade Citizenship Award

Reeds Brook Middle School

June 14, 2010

 The Secretary of State’s Eighth Grade Citizenship Award is presented to students throughout Maine who understand the importance of academic success and who devote time and attention to making meaningful progress.  The award also serves to recognize those individuals who take responsibility for their work, and who strive to make contributions in their community.

 Today’s recipient of the 2010 Secretary of State’s Eighth Grade Citizenship Award for Reeds Brook Middle School is very deserving of this recognition.

 As a student, activist, and athlete Dustin Ramsay has distinguished himself as a young man with diverse interests, creative thinking, and boundless enthusiasm.

 In the 4th grade Dustin was the driving force and founder of The Green Team at Weatherbee school.  This club educated students about the benefits of earth friendly practices and recycling.  He worked hand in hand with SAD #22 to apply for and win a 15 thousand dollar “Green grant.”  With this funding the school was able to install a new photovoltaic system on the rooftop to reduce the school’s electricity consumption.  When his Green Team moved up to Reeds Brook, they joined forces with beloved custodian Larry Hoyt to educate people about reducing germs, staying active, and keeping healthy.

 Dustin’s activist work extends beyond the school halls.  He has been a volunteer in the Penobscot River Cleanup where he has helped remove tons of clothing and trash from the banks of the Penobscot River.  Dustin has also been involved with the National Resources Council of Maine’s Citizen’s Action Day in Augusta for the past 3 years. Dustin learned about what priorities and  proposed initiatives needed public support.  Then he joined the other the activists in lobbying the Maine legislators to pass the bills that would best ensure a healthy planet.  In 2009 he received one of 4 statewide environment awards from NRCM for his lobbying efforts & Green Team work.

 Having a healthy planet begins with being fit yourself, and so Dustin supports many programs that spread this idea.  He has participated in the Hoops for Heart program for 3 years, raising hundreds of dollars for research.  For Dustin, running is not just a hobby, but an all out passion. He has run in the Sugarloaf Half Marathon, Portland Half Marathon, Kiwanis 4th of July Run, and The Komen Race for the Cure, a national event that raises funds for research and awareness about Breast Cancer.  At school Dustin was voted to be the captain of the Boys Cross Country team by his teammates.  He was the #1 Runner for the Reeds Brook team and has scored exceptionally high for someone of his age.  His coach has said that Dustin is a great leader who always strives to build up the morale of everyone around him, cheering on his team mates, helping teach the proper forms of stretching, and keeping kids focused on the team goals.  

 His teachers have commented that Dustin is a great student who contributes to every class he attends.  When you ask him to share his thoughts in writing, he always gives an articulate, well reasoned answer that exceeds expectations.  Dustin brings an unusual creativity to competing with the Math team.  He finished in the Top 10 for the year of all students in the Eastern Maine Math league.  His teachers have observed that he’s very intuitive about Math.  Mrs. Simpson has said that Dustin can think outside the box and has a knack for constructing his own methods of learning when faced with a problem.  This quick thinking was a major factor to the school team’s win of the Eastern Main Math League Title in 2010.

 Another community service that Dustin enjoys is volunteer work behind the scenes in theatre programs.  This year he served as the lighting designer for Brewer’s Next Generation Theatre group on several productions.  He worked hard on the weekends to help run and program the lighting board, aim and adjust the lighting so others on the stage could shine.  He also has lent his talents to the Reeds Brook Drama Club, and as a member of chorus.

 For these and other reasons, we are pleased to present the Secretary of State’s Eighth Grade Citizenship Award for 2010 to Dustin Ramsay.

 He has taken important steps forward, and we’re confident that he will continue to achieve great things in the years ahead.

 Congratulations Dustin!  Please come forward to accept your award.