Before the start of the Boothbay Region Elementary School Grandparents and Grandfriends event Friday, May 25, Assistant Principal Tricia Campbell made an announcement.

“BRES is proud to announce that our very own Lauren Brown has been named as one of the top, outstanding teachers in Maine 2018. Mrs. Brown will join the team as one of the “Starting 9” and be given a place in the Maine Teacher’s Hall of Fame.”

Every year, the Portland Sea Dogs and multinational company Unum present nine teachers the honor of being among the best teachers in Maine. The honor comes in the form of being named to the “Starting 9” – a first-string team of Maine’s finest and most outstanding teachers. The honorees will be recognized at Unum’s annual Teacher’s Hall of Fame event at Hadlock Field where each teacher and five family members or friends will be able to view the Friday, June 22 Portland Sea Dogs versus Trenton Thunder game in a skybox. Each honorees will also receive a $500 check, a personalized Sea Dogs uniform top, and the opportunity to throw out one of the first pitches.

“Today’s educators are investing their time in developing leaders for tomorrow. Through education, children gain the skills and values necessary to become strong leaders in our communities. Maine’s future depends on how well we prepare those students for success in college, career and citizenship,” said Campbell. “Congratulations Mrs. Brown! We are so fortunate to have you as part of the BRES family community. You are an outstanding teacher.”

Campbell nominated Brown for the award and Brown said later in an email, “I am honored to be selected as there are many deserving educators in our school and schools across our great state.

“The event sounds like fun, as Tricia Campbell received the award previously as well and shared what a great experience it was. Most of all, it will be a chance to spend some quality time with my family after a very busy school year!”