Apple Inc. recognizes schools and programs all over the world who use the company’s products in a way that promotes leadership, innovation and educational excellence. These are called “Apple Distinguished Schools” and being recognized as one requires a great deal of work.

For a school to be recognized, an iBook needs to be put together highlighting the technology used in the school or program and how it enhances the learning environment. This book needs to show the ways in which Apple technology helps both students and teachers.

According to Boothbay Region High School teacher Emily Higgins, many of the schools that have been recognized put adults in charge of creating this iBook.

“Principals or teachers create it,” Higgins said. “Which is fine for them, but we felt our story would be best told by students.”

To that end, a group of students were called into the computer lab one day. These students were picked because of their skills with technology. They were asked if they would be interested in creating the iBook and trying to get BRHS recognized as an Apple Distinguished School.

Oh, and they only had three weeks to do it.

The students decided they were up for the challenge and got right to work. These students included freshman Tyler Field, sophomores Kenny Hicks and Jacob Bishopp, juniors Anna Baumm, Dominick Thompson, Camden Spear and Lisa Pawlowski, and senior Courtney Brewer.

“We had to show how we (BRHS) are moving with technology and keeping it innovative,” Baumm said.

“We also showed how the teachers use the iPads to help us learn, like with Apple TV,” Bishopp said. “Like Mrs. Miller, she doesn't have an actual classroom, but she can use Apple TV to project notes and stuff on the wall to make things easier for students.”

Some of the ways the students showcased BRHS was in video interviews of teachers and students, photos and articles. They made sure to include photos of Camden Spear in the Seahawk mascot costume as well to show their school spirit.

“We started the video with an interview with Mrs. (Eileen) King,” said editor-in-chief Brewer. “We talked about how the program giving every student an iPad started.”

“We talked about having textbooks on iPads so students don't have to lug big books around,” Spear said.

“And about the eBackpack and Visual Literacy programs,” Field added.

With the deadline approaching fast, the students were given the Thursday before the deadline for an in-school field trip so they could get everything completed.

“Mrs. Greenstone helped a lot,” Brewer said. “She got it all neat and submitted it to Apple in time. We didn't think we'd make it, but we did.”

“A lot of that credit goes to Courtney,” Baumm said. “She showed really strong leadership.”

Each student was given specific assignments as part of the project, with Brewer acting as editor-in-chief to keep everything organized.

The students praised the work of Hicks on the project, who was unavailable to comment.

“He does amazing artwork,” Thompson said.

Not all the plans they had for the iBook worked out. While they did get photos of Spear posing in the Seahawk outfit, the plan to have him turn a cartwheel was derailed by the costume head falling off.

“Having a mascot like ours really sets us apart,” Baumm said. “And Spear does a great job; he's humorous and fun and kids love the Seahawk.”

“Some of the other schools are really high-tech, much more than we are — some crazy stuff out there,” Brewer said. “We needed to show what set us apart.”

Apple agreed that Boothbay Region High School was special, and recognized BRHS as an Apple Distinguished School.

“This is great group of students,” Principal Dan Welch said. “They did an amazing job and deserve a lot of credit for their hard work.”