For all her work organizing Set for Success, the Community School District committee recognized Sue Burge at its Nov. 12 meeting.

“In recognition of all she has done for our community and school, we recognize Sue Burge at this time of giving thanks,” Superintendent Eileen King said.

Set for Success equips students up to grade 8 with needed school supplies and provides hygiene kits, haircuts, and snacks for all area students, regardless of family income. It also gave students and parents a chance to meet the school principals before school started.

“I think it's important to start kids off on the same level,” Burge said. “And teachers spend on average $1,000 of their own money bringing in supplies for kids. Maybe this helps with that.”

BRES principal Mark Tess presented Burge with flowers from the committee, and King presented her with a wrapped gift.

“You brought together over 1,000 people and helped 325 students get ready for the school year,” King said to Burge. “In the 22 years I've been involved with the school, it's the greatest effort I've ever seen.”

“The whole community gets involved and talks about it,” Chairman Larry Colcord said. “You are to be commended.”

“It's a model of what this community is all about,” committee member Brian Blethen said.

Committee member and newly elected state representative Stephanie Hawke also spoke about Burge's help during BikeMaine, when she was at the school by 5 a.m. helping to make lobster rolls.

“If I was to vote for a member of this community who makes a difference, my vote would be for you,” Tess said.

Related: More than 300 students are now ‘Set for Success’