NMCC Celebrates Student Achievement, Community at Annual Evening of Excellence

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Northern Maine Community College celebrated academic achievement, leadership, and community service during its annual Evening of Excellence, held Wednesday, April 30, 2025, on campus.

The event opened with remarks from Dean of Students Matt Grillo, who commended the honorees for their resilience and dedication.

“Today we come together to recognize students and staff who have gone above and beyond,” said Grillo. “You are seen, supported, and celebrated by faculty and this institution. Congratulations on your achievements.”

Department chairs introduced faculty who recognized student excellence in their respective programs and shared reflections highlighting each recipient’s perseverance, leadership, and academic distinction.

Recipients of the 2025 Academic Achievement Awards include:

Accounting — Lateefa M. Ronco (Monticello, ME)
Auto Collision Repair — Robert E. Giles (Bangor, ME)
Automotive Technology — Cameron L. Derosier (Saint David, ME)
Business Administration — Mercedes S. Avery (Houlton, ME)
Building and Construction Technology — Ryan J. Whittaker (Mapleton, ME)
Computer-Aided Machining — Keith L. Holmes (Fort Fairfield, ME)
Diesel Hydraulics Technology — Jon G. Staples (Presque Isle, ME)
Early Childhood Education — Daisy C. Bradney (Swanville, ME)
Electrical Construction and Maintenance — Michael T. McLellan (Presque Isle, ME)
Emergency Medical Services — Andrew J. Guerrette (Frenchville, ME)
Liberal Studies — Ethan I. Ouellette (Fort Fairfield, ME)
Licensed Practical Nursing — Lori A. Massey (Danforth, ME)
Licensed Practical Nursing — Joshua R. Saucier (Bangor, ME)
Medical Assisting — Angela M. Botting (Island Falls, ME)
Medical Coding — Scott L. Alcock (Otisfield, ME)
Network Administration and Cybersecurity — James M. Boutot (Houlton, ME)
Nursing — Trinity K. Saucier-Pellicer (Washburn, ME)
Plumbing and Heating — Nathan M. Voisine (Fort Kent, ME)
Structural Welding — Joshua E.G. Clark (Garfield Plt, ME)
Water Treatment Technology — Devon A. Downs (Winterport, ME)
Wind Power Technology — Daniel J. Landon (Ashland, ME)

In addition to program awards, eight students received special recognition. These honors include the Gorman Scholarship, presented to a student who demonstrates academic promise, financial need, and a strong commitment to community service. The Phi Theta Kappa All-Maine Academic Team recognizes outstanding community college students for academic achievement, leadership, and service. The Falcon Spirit Award honors a student who exemplifies school pride and a positive presence on campus, while the Awards of Excellence are given to students who have shown exceptional achievement and dedication across all areas of their academic journey.

Recipients of special awards include:

Gorman Scholarship – Allyssa R.E. Boucher (Caribou, ME)
Phi Theta Kappa All-Maine Academic Team – Logan M. Bernier (New Canada, ME)
Phi Theta Kappa All-Maine Academic Team – Grace A. Flewelling (Easton, ME)
Phi Theta Kappa All-Maine Academic Team – Robert E. Giles (Bangor, ME)
Phi Theta Kappa All-Maine Academic Team – Ethan M. Thibeault (Mapleton, ME)
Falcon Spirit Award – Islakeno C. Mahabir (Presque Isle, ME)
Award of Excellence – Trinity R. Bartlett (Washburn, ME)
Award of Excellence Gavin Oelschlegel (Presque Isle, ME)

Student Senate President Islakeno Mahabir, along with Vice President Joseph Bicknell and Secretary Alexandra Cyr, presented the 2025 Instructor of the Year Award to Trena Soucy, a life sciences faculty member. Students submitted heartfelt testimonials praising Soucy for her empathy, energy, knowledge, and unwavering dedication.

The Student Senate also recognized campus leadership. Mahabir presented flowers to Interim Academic Dean Eileen McDougal and Interim President Angela Buck, thanking them for their service during a year of transition. McDougal, who came out of retirement to serve, was honored for her long-standing commitment to the college. Buck was credited with giving the college stability and direction during the transition following the retirement of Timothy Crowley, NMCC’s long-standing president. Mahabir then welcomed incoming President Doug Binsfeld to the community, presenting him with flowers as he begins his tenure this spring.

In a special tribute, the Student Senate honored Tom Richard, director of the Smith Wellness Center, who is retiring after 40 years of service. Richard’s impact on student life and campus wellness was warmly acknowledged by students and colleagues alike.

The evening concluded with a dessert reception in celebration of the award recipients and college leaders.