AUGUSTA — Trustees of Leavitt Institute were honored for their ongoing support of education in SAD 52 with a Maine School Boards Association Friend of Education Award at a statewide gathering of education leaders.

The trustees were nominated by the SAD 52 board for consistent support of education in the district and honored during an award ceremony at the Maine School Management Association’s annual Fall Conference on Oct. 26.

Through the years, the trustees of Leavitt, a group of alumni and supporters of the old Leavitt Institute High School, have funded staffed-proposed projects; donated to the creation of a student lounge at the Leavitt Area High School; and awarded four different scholarships annually.

They also have contributed more than $230,000 in the past six years alone for staff-supported projects designed to expand educational opportunities and experiences for SAD 52 students. Those projects have ranged from a maker space in the library, to field trips for Latin students, and the creation of a sugar shack that allows students from all backgrounds to help run a maple syrup business.

”Whether supporting a pre-engineering class, an arts gala, or exploration of the River Valley course, the trustees have been there for students and staff of SAD 52,” said outgoing MSBA President Beck Fles, who presented the award to Mary Briggs, chairwoman of the Executive Committee and Scholarship Committee for the trustees.

Mary Briggs, left, of the Leavitt Trustees receives the Friend of Education award from outgoing MSBA President Becky Fles.