Biddeford Intermediate School – BIDDEFORD GAZETTE

[CONTRIBUTED STORY]

By KAREN GARNETT | Biddeford School Department

BIDDEFORD, Maine – Biddeford Intermediate School (BIS) welcomed acclaimed author and illustrator Rebekah Lowell on the morning of March 19, 2026, where she led four engaging presentations for third and fourth grade students centered on storytelling, creativity, and art.

*Biddeford Intermediate School third grader Olivia Langill showcases her drawing after following along with Author and Illustrator Rebekah Lowell. (Contributed Photo)*

A graduate of Biddeford High School, Lowell returned to her hometown to share her journey as an author and illustrator, captivating students with personal stories of how her love of storytelling was sparked during time spent with her grandfather. She spoke about the path that led her to write and illustrate her books, “Catching Flight” and “The Road to After,” and how her work is inspired by a deep connection to nature. As a birder and Maine Master Naturalist, Lowell shared her passion for observing the natural world and creating children’s books that encourage empathy through its wonder.

Reflecting the heart of her work, Lowell shared the following message, as featured on her website: “As children, we have a sense of wonder that often fades as we grow—but my passion is to keep that youthful spirit of discovery alive through the process of observing and creating. My heart continues to be amazed by the natural world we live in and I want to share this through the words and images of my work. By teaching others to love nature, we encourage empathy, and in that we are saving the world.”

*Following her presentation, Author and Illustrator Rebekah Lowell guides Biddeford Intermediate students through easy steps to draw a northern cardinal bird. (Contributed photo)*

In addition to why storytelling is important to her, Lowell guided students step-by-step through drawing a northern cardinal bird, blending literacy and visual art in a hands-on learning experience. The BIS cafeteria was filled with excitement as students followed along, creating their own unique illustrations. Some students even had the opportunity to have their drawings autographed by Lowell following the sessions.

“Having Rebekah Lowell join us was a wonderful experience for our students,” said Lindsey Nadeau, principal at Biddeford Intermediate School. “Her ability to connect storytelling with art brought literacy to life in a way that was inspiring. By sharing her personal journey—from growing up in Biddeford to becoming a published author—she showed our students that their own stories matter and that creativity can take many forms.”

*Biddeford Intermediate School fourth grader Katerin Sigcha Tibanlombo had the opportunity to have her drawing autographed by Author and Illustrator Rebekah Lowell following the session.* Contributed photo

The visit highlighted the importance of fostering both literacy and artistic expression in young learners, reinforcing the district’s commitment to providing enriching, real-world learning opportunities that inspire curiosity, empathy, and confidence.

To learn more about Rebekah Lowell and her work, visit https://rebekahlowell.com.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR | A proud Biddeford alumna, Karen brings more than 30 years of experience in marketing, public relations, graphic design, and development across the health care and education sectors. She currently serves as Communications Director for the Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton School Departments.

email | kgarnett@biddefordschools.me

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Yesterday was “Career Day” at the Biddeford Intermediate School, an annual event that gives third, fourth and fifth-graders an opportunity to explore various career fields.

I was asked to be one of the many presenters, but I knew that I was in trouble as soon as I walked through the front-door, clutching a stack of old newspapers, a reporter’s notebook and two pens (always two).

The other presenters were so much cooler and interesting. The police K-9 officer and her dog showed up, a firefighter arrived wearing his helmet with a large oxygen tank on his back. There was a nurse with a stethoscope draped around her neck.

For Pete’s sake, Graig Morin of Brown Dog Trucking even brought one of his 18-wheeler trucks for the kids to explore.

Admittedly, I was a bit nervous as I waited for my first of three-groups of students to arrive in my designated classroom. It’s been a while since I have been grilled by a group of nine and ten-year-olds.

*Tempus Fugit: Lessons learned from a stack of old newspapers*

If you’re not careful, they can really get into your psyche and throw off your whole game. For example, during one of the Q & A sessions, one young lady asked me if I was afraid of heights. I quickly admitted that I am terrified of heights.

“What about snakes?” was her follow-up question. “Yes,” I responded, I am also very afraid of snakes.”

A quarter century? Really?

On the night before the event, I ventured into my basement and hauled out an old-cargo chest that holds scores of old copies of the weekly Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier. I was in a rush, so I just reached in and grabbed five copies, paying no particular attention to the dates or the stories.

I have worked for several newspapers, but most people ‘round here equate me to my fun-filled days as the Courier’s editor (1997-2006) and my infamous weekly column, All Along the Watchtower.

As I was waiting for the kids to arrive, I started flipping through the old papers. Yes, I know that all past issues of the Courier are available on microfiche at the McArthur Library, but this seemed like a more practical way to make my presentation.

As luck would have it, the papers I grabbed were all from April of 2000, exactly 25 years ago. It seems like yesterday, but it was a quarter-century ago. A quarter century.

Just a few weeks ago, the Courier’s new owners (the Portland Press Herald’s parent company) abruptly announced that they will no longer offer print versions of the paper that had been delivered to every household in the Biddeford-Saco area since 1989.

When I heard that news, I didn’t realize how deeply that weekly paper was connected to the community. A wave of nostalgia washed over me as I flipped through the pages of yesteryear.

As luck would have it, the papers I grabbed
were all from April of 2000, exactly 25 years
ago. It seems like yesterday,
but it was a quarter-century ago.

Time may change me. But I can’t trace time.

The kids were eager to pore through old copies of the Courier. Sure, I still write news and opinion, but I can’t imagine 25 years from now that a bunch of kids would be so excited about reviewing a web site.

It was interesting to see what caught their eyes and their imagination. Each of the newspapers had a full back-page ad from Marc Motors. Apparently, in April of 2000, you could buy a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire for $10,995 or a weekly payment of $38. Or you could get a 1997 Ford F-150 for $17,995 (or $65 per week).

In April [2000], we ran a contest: Find the Mistakes in the Courier. The person who found the most verifiable mistakes each week got a free lunch at the Wonderbar. We were all glad when that contest ended.

A lot of the names have changed, but the news back then was not much different than it is today. Ironically, one of the headlines told readers that Biddeford voters may soon be asked to approve construction of a new school to address overcrowding. That school? Yup, the Biddeford Intermediate School, where I was sitting yesterday morning.

The Old Orchard Beach School budget was up $500,000. There was an explosion of a propane tank at the former Maine Energy trash incinerator in downtown Biddeford. Another story explained how Biddeford’s tax rate would increase $1.50 if MERC left town. The top five taxpayers then were MERC, IBC (Nissen Bakeries), Central Maine Power, Walmart and D.K. Associates Limited.

Saco residents were faced with a possible pay-per-bag trash disposal fee, a downtown landlord in Biddeford found himself in hot water with the city’s code enforcement office.

On and on. Into infinity and beyond.

I asked the kids if any of them remember the Yellow Pages. They were stumped; their brows furrowed with intrigue. It’s quite likely that someday the same fate that killed the Yellow Pages will finally overcome print newspapers.

I don’t look forward to that day.

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Tag: Biddeford Intermediate School

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