Tag: Karen Garnett

BHS art students earn statewide recognition

~ Karen Garnett ~ Leave a comment

By KAREN GARNETT, Contributing Writer

Two Biddeford High School students are being recognized for their award-winning artwork in the prestigious Scholastic Art and Writing Awards at the Maine College of Art & Design in Portland next month.

Junior Brynn Wilkinson earned a Silver Key Award for her “Drawn by Light”, an 8-by-10 acrylic still-life painting, and Sophomore Shayleigh Kennedy earned an Honorable Mention for her “Chromatic Shades of Me”, an 18-by-24 portrait. 

The program honors the creativity of teens at both the regional and national levels through awards, exhibitions, publications, and scholarship opportunities.

Biddeford High School Junior Brynn Wilkinson’s artwork, “Drawn by Light,” has been recognized with the Scholastic Art and Writing Silver Key Award for her acrylic still-life painting.

Open to students in grades 7–12, the competition invites submissions across 29 categories in art and writing. All entries are reviewed through a blind judging process by leading professionals in the visual and literary arts, ensuring that work is evaluated solely on its merit. Evaluators look for pieces that demonstrate originality, technical skill, and a developing personal voice or artistic vision.

“I’m incredibly proud of these students—not just for the quality of their work, but for the courage it takes to share their creativity beyond the classroom,” said Elizabeth Ames, Biddeford High School Art Teacher. “Year after year, students from the Biddeford art program earn recognition through this program, reflecting the depth of talent, dedication, and creative risk-taking across our classes.

Biddeford High School Sophomore Shayleigh Kennedy’s artwork, “Chromatic Shades of Me,” has been recognized with the Scholastic Art and Writing Honorable Mention Award for her portrait.

“Their pieces demonstrate strong technical skills and emerging artistic voices, and it’s been a joy to support them through the process. Attending the exhibit at Maine College of Art & Design later this month is a meaningful way to celebrate their achievements and show them that their work truly belongs in the broader artistic community.”

Both Wilkinson and Kennedy will be honored at an awards ceremony on March 14, 2026, and their award-winning artwork, along with other Maine student artwork, will be on display at the Maine College of Art & Design in Portland from 9:a.m. to 5 p.m. between February 20, 2026, and March 14, 2026. 

Biddeford High School encourages the arts through an extensive Fine Arts curriculum, which includes Foundations of Art, Drawing and Color, Painting, Advanced Studio Art, Ceramics, Music (Theory, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir), Band (Symphonic, Concert, Jazz, Percussion, Guitar), Theater (Dance, Choreography), and Video Production.

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Karen Garnett is Director of Communications for Biddeford, Saco and Dayton schools.

She can be reached at kgarnett@biddefordschools.me

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Biddeford students headed to York County spelling bee

~ Karen Garnett ~ Leave a comment

By KAREN GARNETT, Contributing Writer

Students from Biddeford and Saco schools showcased their spelling skills last month during their respective school Spelling Bees, earning top honors and advancing to the York County Spelling Bee on February 9, 2026, at Saco Middle School. Due to limited space, the event is not open to the public.

 Biddeford Middle School’s Spelling Bee Champion Ronan Lunianski and Runner-up Jordan Souliere. will be heading to the York County Spelling Bee (Contributed photo)

At CK Burns School, fifth-grade students Sage Daicy claimed the championship by correctly spelling gleaned, while Peter Galasyn earned the runner-up position and Calie Thayer placed third. At Saco Middle School, sixth-grader Toran King-Riggs secured the championship in round ten by correctly spelling Frankenstein, while sixth-grader Marko Marjanovic earned runner-up, and eighth-grader Layla Goodrich placed third. At Biddeford Middle School, seventh-grader Ronan Lunianski was named School Champion by correctly spelling equestrian, with sixth-grader Jordan Souliere earning the runner-up position. 

The York County Spelling Bee brings together top spellers from schools across the region for a rigorous, multi-round competition that challenges students’ vocabulary, composure, and perseverance. Participants advance by correctly spelling increasingly complex words, with judges and an official pronouncer guiding each round. The event celebrates academic achievement while encouraging confidence, focus, and a love of language.

“In past years, I’ve had the chance to watch students compete, and what stands out most is their courage,” said Jeremy Ray, Superintendent of Biddeford and Saco Schools. “Standing up in front of your peers, trusting your instincts, and pushing through pressure takes real grit. Whether they placed first or simply took the microphone and gave it their best, every one of these students made their school communities proud, and we wish them the best of luck at the York County Spelling Bee.”

The Biddeford and Saco School Departments congratulate all Spelling Bee participants for their preparation, perseverance, and outstanding sportsmanship, and wish their advancing students the best of luck at the York County Spelling Bee.

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Karen Garnett is Director of Communications for Biddeford, Saco and Dayton schools.

She can be reached at kgarnett@biddefordschools.me

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BMS Math Teams Undefeated

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

By KAREN GARNETT

Biddeford Middle School’s (BMS) fifth and sixth-grade Math Meet teams earned first place at all four meets this season, finishing undefeated in the Southern Maine Elementary Math League. The seventh-grade team also delivered a strong performance in the Southern Maine Math League, consistently placing in the top half of competitors across four meets.

The fifth and sixth-grade teams’ undefeated run was bolstered by multiple individual students finishing in the top five at each event, highlighting both team and individual achievement. Top-performing students included Maddox Keddy, Ollie Long, Murphy Adams, Aurora Wilson, Nora LeBlanc, Josie LeBlanc, Charles Larsen, Tyler Blais, Kay Pierson, and Noah Villiora, who consistently ranked among the highest scorers throughout the season, a testament to their consistent performance and preparation.

Biddeford Middle School’s (BMS) sixth-grade Math Meet placed first at their last meet of the year! Pictured: (L-R) Kaden Hinson, Noah Villora, Nora LeBlanc, Kay Pierson, Josie LeBlanc, and Charles Larsen. (Contributed Photo)

The seventh-grade team, competing in the Southern Maine Math League, also had a commendable year. They secured 2nd place at the first meet, followed by 4th place finishes at both the second and third meets, and 6th place at the season’s final meet.

“We are so proud of our students’ dedication and perseverance throughout the year,” said Suzanne Tighe, BMS Math Meet Coach. “They put in the effort week after week, and their results reflect not only talent, but also teamwork and a true love of learning.”

Biddeford Middle School Principal Scott Descoteaux added, “It’s exciting to see our students thriving in such a challenging academic setting. The success of these teams is a reflection of the hard work by our staff, families, and—most importantly—our students. We look forward to seeing what they accomplish next.”

 Biddeford Middle School’s (BMS) fifth grade Math Meet team earned first place at all four meets this season, finishing undefeated in the Southern Maine Elementary Math League. Pictured: (Front Row, L-R) Kalina Simard, Ollie Long, Theodore Pierson, Carson Charland; (Middle Row, L-R) Julia Pettyjohn, Natalie Deschambault, Libby Loranger, Aurora Wilson; and (Back Row, L-R) Murphy Adams, Joe LeBlanc, Tyler Blais, Maddox Keddy. (Contributed Photo)

Biddeford Middle School is proud to celebrate the success and hard work of its students. These young mathematicians demonstrated strong teamwork, critical thinking, and academic excellence. Their achievements set a positive example for peers and reflect the vibrant academic culture at BMS.

Karen Garnett is the communications director for the Biddeford School System. She can be contacted at kgarnett@biddefordschools.me

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