RANGELEY — Two winners of prestigious educational scholarships were announced during graduation ceremonies at Rangeley Lakes Regional School on June 7.

Brooke Laliberte was awarded the Seasonal Friends of Rangeley Scholarship and Ana Orazi was awarded the Rangeley Lakes Region Legacy Scholarship. Brooke will receive a multi-year stipend totaling $10,000, and Ana will receive $2500.

Both students were recognized for their strong academic records, activity in various school programs and participation in community service, which is a major criterion used in selecting recipients of these scholarships.

Brooke Laliberte plans to receive a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She has already completed a Certified Nursing Assistant program at Foster Career and Technical Education Center in Farmington. While attending CNA schooling, she was recognized as Student of the Semester for her caring nature and attention to detail. Due to her commitment to service and her compassion, Brooke recently received the Maine Principal’s Award from the administration and teachers at the high school. Brooke believes that her strong work ethic and her compassion will greatly help her in a nursing career.

Ana Orazi received the Legacy Scholarship, which is supported by permanent residents of the area, as well as individuals who wish to donate in memory or in honor of someone. After experiencing some personal and family difficulties during the pandemic, Ana became heavily involved in community and school activities as a means of helping herself heal and grow. She volunteered in local theater, helped with the Interact Club (an organization that works closely with the Rotary Club), and did some volunteer childcare. In school, she was on the Quiz Bowl and Math Team, as well as being a student council member and class officer. Ana was nominated and selected to be in the National Honor Society. She has been accepted at a four year university in Massachusetts, where she plans on majoring in early childhood education – a decision partly based on her community volunteerism in Rangeley.

Recent donors to the Legacy Scholarship include: Anonymous, Donna & George Allison (in memory of Edmund H. & Eva D. Linn), Garrett Brown & Andy Chapin (in memory of Jim & Peggy Chapin), Bret, Kathy, Robby & Brandon Bruce (in memory of Barbara Goolie Moura), Martin & Susan Cramer, Joann & Colin Doherty, James & Ellen Geithman (in memory of Ben Wetherill), M&H Construction (in memory of Elizabeth “Betty” Millbury), Carole & Bruce Hoffmann, Anthony Millington, Ellen & Bill Oppenheim, Karen Seaman (in memory of Danielle Duchesne), Megan Taffe, Aaron & Meagan Vryhof, & Sidney Wade.
The Directors of the Seasonal Friends of Rangeley and Rangeley Lakes Region Legacy Scholarship programs are Delaney Arbore, Student Services Coordinator, Rangeley Lakes Regional School; Traci Lavoie, Assistant Town Manager; Leslie Walton, Branch Supervisor, Franklin Savings Bank and one anonymous seasonal resident.

Contributions to the Seasonal Friends of Rangeley Scholarship and the Legacy Scholarship, which are tax deductible, may be sent to PO Box 321, Rangeley, Maine 04970. (If making a donation in memory or honor of someone, please include their name with donation.) Donors receive a receipt for tax purposes and the thanks of the deserving students who benefit from this very worthwhile program.