The University of Maine at Presque Isle will honor two alumni during its Annual Alumni Luncheon and Awards Ceremony, held as part of the University’s Homecoming 2010 activities the weekend of Sept. 17-19.
Alumna Marjorie Queen will be honored with the Educator of the Year Award, which is presented to an alumnus/alumna who has received ongoing recognition as an outstanding educator. This recipient may also have shown active or supportive involvement with the Alumni Association, support of the university, a successful career that reflects well on the University, and outstanding leadership qualities.
Alumna Sherry Churchill will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award, which is presented to an alumnus/alumna who has made long-term contributions to the Alumni Association or the University, or who has received professional recognition that has reflected positively on the University.
Marjorie Queen graduated from the University in 1984 with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. She later went on to earn her Master’s degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education from the University of Maine.
Since 1984, Queen has taught at St. Mary’s School in Augusta, Cape Elizabeth High School and currently is an educator at the elementary level for Portland Schools. In addition, she has numerous years of experience working as a Program Developer for intramural programs, as well as coaching basketball and softball.
Queen is currently the President of the Maine Alliance for Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD), and was recognized in 2004 by the organization as the MAHPERD Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. She also serves on the “Let’s Go” Healthy Living, Active Lifestyles initiative and has served for 24 years as an American Heart Association Jump Rope for Heart Coordinator.
Also being recognized, Churchill graduated from the University in 1993 with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies/Geology, and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Public Affairs from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind., in 2001.
Since 2005, Churchill has served as the lead consultant for Savory Bay Environmental Planning and Project Management. She has worked on the planning and development of multiple community projects, including the development of nature-based tourism in the Down East region of Maine, and assisted in the development of green business resources in collaboration with the Down East Resource Conservation and Development Council and Maine Sea Grant. Between 1994 and 1997, Churchill spent time in Niger, West Africa, volunteering as an agro-forester with the Peace Corps. She also spent a year as an intern in former U.S. Senator George Mitchell’s office.
In 2005, Churchill received the Project of the Year award, while working as an Environmental Planner in Hancock County. She has also co-authored five publications, including A Resource Guide for Sustainable Tourism in Down East, Maine and Southeast. In addition, she is a member of the Maine Municipal Association, is on the board of the Maine Resource Recovery Association, and on the Steering Committee for the Union River Watershed Coalition.