AAI Welcomes New Scholar Selection Committee Chair

Aroostook Aspirations Initiative (AAI) is proud to welcome Presque Isle native Abigail Clair as the new Scholar Selection Committee Chair.

Abigail has been a part of the committee since AAI began awarding scholarships in 2014. She’s also had a connection to the organization’s founders, Ray and Sandy Gauvin, since she was a senior in high school, when she applied for the original Gauvin Scholarship and received it.

“It was a special opportunity to have the financial support along with building relationships with other professionals who shared the same passion for Aroostook County and the youth who may contribute to it,” said Clair.

Clair graduated from the University of Maine at Presque Isle in 2011 with a Bachelors of Social Work degree, and graduated from the University of Maine at Orono in 2015 with her Masters of Social Work. She has also obtained her Licensed Master Social Work (LMSW), and is currently working on her clinical license. She has been employed at The Aroostook Medical Center (TAMC) for four years now, and most recently holds the position as Emergency Room Social Worker.

“I adore this community and have always felt a special passion for the unique needs of our rural setting,” said Clair. “After several years of serving on the committee, I look forward to now leading with Kristen as the Scholar Committee Chair. I am pleased to be able to contribute to the committee in a new way, ensuring that we continue to reassess our process and award scholars as intended within the mission of AAI.”

AAI’s Executive Director, Kristen Wells says, not only is scholarship season an exciting time for the organization, it’s also exciting to have someone like Clair play a leadership role in a county she is truly passionate about.

“The selection of our Gauvin Scholars is not a simple process. The committee spends a great deal of time selecting the students who will benefit most from our scholarship and programming. Under Abigail’s leadership, and with her experience as a Gauvin Scholar, I’m sure this year will be another successful selection,” said Wells.

If you would like to learn more about this innovative program, visit gauvinfund.org, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter AAI/GauvinFund or e-mail them at info@gauvinfund.org.

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