06/26/2026
Summer Community Champion
A community champion is a person who collaborates with a variety of partners to strengthen school, business, and non-profit relationships for the benefit of the community and our students.
Marti Steven's Summer Community Champion is Tristen Hinkle!
Tristen has worked tirelessly to build meaningful connections between her students and the Skowhegan community and beyond. She believes learning extends far beyond the classroom walls and has created countless opportunities for students to engage in hands-on, real-world experiences. From water sampling and maple syrup production to beekeeping, college visits, and even a lobster boat tour, Tristen continually finds innovative ways to connect students with learning through community partnerships.
Her dedication to building relationships has not only enriched the experiences of her students but has also strengthened connections between the community and our schools. Tristen is a passionate advocate for her students, always taking the time to listen, support, and encourage them both academically and personally. She approaches every challenge with compassion, utilizing trauma-informed practices and a calm, solution-focused mindset.
This year, Tristen's impact was recognized statewide when she was selected as one of Maine's 2026 Alternative Education Educators of the Year—an honor awarded to educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication to student success, innovative programming, and unwavering advocacy for alternative education.
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Through her leadership, commitment, and belief in every student's potential, Tristen has made a lasting difference in the lives of countless students and families.
Thank you for all you do in our community, Tristen!