Column: A decade of empowering young leaders in York County

Back in high school, I wanted to start a nonprofit organization to give back to others. Flash forward to my first term in the House of Representatives, and I made it a reality. What started out as a group to do everything from supporting homeless veterans to get back on their feet, providing arts grants to local classrooms, and hosting a community speaker series turned into a foundation for awarding college scholarships.
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For the past 10 years, I’ve provided college scholarships to very deserving local students. Nearly $14,000 in scholarships have been awarded and 30 student scholars have been recognized through our Chenette Scholarship Fund.

The basis of the scholarship centers around empowering the next generation of leaders through service. Each student applicant is required to demonstrate social impact not just on their school campus, but also out in their community. Often, we have youth who volunteer actively with causes they believe in, take on leadership roles that motivate others to succeed, and create meaningful change through projects or advocacy.

My husband and I choose to give back this way. We handle everything from raising funds from supporters and through community fundraisers to working directly with guidance offices at each of our local high schools to select the recipients.

Every year, I continue to be impressed by the caliber of our scholars and their commitment to lifting up those around them. I’m proud to help encourage these young leaders along their journey toward service and success. I love seeing how our scholars go on to use their voice, skills, and passion to make a difference in their community, state, and profession. They give me hope for the future. This year’s group is no different.
Charlotte LaSalle is our Chenette Leadership Scholar from Old Orchard Beach High School. Charlotte is someone who uplifts others through a passion for music. She took on a leadership role on campus when she became a drum major in the marching band, performing in the community functions, like Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day events. As a Rotary Interact Club member, Charlotte helped collect donations and toys to ensure local children had a bright holiday season through Toys for Tots. Charlotte will attend Suffolk University this fall, where she will major in biology.

Sam Drummey is our Chenette Leadership Scholar from Thornton Academy and is an impressive human being. Sam was student council vice president, hosting food drives for the Saco Food Pantry, Environmental Club co-president, and a student representative on local city committees dealing with transportation and sustainability. As a volunteer with Maine Youth Action’s Legislative Team and MaineTrans Net, Sam used advocacy and political organizing to advance causes he cares about. He participated in Model United Nations, speech team, and National Honor Society. His high school experience culminated in being selected as one of just two students in the entire state to become a delegate to the highly competitive U.S. Senate Youth Program. Sam will attend Columbia University this fall, with a focus on economics, political science, and human rights.

Samuel Coldwell of Hollis is this year’s Chenette Leadership Scholar from Bonny Eagle High School. Samuel has been recognized for his efforts volunteering with the Kiwanis Key Club on campus, where he helped with the Special Olympics. He also excelled in sports as the varsity soccer team captain and as a member of the tennis team. Samuel will attend the University of Maine at Farmington this fall with an interest in history.
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Lifelong learning isn’t just for our scholars, though. I was recently honored to receive a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Maine at Augusta in recognition of my public service, scholarship efforts, and professional work in the communications field. I earned a post- baccalaureate degree in public administration from the University of Maine at Augusta in 2021 via our UMaine-Augusta Saco Center. We are so fortunate to host UMaine-Augusta in our community. It’s an incredible resource for our entire region for individuals of any age to have access to on-demand professional development and higher education. The old adage of “there’s no greater gift than the gift of education” is very true and fuels my passion to empower youth to reach their greatest potential.

Justin Chenette is county commissioner for Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Hollis, and Buxton and is a former state senator. He serves on the Southern Maine Planning & Development Commission, Maine Right to Know Advisory Committee and provides college scholarships through his foundation. He can be reached at [email protected].