Saying Goodbye To Good Unsuspected Friends

In 2012 the Trust in our Children Program embarked on a year long project with the Kennebunk High School’s Alternative Education program.  "At risk" students came to the Trust and worked on what became known as the Learning Trail, an interpretive walk in the woods. 

In the past two years, the Learning Trail has become one of our more popular trails, and has proven to be a huge asset to the Trust and our town.   The real story however, is not in the town or on a trail… it’s in the people who built it and the relationship that grew from those first few days out in the woods.

It is hard to explain how that project transformed all of us who were a part of it but it did.  We started out with a little bit of attitude and a whole lot of hoodies.  No one knew what to expect and no one really knew how to work together.  Slowly as we hauled rocks, built bridges, and learned to problem solve together, the walls came down, and a trust was built.  Away fell the stereo types and in its place came a common respect and love for the walk in the woods that we created.

So much happened that year to make change.  That trail started a standing relationship with a group of individuals who we are proud to stand behind and beside.  Friday Harry Fay and Austin Cole graduated and followed behind many others. We were proud to be able to be at their graduation and to see the growth they have shown since first meeting them.

Both started this program failing out of school.  Truancy was an issue, anger management was an issue, trusting adults in school was an issue.  As they graduated on Friday both have jobs, and Austin is going on to get a certification at community college.  Both students are productive active citizens of this community. 

In speaking to them at their graduation I got a card out of my wallet that I keep in there and read it to them.  It is a quote from Abraham Lincoln that I have kept in my wallet for years. Words to live by.  I tried to quote this to them.. I say tried because between the squeaks and tears (I am a terrible crier) I am hoping they got the point. 

"I have an irrepressible desire to live till I can be assured that the world is a little better for my having lived in it."    I hope that they could see all that they had done to make our Conservation Trust stronger and better, and that they can leave knowing that this place, is truly better for them having been a part of it. 

They have made the Trust a part of their home, and they can always come home again.

Good Luck Harry and Austin!