Hello,

Messages | My Profile | Logout | Renew

• Health
• Money
• Leisure
• Make a Difference
• Family
• Online Community
• Membership

Carrabec High School of North Anson, Maine was unanimously chosen as the winner of AARP’s Ethel Percy Andrus Award for Innovation, for their "Will Power" Program.  Every morning, by 6:00 a.m., a fifth of the student body and a growing number of faculty and community members gather in the gymnasium for a rigorous physical and mental workout!  In addition to the physical regimen, the program provides morning tutoring for challenged students, a focus on personal goal setting and group support for overcoming challenges in multiple life arenas. Participants give back to the community through volunteer and fundraising activities throughout the year. Participants in the Will Power Program have an average GPA of 84.64 compared to a school average of 79.53.  Course failure rates for the school have dropped sharply with Will Power students leading the way.  To celebrate their achievement, two ceremonies were held on March 13, one at the North Anson high school and one at the State House.  The celebration included participation by Governor John Baldacci, who proclaimed March 13 as AARP 50^th Anniversary Day.  Fifty of the Will Power student participants came to the Augusta State House for a day of festivities, that included a reading of sentiments by the House and the Senate; a tour of the State House; lunch with AARP Staff, volunteers and community members; a press conference for the $10,000 check presentation attended by local legislative representatives and covered by local media and a ceremonial cutting (and eating!) of an AARP 50^th Anniversary birthday cake.  For more information, contact:  Phyllis Cohn, ASD Communications, 207-791-3901 or pcohn@aarp.org.