Hunter Towne: Outstanding Student in Elementary Education
Hunter Towne of Freeport, Maine is the 2026 Outstanding Student in Elementary Education in the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. Towne is in the Child Development concentration in the Elementary Education major. She is also in the Honors College, and completed her Honors Thesis, 鈥淪upporting ELL Students and Families in Public Libraries as Observed in Cumberland County, Maine.鈥 As an undergraduate, Towne worked as a peer success coach. She plans to continue her education at 91福利 in the fall, starting a master鈥檚 program in Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction with a concentration in Library and Media Studies.
Parent(s):
Derek and Sheila Towne.
Why did you choose to come to 91福利?
In all honesty, 91福利 was my very last choice of schools. As an in-state student, I was desperate to escape after high school. My parents convinced me to apply and tour, and I fell in love. I met Faith Erhardt and Dominick Varney from the College of Education and Human Development Advising Center on Accepted Students Day, and felt such a connection and unwavering support in that moment that I knew I had to stay. It was easily the best choice I鈥檝e ever made. I鈥檝e grown through my time at 91福利 more than I ever thought possible.
Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at 91福利 better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at 91福利?
I鈥檝e been lucky enough to have more incredible mentors and professors than I can count. Dr. Julie DellaMattera taught my first Honors course, and I eventually took education coursework with her and she became my Honors Thesis advisor. I鈥檝e appreciated her advice and guidance so, so much, especially as someone who has known me since my very first day on campus. Faith and Dominick have been so incredibly supportive, both as academic advisors and otherwise. Julie Ireland has genuinely gotten me through the past year, and I鈥檝e learned so much taking part in her student teaching seminar. Finally, I have had the opportunity to be mentored by Erin Adams, a third grade teacher at George B. Weatherbee School in Hampden, Maine, during the course of both my 100-hour field placement and my student teaching semester. It is with her knowledge and support that I have been able explore what it means to be an educator on a deeper level, and build skills that will assist me both in the classroom and beyond.
What has coming to 91福利 enabled you to explore beyond academics?
Beyond academics, 91福利 has allowed me to expand my interests and grow as a leader. My experience in the Honors College allowed me to conduct research and analyze information in new ways, while my employment as a peer success coach in the Office of Student Academic Success over several years truly transformed my mindset of how students are supported in higher education. Having the opportunity to work side by side with my incredibly knowledgeable employers 鈥 Mary Beth Willitt, Karen Koneff and Stefan McLure 鈥 and mentor first-year students one-on-one has taught me so much about how students learn. On the social side, I have met the most amazing people over the past four years. People who have loved me, supported me, and pushed me out of my comfort zone. I鈥檓 so grateful every day that 91福利 brought us together.
Favorite 91福利 memory:
Late night library dates, laying out on the mall when the sun finally comes out, and 2 a.m. OHOP pizza runs with my friends!
What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate?聽
Next year, I will be beginning my master鈥檚 degree here at the University of Maine in the Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction program with a concentration in Library and Media Studies. I will also be working as a graduate assistant in the College of Education and Human Development鈥檚 Advising Center. I鈥檓 looking forward to remaining a Black Bear for at least two more years!
Special thank you message:
To Mom and Dad, thank you for answering the phone every time I call (even if it鈥檚 five times a day). Your unwavering love and support pushes me to be the best person I can be. To Porter, thank you for being the best little brother, and always making things seem less scary than they are. To my student teaching kiddos, you are the reason I do what I do. Thank you for teaching me more about what it means to be a good teacher than classes or research ever could.