As I begin my retirement this summer, I find myself with a flood of fond memories of my life of teaching in central Maine.

I first came to Maine in 1974, not knowing a soul, and started teaching sixth grade in Fairfield. I immediately felt taken into the community here as people helped me and made me feel at home. The warm welcoming I received endeared me to this area, and I have never left.

Eventually, I went to Madison Area Memorial High School, where I taught for the past 27 years. It has been a wonderful journey, full of many rewards.

I have loved knowing the families, sometimes several generations, through my classes, and they have filled my life with the events of theirs. I have watched their students grow up, become successful adults, and have children of their own, many of whom I also had the honor of teaching.

Life has come full circle for me in these years, and I feel very blessed.

I want to thank all of them for allowing me the privilege of being part of their lives, and of teaching their children. It has truly been one of the great joys of my life.

Patricia W. Baldwin, retired teacher

Norridgewock


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