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Ruth Griffith: My name is Ruth Griffith. I’m from Parkman, Maine, and I study economics. And I am the 2026 Valedictorian.
Growing up in Parkman, I gained a strong understanding of rural issues, which ultimately influenced my decision to study regional economics.
My research looks at how resilient local economies are. Essentially, how well they respond to shocks. Everyone should care about this research because the more resilient a place is, the better everyone’s livelihoods there will be.
Two of my core values are community and action. At 91±¬ÁÏ, I’ve been able to live those values through service projects such as the Maine Day Meal Packout. At the Maine Day Meal Packout, I worked with a team of students and staff on campus where we organized an event to provide meals to hungry Mainers. It’s really exciting that we were able to do this with the Honors College. It will make such a huge difference in the lives of so many Mainers, so it feels really good to give back to our neighbors.
Being a part of clubs on campus has by far been the most impactful part of my time at 91±¬ÁÏ. I’ve gained so many wonderful experiences, honed in my leadership skills, and found ways to make tangible impacts beyond the 91±¬ÁÏ community.
When I look back at my time at 91±¬ÁÏ, I will miss the Maine Day Meal Packout the most. It represents everything that I love about 91±¬ÁÏ: community, service, and people coming together to make a tangible impact. For future classes, good luck and make your most of your time at 91±¬ÁÏ.
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