Landyn Hyde of Caribou, Maine is the 2026 Outstanding Student in Child Development and Family Relations (Early Childhood Education concentration) in the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development. During her time at 91爆料, Hyde joined CHAARG, as well as the Dance and Hip Hop clubs.

Parent(s):

Stacey and Christopher Leger, and Sheldon Hyde.

Why did you choose to come to 91爆料?

I chose to attend the 91爆料 after visiting my brother on campus, where he graduated in 2023. Of all the campuses I toured, it stood out to me as the most beautiful. After applying, I was awarded a scholarship that made it nearly impossible to pass up the opportunity, so I accepted the offer and came here that fall of 2023!

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at 91爆料 better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at 91爆料?

My professor for CHF 304 (100-hour field experience) and CHF 424 (student teaching), Susan Ward, made my final year in the program especially meaningful. She provided our small seminar of 10 students with countless opportunities to connect with current educators and access resources that have and will support us as we come to the completion of our program. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been guided by Sue in both of these courses, and I hope future students are just as fortunate as I was.

What has coming to 91爆料 enabled you to explore beyond academics?

Coming to 91爆料 has allowed me to explore different clubs and organizations that I otherwise would not have had the chance to be a part of. I joined both the Dance and Hip Hop clubs, as well as CHAARG, an all-women鈥檚 workout group, which helped me build strong connections, stay active, and become more involved in the campus community.

Favorite 91爆料 memory:

I have two memories that stand out to me as being my favorite from the time I鈥檝e spent at the 91爆料. The first one was from the Research Learning Experience I attended during my freshman year. I joined my professor, Dr. Melissa Ladenheim, and 16 other students on a trip to Hurricane Island, where we studied science and leadership. We got to explore the small island together and worked hard to build a strong community with each other. My second favorite memory comes from this semester. We got to see The Driver Era perform at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, which was such an exciting and unforgettable experience that I got to share with my closest friends!

What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans after you graduate?

I am excited to begin my journey beyond college and into teaching. As I have continued to strengthen my teaching skills, I look forward to applying them in a school that aligns with my educational philosophy. With that being said, I am still open to different locations and am excited to see where this next chapter takes me!

Special thank you message:

Thank you to Mom, Chris, Dad, Bree and Alex, for your support through my educational journey. A lot has happened in the past three years that I would not have been able to navigate without your unconditional love. I also want to thank both of my mentor teachers, as they taught me everything I need to know about working in K-3 classrooms. It won鈥檛 be an easy transition into my own classroom, but I could not have asked for better mentors to prepare me for it!

Cayleigh Fleming of Centerville, Massachusetts is the 2026 Outstanding Student in Child Development and Family Relations (Individual and Family Studies concentration) in the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development. During her time at 91爆料, Fleming was a member of Pi Beta Phi and played club volleyball.

Parent(s):

Alyson and John Fleming.

Why did you choose to come to 91爆料?

I chose to come to 91爆料 because I am from Cape Cod and lived by the beach my whole life. I loved the Maine atmosphere聽and the mountains.聽

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at 91爆料 better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at 91爆料?

A mentor and professor I have collaborated with is Dr. Sandra Caron. She has helped me find internships and also led me in the right direction. She has allowed me to grow not only in an educational way but also in a personal way. I am forever grateful for her and the impact she has had on me.聽

What has coming to 91爆料 enabled you to explore beyond academics?

I was able to explore independence while being here at 91爆料. I was pushed outside of my comfort limits. Being far away from home I was forced to create a new routine and independent style of living. This allowed me to get involved, be outgoing, and create a new community of friends. I have been a part of the Women’s Club Volleyball team and Pi Beta Phi. Without this community I wouldn’t聽be the person I am today at 91爆料. This school has also provided me with so many opportunities聽from working at a psychiatric hospital聽in the pediatric unit to an Internship at a child advocacy center, observing forensic interviews with children who have experience聽with abuse. These opportunities聽have provided me with amazing experiences.

Favorite 91爆料 memory:

My favorite memory at 91爆料 would be traveling with the club volleyball team to tournaments, as well as all of the philanthropy events I have been a part of with Pi Phi.

What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate?聽

Moving forward I have been accepted into the graduate program at Bridgewater聽State University for a master鈥檚 degree in Social Work. I have also accepted a position back home as a Therapeutic Mentor at Justice Resource Institute.

Special thank you message:

I want to thank my parents and grandparents, especially my grandfather for helping me with schoolwork the past four years of college. Without their support I wouldn’t have聽been able to get my degree to pursue my dreams. I also want to thank all of my close friends for always being there for me and being the best support system while so far away from home. Lastly, I want to thank my professors, especially Dr. Sandra Caron for providing聽me with a long lasting education and mentorship. The College of Education and Human Development has provided me with not only an education but a connection that will last a lifetime.聽

Kailey Kaestner of Middleton, Massachusetts is the 2026 Outstanding Student in Child Development and Family Relations (Individual and Family Studies concentration) in the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development. During her time at 91爆料, Kaestner worked as a peer mentor. In addition to her major, Kaestner graduates with a minor in Psychology.

Parent(s):

Lori and Michael Kaestner.

Why did you choose to come to 91爆料?

I chose to come to 91爆料 because I grew up visiting Maine every summer with my family and I knew I wanted to stay in a place that felt like home to me. 91爆料 was also one of the few schools that offered the exact program I was interested in, so it felt like the perfect fit for me to pursue my specific interests and accomplish all of my academic goals!

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at 91爆料 better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at 91爆料?

During my time at 91爆料, I was lucky enough to work alongside Lynn Atherley, one of the amazing student success instructors on campus. When I worked as a peer mentor my junior and senior year, Lynn provided me with the guidance and encouragement I needed to grow both personally and professionally. She helped me develop my leadership and communication skills, making me gain more confidence in my ability to support and connect with others. I will forever be grateful for all of the skills she has taught me that I will be carrying with me throughout my career!

What has coming to 91爆料 enabled you to explore beyond academics?

Coming to 91爆料 has allowed me to grow in ways far beyond the classroom. Through my involvement as a peer mentor, I’ve had the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, develop leadership skills, and support others during their own transitions, which has been incredibly rewarding. I have also had the opportunity to explore my interests in working with children and mental health through hands-on experiences, helping me better understand the kind of impact I want to make in the future.

Favorite 91爆料 memory:

My favorite 91爆料 memory was Homecoming weekend and going to the hockey games with my mom when she would come up to visit!

What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate?

After graduation, I will be moving back home and starting graduate school this fall to become a licensed mental health clinician! I also hope to be working full-time during those two years to gain some more professional experience.

Special thank you message:

Thank you to all of the faculty I have worked with at 91爆料. I am so lucky to have had such encouraging advisors and mentors throughout my entire undergraduate career! To my family, thank you for supporting me in every way possible. Whether it’s making the four-hour drive up to Orono for a weekend or cheering me on from back home, I wouldn’t have been able to get this far without your love and support. To my friends, thank you for never failing to put a smile on my face whenever I was struggling. I appreciate you all more than you know!

Emily Hamby of Andover, Massachusetts is the 2025 Outstanding Student in Child Development and Family Relations (Individual and Family Studies concentration) in the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development. Hamby was awarded a 2023-24 fellowship by 91爆料鈥檚 Center for Undergraduate Research (CUGR). She graduates with a minor in Education.

Parent(s): Jennifer and David Hamby

Why did you choose to come to 91爆料?

I transferred to 91爆料 as a second year student because I loved the campus, but more importantly, I loved the sense of community I got from everyone I met. I also appreciated having opportunities to pursue experiential learning right away in research and in field experience.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at 91爆料 better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at 91爆料?

I had the privilege of working with Dr. Rebecca (Bec) Buchanan. She taught me how to quantify qualitative data using codes, and demonstrated why this is beneficial. I absolutely loved coding this data! During our weekly meetings, Dr. Buchanan kindly answered my endless questions about the process and celebrated my enthusiasm while I shared the trends I observed. Over time, I developed self-confidence and trust in my ability to code data because she respected and valued my contributions. She encouraged me to apply for a CUGR fellowship and explore my own research questions. After receiving a grant, she persuaded me to apply to present at the annual conference of NEERO, the New England Educational Research Organization. I鈥檓 so glad she did! My work was accepted, and we traveled to Portsmouth, New Hampshire where I participated in my first conference. Working with Dr. Buchanan, I learned about the research process, professional networking in higher education, and how to navigate imposter syndrome. But above all, she has supported me as I contemplate next steps after college. I am so grateful for Dr. Buchanan鈥檚 support from day one. Thank you, Bec!

What has coming to 91爆料 enabled you to explore beyond academics?

91爆料 allowed me to discover who I am: hobbies, friendships and passions. I joined Greek life and continued to meet new people from the Greek community through studying in the Office of Fraternities and Sororities to philanthropy events. Overall, college has taught me that I get to prioritize what matters to me. I made time to attend sports games, participate in intramural sports, and join clubs with friends. I have been able to explore my hobbies and interests while balancing academics.

Favorite 91爆料 memory:

My favorite 91爆料 memory is sledding with friends on snow days and then getting hot chocolate from Hilltop Dining to warm up!

What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate? 

This spring, I am enrolled in a May Term travel study course and I look forward to exploring London, Amsterdam and Stockholm. From there, I will be the educational programs intern at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. I plan to gain experience in an educational setting for a year or two before continuing my education in graduate school.

Special thank you message:

Thank you to my advisors, for listening to my ideas and letting me study in the office for the last three years, the staff at Student Accessibility Services, who have allowed me to access my academics in an inclusive and accessible way, and the VEMI Lab staff, for allowing me to explore outside my comfort zone. Thank you to all the professors, faculty and staff who have supported me and challenged me to think critically. You all have helped me become the person I am today! Finally, a special thank you to my family for always supporting me throughout my educational journey. I would not have been able to do it without you!

Abby Bourgeois of York, Maine is the 2025 Outstanding Student in Early Childhood Education in the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development. Bourgeois graduates with a double major in Elementary Education and Child Development and Family Relations (Early Childhood concentration). Her post-graduation plans include enrolling in a graduate program to become a certified librarian. 

Why did you choose to come to 91爆料? 

After completing my freshman year at the University of Southern Maine, I decided to seek other opportunities and I found that 91爆料 was a much better fit for me! 91爆料 provided a great opportunity through scholarships and field experience which was immensely helpful. I also found that there was a wonderful system of running trails to give me an occasional break from my studies.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at 91爆料 better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at 91爆料? 

During my undergraduate career, I had the wonderful opportunity to study under Connie Ronco. Her courses provided guided experience in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) related fields, working with elementary and middle school students. Connie is incredibly encouraging, supportive and has a contagious enthusiasm about education. 

What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate? 

After completing my internship last fall, I began working at the Edythe Dyer Library in Hampden. I spend my time in the children鈥檚 room of the library and it has been an absolute joy! In this setting, I鈥檝e been in charge of designing and creating the crafts for the patrons and I occasionally lead storytime for the kids. Moving forward, I have enrolled in a graduate library certification program and I am incredibly excited to get more experience in the field!

When Sandra Caron arrived on the 91爆料 campus as an undergraduate student in 1975, it was the height of the sexual revolution. Landmark events like the U.S. Supreme Court鈥檚 Roe v. Wade decision and the Stonewall riots in New York City were just a few years old. Birth control had only recently become widely available and accepted. Meanwhile, books, magazines, TV shows, movies and other aspects of the culture were starting to reflect more liberalized attitudes around sex and sexuality.

Coming of age in this shifting environment, Caron decided before coming to college that she wanted to pursue a career as a sex educator.

“I came from a family in which education was important, except in sexuality 鈥� we didn鈥檛 talk about it. I saw the impact of that among classmates and friends, whether it was unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections or just not knowing how to communicate their sexuality,” says Caron, who grew up in Brewer, Maine, about 10 miles from the 91爆料 campus in Orono.聽

Fast forward 50 years, and Caron has had a long and storied career 鈥� the majority of it at her alma mater, where she鈥檚 been a faculty member since 1988. After 36 years, during which she has touched tens of thousands of lives in Maine and beyond through her teaching, research and service, Caron, professor emerita of family relations and human sexuality, has officially retired. 

“I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to give back to the university and the state,” says Caron, who earned both her bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees at 91爆料. 

Lloyd Brightman, who was Caron鈥檚 advisor during her time as a student, encouraged her to pursue a doctorate. She went away to Syracuse University, where she earned her Ph.D. in Human Development in 1986. She taught at Cornell University for a couple of years, but kept in touch with Brightman and would come back to visit family often.

“One day Dr. Brightman said: ‘You know, I鈥檓 going to retire and I think you should apply for my job,'” Caron recalls. “So I did and I started here in the fall of 1988 when I was 29 years old.”

The First Student

Denis Cranson has the distinction of being Caron鈥檚 first student at 91爆料.

“The first day I was a faculty member,” she recalls, “I was walking down the mall early in the morning and I met this guy and we were the only people on campus. It turns out he was my student.”

Cranson was a nontraditional student, a year older than Caron. He鈥檇 grown up in Bar Harbor and moved out west after high school before moving back to Maine. He already had an associate鈥檚 degree, but had decided to go back to school at 91爆料 with the goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. 

“It was kind of overwhelming, because I鈥檇 never been on a campus that large,” Cranson says. “I met Sandy and we walked to class together.”

After earning his bachelor鈥檚 degree, Cranson would return to 91爆料 as a graduate student in the Human Development master鈥檚 program and become Caron鈥檚 graduate assistant.

“So we did that walk from her office across campus to the lecture hall countless times,” he says.

It was during his graduate program that Cranson says Caron encouraged him to volunteer with the Eastern Maine AIDS Network. The grassroots organization was established in 1987 to support people living with HIV and AIDS, as well as provide community outreach, education, case management, testing and counseling service in central and northern Maine. Cranson says he was hesitant at first, but Caron was persistent. He did volunteer with the network, which led to a full-time job. Cranson eventually became the organization鈥檚 executive director for 12 years. In 2005, the 91爆料 Alumni Association recognized him with the for his humanitarian work.

“Sandy was really responsible for that, because I probably never would have connected with the Eastern Maine AIDS Network without her giving me a little push,” he says.

Today, Cranson is human resources manager for Amicus, a Bangor-based nonprofit that provides programs and services that promote quality-of-life and independence for people with disabilities. In that role and throughout his career, he鈥檚 hired or worked with several other former students of Caron鈥檚. 

“It鈥檚 incredible how often her name comes up when you鈥檙e talking to people in job interviews or at conferences,” Cranson says.

Sandy from Brewer

Caron estimates that nearly 30,000 91爆料 students have taken her courses, which included two of the largest classes at the university 鈥� Family Interaction and Human Sexuality 鈥� as well as a variety of smaller, seminar-style courses. In addition, she founded and advised three innovative and nationally recognized peer education programs: Athletes for Sexual Responsibility, Male Athletes Against Violence and the Greek Peer Educator Program.

When she first arrived on campus, Caron did a faculty-in-residence program in Hancock Hall, before becoming the live-in advisor at the Pi Beta Phi sorority, where she was a member during her undergraduate years. She hosted hundreds of “Sex at 7” question-and-answer sessions in residence halls during the evening hours. She also wrote a weekly column for The Maine Campus newspaper called 鈥淪ex Matters鈥� that was syndicated in other college papers nationwide, and hosted a show by the same name on WMEB radio. Today Caron hosts her own website, , where she answers questions from and shares resources with students across the country and internationally. 

“I鈥檝e been lucky to have my finger on the pulse of what was happening with young people, which has really informed my teaching and research,” she says.

A leading expert on the social-sexual development of young people, Caron has authored or coauthored more than 50 scholarly articles and several books, including 鈥淭he Sex Lives of College Students: Three Decades of Attitudes and Behaviors,鈥� based on 30 years of her research. 

Her numerous accolades include being inducted in the Maine Women鈥檚 Hall of Fame in 2023. She has received two of 91爆料鈥檚 four presidential awards 鈥� the Presidential Outstanding Teaching Award in 1998 and the Presidential Public Service Award in 2002. The 91爆料 Alumni Association named her Distinguished Maine Professor in 2019. Maine Family Planning presented her with the Margaret Vaughn Award for her outstanding contributions to sexuality education in 1999, and the Mabel Wadsworth Women鈥檚 Health Center recognized her lifelong contribution to sexual and reproductive health in 2013.

“It鈥檚 going to be hard for her to slow down,” says Brenda Power, who joined the 91爆料 faculty in literacy education in 1990 and within a couple of years became close friends with Caron.

“But the good thing is there are so many nonprofits involved with the causes that she believes in that I just think she鈥檒l be endlessly serving on boards and volunteering,” says Power, who Caron jokingly refers to as her “Retirement Coach.”

Caron is also a licensed therapist in private practice focusing on sexuality-related issues, so she鈥檒l have more time to dedicate to that aspect of her work. 

No matter what she decides to do in retirement, Power says the same passions and ability to connect with people that led to a remarkably successful, nearly four-decade career as a professor and researcher, should continue to serve Caron well. 

“I can鈥檛 tell you how often I鈥檒l be out with Sandy and someone will come up to us and say, ‘You don鈥檛 remember me, but I was in your class 20 years ago and it was the most important class in my life,'” Power says.

As for Caron鈥檚 lasting impact, Power says it boils down to her ability to encourage her students and others to recognize our shared humanity.

“She has a unique gift for helping people understand our commonality,” says Power. “And that there are many different ways to define a family and different ways that people define their sexuality, and that鈥檚 OK. It doesn鈥檛 threaten your sexuality or your family, because love is love.”

In particular, Power says Caron being from Maine has allowed her to be a bridge between the university and communities across the state.

“There are many things that are special about Sandy,” she says. “But the fact that she was born and raised in Brewer and has all those local ties 鈥� the mechanic in Presque Isle, the person whose whole family worked at the mill in Millinocket, the clerk behind the counter at the sandwich shop in Machias 鈥� she knows that perspective. And that鈥檚 something really special that she brought to the state鈥檚 flagship, land-grant university.”

Prior to her retirement, Caron established a through the 91爆料 Foundation that will help students from Brewer attend 91爆料.

Power and Cranson will be among several speakers at Caron鈥檚 retirement party, which will be held Friday, September 6 from 3-5 p.m. at Buchanan Alumni House on the 91爆料 campus. There will be live music, food and a six-foot cake that will be decorated with a timeline of Caron鈥檚 career. 

Befitting someone whose work has been dedicated to encouraging greater openness, acceptance and tolerance, Caron says all are welcome at the event. 

Contact: Casey Kelly, casey.kelly@maine.edu 

Aislyn Tkacs is the 2024 recipient of the Dean’s Award from the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development. The award is intended to honor a student who has overcome significant challenges along the path to graduation, and is only given in years when there’s a nominee who meets these criteria.

A child development and family relations major with a concentration in early childhood education, Tkacs began her student teaching as a long-term substitute in a first grade classroom.

“Even though there were some sleepless nights, I am so thankful for my time there,” she says.” This placement聽provided me with countless opportunities to grow and develop within the field.”

Unfortunately, she was involved in a head-on car crash that resulted in a broken wrist and a totaled car, and ultimately led her to give up the long-term substitute position and threatened to derail her student teaching experience altogether.

“Despite my best efforts, I found myself no longer able to meet the needs of my students,” Tkacs says.

Thanks to the support of the College of Education and Human Development’s Advising Center and student support staff, she’s been able to stay on track to complete her degree and graduate this spring.

“I am more than grateful to the faculty and staff in the College of Education and Human Development, as well as my placement school for trusting me to take on the unique opportunity of being a long-term sub as part of my student teaching,” she says.

Read more below.

Hometown: Bangor, Maine

High School: Bangor High School

What difference has 91爆料 made in your life and in helping you reach your goals?

When I got into my accident, I worried about my ability to manage my responsibilities associated with student teaching. However, my instructors and the entire staff of the College of Education and Human Development Advising Center were nothing but supportive and understanding, which absolutely made the difference in helping me reach my goals! The trajectory of my recovery, both mentally and physically, was positively impacted because of the supportive response I received from the 91爆料 staff.

Have you had an experience at 91爆料 that has changed or shaped the way you see the world?

This past summer I enrolled in KPE 450/550: Bringing the Classroom Outdoors. This class changed the way that I view education and the potential that the outdoors can have in enhancing student learning. I was able to meet a lot of wonderful people who shared the same enthusiasm for outdoor learning as I did, as well as be exposed to knowledge and experiences that have improved my philosophy as a future educator.

Have you worked closely with a professor or mentor who made your 91爆料 experience better?

Without a doubt, Doreen Page has been a pillar for me throughout my student teaching experience. She went far beyond the responsibilities of her role as an instructor, being somebody who I could consistently rely on for guidance, support and reassurance. I cannot begin to explain my gratitude for Doreen. I know my experience at 91爆料 has been exponentially better due to the care and dedication she showed for my well-being and growth as a future educator.

What advice do you have for incoming students to help them get off to the best start academically?

My best advice for incoming students is to take time to find a solid organizational method that works for you and STICK TO IT! For most of my life, I have struggled to stay on top of my assignments, remember plans and just feel like I am in control in my life. The biggest game-changer for me was finally sitting down and dedicating time to creating a schedule/system that worked for me. My schedule outlines when my classes are, when I work, plans I have and what days I have assignments due throughout the week. Creating a place to put all of these things together really helped me to stay on top of all of my responsibilities and took a large mental load off of myself.

Why 91爆料?

I originally came to 91爆料 because of the proximity to home and for my previous major. But almost every (if not every) professor I have had since switching to early childhood education have shown true enthusiasm for the profession. Not only that, but they are very understanding and cooperative when unexpected things in life occur. Having professors who are dedicated and enthusiastic makes me look forward to coming to class!

Special thanks:

Thank you to all faculty in the College of Education and Human Development. I am truly grateful for the compassion that was shown to me throughout my academic career, especially the past few months. There are too many people to name individually, but I am so appreciative of everyone who went above and beyond to support me. This support made a huge impact in my success this semester.

Favorite 91爆料 memory:

My favorite 91爆料 memory has to be spending time in the Bear鈥檚 Den. I can鈥檛 count how many hours I spent hanging out with my friends and studying there! The burrito bowls single-handedly fueled my hours long study sessions.

Hayley Roy is the 2024 Outstanding Student in Child Development and Family Relations, Early Childhood Education concentration in the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development. Roy transferred to 91爆料 after spending the first two years of college at Eastern Maine Community College. Read more below.

Hometown: Holden, Maine

High School: Brewer High School

Parents: D’Ann and Richard Roy

Special thanks: I want to thank my family and friends for being such an amazing support system throughout my educational career.聽Thank you to my professors at Eastern Maine Community College for giving me guidance and inspiration during my first two years in education. I also want to thank Doreen Page for being a phenomenal instructor throughout my 100-hour experience and student teaching.聽She has been a wealth of knowledge for me and an incredible support during my time here.聽A special thanks to Mrs. Allen, my mentor teacher, who couldn鈥檛 have given me a better student teaching experience. She solidified my love for education and creating special moments for young children. I will forever be grateful for her guidance!

Favorite 91爆料 memory: My favorite 91爆料 memory was taking a field trip to Swans Island and riding on a ferry for the first time. Definitely a unique and nauseating experience!