Kate Evans of Bangor, Maine, is the 2026 Outstanding Graduating Student for the College of Education and Human Development. A single mom of four young children (ages 4-12), who she has homeschooled while working toward her degree, Evans earned a 4.00 GPA while pursuing double majors in secondary education and Spanish. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society. She received the Roger Hill Humanities Scholarship and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Outstanding Junior Award. Evans is an active member of her church community, where she often volunteers her time for service and educational programs. In her final semester at 91±¬ÁÏ, Evans completed student teaching placements at Hermon High School and Bangor High School. After graduating she plans to stay in the Bangor region and teach Spanish at a local high school.
Why did you choose to come to 91±¬ÁÏ?
I chose to study at 91±¬ÁÏ because it was close to home, and I received a significant amount of financial aid to attend. 91±¬ÁÏ also has an excellent Spanish and education program, and I already knew two of the Spanish professors.
Describe any research, internships or scholarly pursuits in which you have participated. How have they prepared you for future opportunities in your chosen field?
I am currently at Bangor High School for my student teaching internship, where I am teaching Spanish at all grade levels (9-12). Since I am planning on becoming a high school Spanish teacher after I graduate, this student teaching experience is preparing me for what I will be doing next year and many years to come.
Have there been other students who supported and inspired you or exposed you to something new?
I have had a lot of support throughout my time at 91±¬ÁÏ but mainly through my family and friends. They have encouraged me to not give up despite things being difficult and overwhelming at times.
Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at 91±¬ÁÏ better, and if so, how?
Right now, I have a mentor teacher at Bangor High School, Evan Marshall, who is showing me how to teach Spanish in a more communicative way, something I had never been exposed to previously, and I am learning a lot from him. All of my professors at 91±¬ÁÏ have been incredibly supportive these past three years, always willing to help and answer my questions. I would specifically like to thank Maria Sandweiss, principal lecturer of Spanish, who taught many of my 300-level Spanish classes, and Faith Erhardt, assistant dean for undergraduate student success in the College of Education and Human Development, for their support and encouragement.
What has coming to 91±¬ÁÏ enabled you to explore beyond academics?
I have four young kids at home, and between them and school, I stay pretty busy. I don’t have time to explore anything else unless my kids come along for the ride.
Did you have an experience at 91±¬ÁÏ that shaped or changed how you see the world?
I am in a different season of life than most students who attend 91±¬ÁÏ. I lived in Peru for almost six years before college, and my experiences there and my experiences as a mom have been what really shaped who I am as a person. 91±¬ÁÏ has been great, and I have learned a lot of Spanish and strategies for how to teach it, which have shaped who I am and would like to become professionally.
Describe 91±¬ÁÏ in one word and explain.
Supportive.
I became a single mom during my sophomore year, and despite the challenges I faced with that, I always felt supported by everyone here, students and professors alike. It was nice to have support from people who saw me every day, who didn’t really know my whole story but supported me all the same. It was encouraging.
What’s on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate?
My plan is to become a high school Spanish teacher somewhere in the Bangor area, but as of right now, I don’t know where that will be just yet. I am taking things one day at a time, but I am excited to finish this semester, be done with school and enjoy the summer with my kids.
Contact: Casey Kelly, casey.kelly@maine.edu
