The New England Association for College Admission Counseling has named Kim Johnston, associate director of admissions at the University of Maine, Counselor of the Year for the state of Maine. The award recognizes one college admissions counselor and one high school guidance counselor from each of the New England states. Johnston has worked at UM since July 1987 and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dallas and a master’s from UM.

The Maine high school winner was Eugene Bradbury, director of guidance at Washburn High School.

The NEACAC was founded in 1966 as a chartered affiliate of the National Association for College Admission Counseling. Its purpose is to establish and maintain high professional standards in admission, financial aid counseling and guidance at secondary schools, colleges and universities.

Christopher Ballesteros of Bangor has been chosen to take part in NexTech: The National Summit of Young Technology Leaders, July 1-10 in Austin, Texas. NexTech will introduce exceptional students to careers in technology and will create relationships between students and business and technology leaders.

The summer will feature seminars by professionals on topics such as visual arts, semiconductors, software and gaming.

Round-table discussions will be held on issues affecting technology and there will be a visit with Austin’s business and education communities. Sponsor is Envision EMI, an education, management and marketing company founded in 1989 with offices in Washington, D.C., and Austin. Information is available at 947-2119 or at the Web site: www.nextechsummit.com.

A University of Maine professor in Orono has been named the Music Educator of the Year by the Maine Music Educators Association. Curvin Farnham, associate professor of music and director of bands at UM, has taught in the School of Performing Arts since 1985.

The award is given to one or more MMEA members to recognize exceptional support and outstanding accomplishment in the advancement of music education in the schools in Maine.

Farnham received a bachelor’s degree in music education from the Northern Conservatory of Music and did graduate work at the Vandercook College of Music in Chicago.

Farnham taught in public schools for 22 years before joining the teaching staff at UM.

He is past president of the MMEA and has been elected to the American School Band Directors Association and Pi Kappa Lambda. Farnham also holds membership in the Music Educators National Conference, the College Band Directors National Association, the New England College Band Directors Association, the National Band Association and the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles.

Irene Cyrus of Orono was recognized for her selection as a finalist in the 2001 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards on June 6.

Cyrus, a senior at Orono High School, raised more than $1,600 for her school’s music department by writing, producing and directing a school musical about the history of Broadway.

The awards are part of a broad initiative created by Prudential to encourage young people to become involved in community service. Other elements of the initiative include the Prudential Youth Leadership Institute, a community leadership training program for high school students, and a variety of educational materials for young people and teachers relating to youth volunteerism.

For more information on Prudential Spirit of Community honorees and finalists, visit the Web sites www.prudential.com or www.principals.org/awards.