ORONO – Twenty-five exemplary educators completed the 2002 Maine Writing Project at the University of Maine. Sponsored by the College of Education and Human Development, the competitive program is providing a force of highly trained writing instructors for Maine students and for other teachers.

Completion of the intensive summer institute distinguishes the educators as Fellows with the Maine Writing Project, an affiliate of the National Writing Project. The national project and its state affiliates comprise a grass-roots teaching initiative dedicated to the improvement of student writing and the teaching of writing across the curriculum in all grade levels.

During the institute, the participants write extensively, read, do research and work closely with institute colleagues, Maine writers and widely recognized authorities on teaching and writing. Among the 2002 Maine Writing Project Fellows are:

. Bangor, Bangor High School, Cheryl Saliwanchik.

. Brewer, Pendleton Street School, Jennifer Becker; Washington Street School, Janet Nordfors.

. Buckfield, Buckfield Junior-Senior High School, Dan Allen.

. Kailua, Hawaii, LeJardin Windward Oahu Academy, Brook Merrow, formerly at Orono High School.

. Machias, Machias Memorial High School, Leonard Hooper.

. Milford, Lewis Libby School, Kay Voyer.

. Monmouth, H.L. Cottrell School, Lorraine Ravis.

. Old Town, J.A. Leonard Middle School, Thomas Leonard.

. Orland, Orland Consolidated School, Mandi Victor.

. Orono, Orono Middle School, Valerie Shinas.

. Phillips, Phillips Elementary School, Becky Sweeney.

. Pittsfield, Maine Central Institute, Marla Gerber and Maureen Montgomery; Warsaw Middle School, Anita Wright.

. Searsport, Searsport District High School, Darci Bradstreet.

. Sidney, Riverbend Elementary, Patti Knights.

. South Hiram, Sacopee High School, Erica Kent.

. Standish, Bonny Eagle High School, Michael Kane.

. Topsham, Mount Ararat Middle School, Anne Thompson.

. Waterville, Waterville Junior High School, Cheryl Kelley.

. Wilton, Academy Hill School, Leslie Kaiser and Larry Loring.

. York, Coastal Ridge Elementary School, Audrey Yeaton.