Gov. Baldacci declares Mitchell Scholars Day

AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci proclaimed Wednesday to be Mitchell Scholars Day as George Mitchell, the former U.S. senator from Maine, announced to assembled lawmakers the latest round of scholarships for Maine students.

Mitchell said more than 1,000 students have received financial awards so far and 130 more of them were being named as this year’s recipients.

One student is chosen from each Maine public high school, said the former Democratic Senate majority leader.

Mitchell said the scholarships, which have totaled $4.5 million so far, fill a demonstrated need. Maine students amass an average educational debt of $17,000 upon graduation from college, he said.

On the brighter side, 95 percent of the Mitchell scholars “finish their degrees and graduate as planned,” he told House members.