This semester, included among the Teaching Interns at Village School are two Gorham High School graduates, sisters: Julia and Caroline Smith. Both have also spent time this fall at Great Falls School and have found both schools to be warm and welcoming.

Julia is a 2015 graduate of Gorham High School. She fondly remembers many events from her education in Gorham. In an email response to questions , she stated, “I went to Little Falls for kindergarten, and Narragansett for first and second grade. I remember playing with my friends on the wooden playground. I also participated in the school play as Tinkerbell in fifth grade alongside many of my friends. I could name an abundance of incredible teachers from my time at Gorham schools.”

When asked about her reasons for becoming a teacher, she responded, “Growing up, I loved the idea of becoming a teacher, but chose to pursue marketing in my undergrad instead. I’ve always loved kids but I thought the grass was greener in marketing, and as it turns out for me, it wasn’t.

After tragically losing our dad in 2022, I knew I wanted a career that brought me happiness and fulfillment the way his career did for him, and after being around my friends’ and cousins’ children, and finding that they were one of my greatest sources of happiness during a really tough time, I finally took the next step. After working in marketing for close to five years, I decided to apply for the Extended Teacher Education Program (ETEP) at USM.”

“My favorite teachers from Village School were Mrs.Turner (now Ms. Bywaters) and Mrs. Reynolds and Ms. Mezzanotte for part of fifth grade math.”

Caroline is a 2017 graduate of Gorham High School. Her memories of growing up in the Gorham schools include, “Playing on the wooden playground and the current one, admiring the paintings on the walls, loving all of my teachers, and making new friends. A memory that stands out to me was when Village Elementary School’s previous Assistant Principal Jane Esty kissed a pig. Additionally, field days at Village were especially enjoyable with various competitions and fun activities.”

When asked why she is choosing a career in education, Caroline stated, “My love for children, my desire to make a difference and help others, my positive experiences surrounding my academic journey, and more. Growing up, I loved helping my mom take care of children and eventually babysitting children myself. As the years went on, my fondness for children only grew and I realized how much I enjoyed making kids happy and helping them learn new things. Although I originally thought that I wanted to go into the healthcare field, the foundation of my career choice was based on wanting to help others. The Gorham Schools system brought me some of my best memories, many friends, and an education that I am proud of. These positive experiences with school certainly led to my career choice in education.”

Growing up, her favorite teachers were Heather Richards, her third grade teacher, and Jodi Mezzanotte, her fifth grade teacher.

Village School is thrilled to welcome back two familiar faces to work with their students.