2019 Gould Academy
$1250 Market Decisions Research, Mainely Character Scholarship
She unites like-minded people to improve the environment.
Madeline takes her love of the environment very seriously and acts on it. After she watched her brother shoot a squirrel, she decided to stop eating red meat. This caused some friction at family gatherings where she was urged to “eat a burger.” At Gould Academy, she organized a group of vegetarian/vegan students to speak to the cook staff about healthy meatless options.
This passion, as well as her eagerness to learn, has made her an activist. When she read a book about reducing single use plastics, she set her sights on a bag ban for her town. She realized this was an ambitious decision but was determined to succeed. She presented an ordinance to the town manager and selectmen. When she met with representatives of local businesses, many were resistant. Some talked over her and one called her “an oblivious little girl.” She met intimidation with facts about non-degradable plastics, learning from their perspectives. She left feeling more confident and is still fighting for the bag ban.
Madeline plans a career as an environmental activist. She will be in a pre-law program at the University of Maine in the fall.