Cassidy Jean Charette was as aspiring as she was inspiring, She left her mark on area students, teachers, parents and our community, simply by being herself. While she was a scholar and athlete, it was her character and the way she lived her life that left an impression on us all. She devoted much of her young life to service—at soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters, animal shelters, in school and in church—wherever she could help others. She was especially passionate about youth mentoring. Cassidy lived just 6,250 days. And while she achieved greatness in those days, she was very humble, gentle and kind. It was her way. She taught us that the essence of life, however long, is how we treat each other. Shine on Cass!
The ShineOnCass Junior Service Award was created to celebrate and recognize volunteerism and service. Students receiving the awards emulate Cassidy's genuine kindness, exceptional service in her community and compassion and selfless concern for others. The students selected have demonstrated truly extraordinary service, going above and beyond requirements for schools or clubs.This special award started first at Messalonskee High School in 2015 and in 2018 expanded to include recognizing juniors at Lawrence High School, Winslow High School and Waterville Senior High School. All students in Junior class standing are eligible to receive the award. Candidates may be nominated by a parent, teacher, community organization or apply themselves.
“ShineOnCass” recipients are recognized at school assemblies and receive a monetary gift from the ShineOnCass Foundation to be used at their discretion to extend kindness and service. Recipients receive a note card to send to the Foundation, sharing how they shined Cassidy’s light. Honorable mention recipients are recognized and presented with a Kindness Book Award.
The ShineOnCass Junior Service Award was created to celebrate and recognize volunteerism and service. Students receiving the awards emulate Cassidy's genuine kindness, exceptional service in her community and compassion and selfless concern for others. The students selected have demonstrated truly extraordinary service, going above and beyond requirements for schools or clubs.This special award started first at Messalonskee High School in 2015 and in 2018 expanded to include recognizing juniors at Lawrence High School, Winslow High School and Waterville Senior High School. All students in Junior class standing are eligible to receive the award. Candidates may be nominated by a parent, teacher, community organization or apply themselves.
“ShineOnCass” recipients are recognized at school assemblies and receive a monetary gift from the ShineOnCass Foundation to be used at their discretion to extend kindness and service. Recipients receive a note card to send to the Foundation, sharing how they shined Cassidy’s light. Honorable mention recipients are recognized and presented with a Kindness Book Award.
2018 ShineOnCass Junior Service Awards
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Messalonskee High School
ShineOnCass Award: Molly Calkins (far left) Honorable Mention: Paige Lilly, Olivia Lagace, Emily Larsen Molly donated her $100 award to Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine, a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, where she volunteers. |
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Lawrence High School
ShineOnCass Award: Nora Buck Nora used her ShineOnCass Award to pay it forward to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes summer camp, an organization that allows kids and adults to learn more about faith and service to others. "Thank you for choosing me as the ShineOnCass recipient and giving me the opportunity to help another kid strengthen their relationship with Christ." Nora |
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Winslow High School
ShineOnCass Award: Emily Glidden (center left) and Mackenzy Labrie (center right) Honorable Mention: Amber Worthly (1st left) and Meaghan Bernard (far right) |
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Waterville Senior High School
ShineOnCass Award: Jericah Saucier (far right) Honorable Mention: Lauren Smith and Brock Jolicoeur |
2017 ShineOnCass Junior Service Awards
Messalonskee High School
ShineOnCass Award: Lauren Mercier
Lauren chose to pay it forward by buying the book The Kissing Hand for every student in the summer preschool program at Atwood Elementary School in Oakland, where she volunteered. Inside each book she included a
"How will you Shine?" sticker with Cassidy's photo and #KindnessMatters.
Atwood Teacher Michelle Lenentine with Lauren
Messalonskee High School
ShineOnCass Award: Lauren Mercier
Lauren chose to pay it forward by buying the book The Kissing Hand for every student in the summer preschool program at Atwood Elementary School in Oakland, where she volunteered. Inside each book she included a
"How will you Shine?" sticker with Cassidy's photo and #KindnessMatters.
Atwood Teacher Michelle Lenentine with Lauren
Honorable Mention: Mackenzie Burton, Anya Fegal, (Monica & Lauren) Owen Corrigan
Honorable Mention: Mackenzie Burton, Anya Fegal, (Monica & Lauren) Owen Corrigan
Anna Dobos
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2016 ShineOnCass Junior Service Awards
Messalonskee High School ShineOnCass Award: Anna Dobos & Fern Calkins Honorable Mention: Gabriela Languet, Nathan Violette, Avery Brennan, Emmy Warren |
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Fern Calkins paid it forward to the Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers, Waterville, Maine, a non-profit that instills hope and better quality of life through a variety of programs and services that strengthen families and communities. |
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Fern Calkins
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2015 ShineOnCass Junior Service Awards
Messalonskee High School ShineOnCass Award: Lily Webb Lilly donated her award to Pine Tree Camp in Belgrade, Maine, a summer camp for children and adults with disabilities, and their families. "I am so grateful for the opportunity to help the bright spirit of Cass Shine On. When I am faced with a difficult situation, I still ask myself what Cassidy would do. Thank you for this opportunity to pay it forward." Lily Webb |