Thirteen recent high school graduates from Somerset County have been named 2025 Mitchell Scholars by the Mitchell Institute. The 2025 scholars join more than 3,800 past recipients who have been unlocking their potential, having successful college experiences and contributing to the vitality of their communities since 1995. Students receive a $10,000 scholarship award, along with ongoing personal and professional support to ensure they find success in their journey throughout college and beyond.

These students include: Desmond Robinson – Carrabec High School, Allie Dunning – Forest Hills Consolidated School, Addy Battis – Lawrence High School, Harley Greatorex – Lawrence High School, Kallie Richards – Lawrence High School, Bryan Donnelly – Madison Area Memorial High School, Aurora Norsworthy – Madison Area Memorial High School, Sophia Barrientos – Marine Academy of Natural Sciences, Johnathan Batchelder – Maine Academy of Natural Sciences, Grace Curtis – Overman Academy, Cailyn McKechnie – Skowhegan Area High School, Michela Provost – Skowhegan Area High School, and Madeline Hill – Upper Kennebec Valley Memorial High School.

“Senator Mitchell realized a bold vision when he created the Mitchell Institute – to increase the likelihood that young people from every community in Maine will aspire to, pursue, and achieve a college education,” said Jared Cash, CEO. “In our 30th year, his vision is more important than ever before. We’re proud to support these remarkable young people as they begin journeys that will benefit Maine for generations to come.”

Each year the Mitchell Institute receives more than 1,600 applications and is tasked with choosing at least one student from every public school in the state. Scholars are chosen with a balanced view of their financial needs, academic achievement, and community impact.

This year marks the largest class in Mitchell’s 30-year history – with 200 Ssholars in total.

But this year was unique in more ways than just the numbers: “Every part of the Mitchell community had a hand in choosing who made up the incoming class,” said Casey Near, Scholarship Director. “I was joined by our Access Ambassadors to help promote the Mitchell Institute on visits to high schools, and Alumni were able to read applications for the first time ever, along with the staff and board to help select recipients.”

The benefits of this unique program can be proven through its statistics: Scholars graduate college at a rate 30 percent higher than the national average; 81 percent are working in career-related jobs; 29 percent report they hold a master’s degree; 10 percent hold either a doctorate, JD, or an MBA; and 71 percent say access to the Mitchell Board, donors, and alumni network have had a positive impact on their careers.

The Mitchell Institute unlocks the potential of Maine college students so that they can find success in college and contribute to the vitality of their communities.