Goyette named Exemplary Volunteer of the Year

Portsmouth Herald
·2 min read
Left to right: Paul Goyette, Maryanne Foley, and Andrew Lopez. “He takes the time and effort to form relationships with the kids, earning their love and respect,” commented Director Lopez on Paul Goyette. In the photo Lopez is holding a plaque that contains the names of previous recipients of the Exemplary Volunteer of the Year Award.
Left to right: Paul Goyette, Maryanne Foley, and Andrew Lopez. “He takes the time and effort to form relationships with the kids, earning their love and respect,” commented Director Lopez on Paul Goyette. In the photo Lopez is holding a plaque that contains the names of previous recipients of the Exemplary Volunteer of the Year Award.

WELLS, Maine ── The Wells-Ogunquit CSD has honored Paul Goyette, a retired police officer, with the title of “Exemplary Volunteer of the Year” for the 2021-22 school year. This award was presented to him on May 4, for his dedicated work on plays and musical productions at Wells High School since 2009. Honoring him were WOCSD Community Resource Coordinator Maryanne Foley, WHS Director and Technical Director for Productions, Andrew Lopez, and Mr. Goyette’s wife, Rachel Goyette.

“When you find the right fit for a volunteer, you never let him quit,” commented Foley later in an email.  “Mr. Paul” (as he is known by the students) has been a popular and valuable volunteer with the Wells (H.S.) Drama Department for the last 14 years. This recognition is long over-due.”

WOCSD Superintendent James Daly added to the accolades with this statement: “Paul has done an outstanding job over the years.  We are lucky to have community members like him in our schools.”

Goyette, who teaches religion and manages St. Mary’s Ecumenical Food Pantry at St. Mary’s Church in Wells, has assisted Lopez with many tasks including set design, carpentry, building, painting, providing props, and even bringing snacks to student actors during rehearsals.  In 2009, it was Goyette’s son, Brandon, who urged him to contact Lopez about volunteering to work on the set of the play Brandon was going to be in called “Once Upon a Mattress”.   Goyette’s work on the March 2022 production of “Same Room, Different Story” marked his 22nd show with the drama group.

“I am truly honored as I usually work behind the scenes,” wrote Goyette.  “I never expected to be given an award.  I was flabbergasted.  I (volunteer) because I enjoy working with the students. I especially enjoy working with Andy and am proud to call him my friend.  I have worked with a great team.  Betsy, Judy, and, Andria, all of them, made the time spent a great journey.”

WHS Principal Eileen Sheehy observed, “Mr. Goyette has been an outstanding volunteer at WHS.   Our students have benefitted from his membership in our very successful theater program for many years!”

Classroom and sports volunteers donate many hours of their time and play an important and valuable role in the WOCSD.   They are composed mostly of retired community members including retired teachers, parents, and higher-grade level Wells-Ogunquit students.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Goyette becomes Exemplary Volunteer of the Year