We’d like to start by thanking all of you … every one of you … for all that you do … each and every day in helping the children of Cape Elizabeth. Tim and I are very fortunate to be able to live in this community, to raise our children in this community and have all of you assist us in that process.

As we look out into this assembly, we see many familiar faces that have helped each of our five children (Molly, Emily, Timmy, Russell, and Haley) navigate through this system. We want to thank all of you for going “above and beyond the call of duty” as this award has been established to recognize. We see teachers, counselors, bus drivers, custodians, and administrators working with students as mentors, leaders, role models, coaches and friends.

Today’s recipient is all of those things to our students at Cape Elizabeth High School. He mentors every day. He is an excellent role model. He provides leadership and helps to build “future leaders.” He has a reputation of being a “very trusted” member of the faculty … of which … students often go to for guidance.

This coming year, he will be a “head varsity coach” for every season. He provides a “safe haven” in the school where kids can go and comfortably relax as the world “whirls around them.” And often … he is just there … to be a friend … to listen. We can only hope that every recipient of this award … for years to come … will be blessed with these fine characteristics. We are extremely proud that the selection committee has chosen this individual as the “first recipient” of the Thompson Award.

Would you please welcome and help us congratulate this very special person for the hard work and dedication that he has shown to the children of this town. We would like to have Ben Raymond please come forward and accept this glass apple, and check in the amount of $2,000 as the first recipient of the “Thompson Award” in memory of Timmy Thompson to whom … you were a mentor … teacher … role model … coach and most importantly … his friend. He would be so happy for you today, Ben.