Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Mid-Maine Chamber Scholarship winners: Bill & Joan Alfond Family Scholarship Award Winner - Piper Hamilton and 2026 Joseph B. Ezhaya Scholarship Award Winner - Anna Bearce.
Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce announces the 2026 Bill and Joan Alfond Family Scholarship Award winner.
Piper Hamilton of Waterville was selected as the scholarship recipient from a field of applicants.
Hamilton graduated this spring from the Waterville Senior High School Class of 2026.
She carried an unweighted GPA of 95.8, served as the vice president of Student Council, and was a dedicated member of Key Club.
Piper was inducted into the National Honor Society and held numerous class officer roles. She served as the varsity soccer and tennis team captain. She participated in Homeroom Buddies, Prom Committee, and Spanish Club. Piper actively volunteers at events such as Day of Caring, Walk for Warmth, youth sports programs, and the Trunk or Treat at Alfond Youth and Community Center. Outside school, Piper is involved in everyday tasks such as raking leaves, dog sitting, and joining the Adult Education Course, as well as regularly attending the Albert S. Hall school sports club, mentoring students in learning and playing different sports.
Hamilton plans to continue her post-secondary education at the University of Maine, pursuing a degree in finance.
The scholarship selection committee convenes annually to identify a local graduating senior with an exemplary record of citizenship and community service among a pool of applicants. Applicants are required to submit an essay on their community involvement, and finalists are interviewed by the Scholarship Award Committee.
“We are very pleased to award the 2026 Bill and Joan Alfond Family Scholarship Award to Piper Hamilton,” said Kimberly N. Lindlof, executive director of the Central Maine Community Betterment Collaborative and coordinator of the scholarship selection committee. “The Chamber’s committee chose Piper from an impressive group of accomplished applicants, because her dedication to service and leadership truly reflects the Bill and Joan Alfond family’s interest in citizenship, community service, and exemplifies their spirit and vitality.”
The scholarship is awarded by the Central Maine Community Betterment Collaborative. Recipients must be graduating from Waterville Senior High School, Messalonskee High School, Lawrence High School, Winslow High School, the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences, or the Glenn Stratton Learning Center at Good Will-Hinckley. Awardees receive a $750 scholarship after successfully completing one semester with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher. This amount will be awarded for up to 4 years, for a total of $3,000.
Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce announces the 2026 Joseph B. Ezhaya scholarship winner.
Anna Bearce was selected as the scholarship recipient from a field of applicants.
Bearce graduated this spring from the Waterville High School Class of 2026.
Anna has fought back from a diagnosis of a malignant brain tumor and surgery, developing a medical condition taking away her ability to walk, talk, eat, and write. While recovering from this, for the past four years, Anna volunteered on Thanksgiving Day, delivering meals, as well as assembling care bags during the holiday season.
She is active in the community, providing local services such as raking leaves, cleaning up trash, and organizing donations for those in need.
Throughout high school, she was involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, demonstrating leadership and dedication. These included serving as a class officer for all four years, participating in the Junior Classical League, Key Clubs, and the green team. Anna was a member of the student council and served as the soccer manager for four years. While a senior, she served as a homeroom buddy, mentoring freshmen. Anna also works part-time at Woodlands Senior Living in Waterville.
Anna plans to attend Thomas College, pursuing a degree in Psychology. She will enroll in its 3+1 program, allowing her to earn both her bachelor's and master's degrees in an accelerated timeframe. Her goal is to become a counselor, supporting those facing illness, trauma, or hardship.
Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce’s Ezhaya Memorial Scholarship Committee convenes annually to award the prize to a local graduating senior with an exemplary record of citizenship and community service. Applicants are required to submit an essay on their community involvement, and finalists are interviewed by the Ezhaya Memorial Scholarship Committee.
“We are very pleased to award the 18th annual Ezhaya Scholarship to Anna Bearce,” said Kimberly N. Lindlof, president and CEO of Mid-Maine Chamber and coordinator of the scholarship committee. “The committee chose Anna from an impressive group of accomplished applicants because her dedication to service and leadership truly reflect Joe Ezhaya’s spirit and generosity.”
The scholarship is awarded by Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce in memory of Joseph Ezhaya, a dedicated community volunteer, and successful candidates share his interest in citizenship and involvement. Recipients must be graduating from a high school in the Mid-Maine Chamber coverage area and attending post-secondary school in New England. Awardees receive a $750 scholarship after successfully completing one semester with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher. This amount will be awarded for up to 4 years, for a total of $3,000.00.
Congratulations to both of our scholarship winners.
