Retired OOB educator honored with Paul Harris Award

OLD ORCHARD BEACH —  A retired educator recently received the Paul Harris Award from the Rotary Club of Saco Bay Sunset.

The Paul Harris Award, named after Rotary International’s founder, is one of the highest distinctions a Rotary club can bestow on someone and recognizes service to the community in and out of Rotary. It acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.

Retired teacher Jane Allen was nominated for the Paul Harris award by rotary member Bob LePauloue. Allen worked in the Old Orchard Beach school system and retired in June after 36 years of teaching. She was presented with the award at a recent Saco Bay Sunset Rotary Club meeting at The Ballpark in Old Orchard Beach.

LePauloue, a teacher at Thornton Academy Middle School, said he met Allen about 10 years ago when they were both serving on a board of educators working with student teachers. He was impressed with the passion she displayed for her profession and how encouraging she was to the young adults looking to enter the realm of teaching.

“A few years ago, during the remote learning period of the pandemic, Jane had my son in her class. Since I was home, I was able to hear her address the class, work at keeping the kids engaged, and work with the many different learners in her classroom. I was impressed with how she handled each child with respect, encouragement, and empathy as they worked through what was a difficult situation for everyone involved,” said LePauloue.

The Rotary Club of Saco Bay Sunset is a group of dedicated people who dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf is an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Saco Bay Sunset. She can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.