Tuesday, March 24

Students Prove 'Oxford Hills Got Talent' by Sara Grenier

Oxford Hills Key Club at the high school hosts a yearly talent show called Oxford Hills Got Talent. This year there was dancing, singing, and even a unicycle! This year’s show had twelve acts. Three finalists were picked by the judges. The judges this year were Kevin O’Reilly, one of the school’s guidance counselors, Virginia Valdes, the graphic arts teacher and Phil Hammett, who teaches art. The auditorium was nearly full during the show.
This year, the three finalists were chosen. Sydney Bivens, a junior, stole the judges hearts when she played the guitar and sang using her beautiful voice  “In The Morning” by Paramore. Also chosen was an unnamed band with seniors Sophie Lawton, Breton Pinkham and Abraham Chouinard. They sang “Cigarette Daydreams” by Cage the Elephant in the first round. Loren Pinkham, a freshman, performed an original, but nameless song. He was applauded for his for his self taught piano playing.
During the last round, Loren Pinkham performed another original song without a name, but with as Pinkham said, “an oriental feel.” The trio of Sophie, Abraham and Breton had played “Hallelujah” for the judges. Sydney Bivens took her guitar out again and performed “Call It Off” by Tegan and Sara, for her last performance. While the judges took some time to decide who their favorite performance was, the audience gave the people’s choice vote to Jack Gentempo for his whacky act, which included juggling, dancing and a little bit of magic. When the judges finally chose a winner, it was Sydney Bivens who took the prize. She was handed an oversized check for $200. She went home with the win and a giant smile.

Friday, March 20

Oxford Hills Graduate takes over Local Business by Shannon Kriger

With the incessant snow finally melting and the sun shining, Kate Michaud of Greenwood is preparing to undertake the huge responsibility of owning an Inn.
Michaud just recently purchased the King’s Hill Inn & Barn in South Paris. Not only is the property gorgeous, but it’s also historic. It was the home and birthplace of Horatio King, who was born in 1811. Horatio King was a printer and editor of a printed paper on Paris Hill called the Jeffersonian. Later in his life, King worked for the Post Office Department in Washington DC and he became the Postmaster General under President Buchanan. King was also very good friends with Hannibal Hamlin.
The barn at the King’s Hill Inn was built in 1899, but was just recently modernly renovated to be an event venue for numerous social events, which is what Michaud specializes in.
Kate Michaud graduated from Oxford Hills in 2010, and then went to Simmons College in Boston, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She kept busy with a double major in communications and studio art and a minor in graphic design and photography.
Kate has been very busy successful since she graduated from Simmons college last year. She works as a photographer for various special occasions under her own photography company, Kate Michaud Photography. Kate has photographed senior photos, weddings, engagements, and more.
Although it was never her first priority, Michaud has always had owning an Inn in the back of her mind.
“As a photographer, I always wanted to own a wedding venue someday where I could use my photography along with my love for organizing events and working with people.I always envisioned myself working at a farm, castle, or some sort of historic site. After seeing the King’s Hill Inn, I knew it was the property I was meant to be at,” Michaud explained.
If you’ve never seen the King’s Hill Inn & Barn before, you’re missing out. The beauty and history of the property make it a secret gem of a destination for celebrations in the rolling hills of western Maine. The property has it’s own chapel, barn, garden, and more. The Inn has a lot to offer to not only wedding celebrations, but all celebrations.
Although the Inn is stunning as it is now, Michaud is looking forward to adding her own twist of modern design.
“I hope to make the Inn a place that symbolizes the joys of celebration, community, and hospitality. Expect some new community events and local collaborations this summer!” Michaud revealed.
Michaud has a lot to look forward to between collaborating and working with new people, and utilizing the property as a studio for her photography business.
With Michaud’s ambition and creativity, she plans on putting King’s Hill Inn on the map and it’s sure to be one of the most stunning and accommodative places in Oxford County.


Thursday, March 5

Oxford Hills Senior Commits to Division I Team by Shannon Kriger

With the end of the school year getting closer, OHCHS senior Mikayla Morin is not only anticipating going off to college, but being a part of a Division I soccer team.
Morin has had a very successful high school soccer career. Some of Mikayla’s most recognizable awards include making KVAC 1st team, being awarded 2013 KVAC player of the year, and making the 2014 All State team.
Among her numerous soccer awards, Mikayla has also received plenty of acknowledgment outside of the high school. She has played for the Seacoast Soccer Club based in Portland, which is essentially a travel team. Her and her team won a National Championship and multiple state championships. Mikayla also got individual recognition at nationals by making the all tournament team, which was given to the top players that competed in the tourney.
Mikayla has always had playing Division I soccer in the back of her mind, but knew she’d be content with what ever team she committed to.
“My goal was always to play Division I, but I didn’t have my mind set on it because playing college soccer in general is a great privilege,” Mikayla explained.
Numerous schools around New England expressed interest in Mikayla’s soccer skills, but it was clear that UMaine was the best fit for the young athlete.
“UMaine was the best fit for me both academically and athletically. At UMaine, not only can I study the degree I wanted, but also play soccer on an elite team,”
Upon visiting UMaine for the first time, Mikayla got a glimpse of what playing for the university would be like.
“I had a great first impression of the team. It was very clear that they’re a close-knit team that all have the same mindset towards competitive soccer and winning. They all seemed to be on the same page when it comes to the sport, and I’m really looking forward to going up there and making an impact on and off the field,”
It’s not often that a soccer player from Oxford Hills has the opportunity to play Division I, but there’s no question that Mikayla will continue her successes in soccer at UMaine.

Photo caption: Oxford Hills senior Mikayla Morin commits to the UMaine soccer team while fellow senior, Davis Turner, commits to the UMaine football team.