/

Mt. Blue student recognized as Foster Tech Student of the Year

2 mins read
Eddie Hebert (right) and his late father Kerry Hebert, who inspired Eddie to make a life of forestry.

FARMINGTON – Mt. Blue senior Eddie Hebert is well known for his tendency to stop what he is doing to lend a hand to someone in need. The Foster Career and Technical Education Center Forestry student said he doesn’t see it as a big deal, but his willingness to help was a big part of his recent recognition of Foster Tech Student of the Year.

“My teacher told me I make an impression on people. I put in the extra effort, and don’t want anything in return. So I guess that’s how I got this,” Hebert said. “It’s how my dad was, and how my mom is, so it just comes naturally.”

Described as a “beacon of strength and leadership at home and at school”, Hebert’s Forestry instructors Dean Merrill and Rodney Spiller said he is an important member of the tech classroom community.

Eddie Hebert (front) with his forestry classmates.

“Eddie is very aware of others, their feelings, and respects those he meets. He gets along with everyone and finds common ground to connect with everyone…He’s an old soul in a young man’s body,” his teachers commented.

Hebert has found his place in the world out in the woods, where he was immersed as a kid on the heels of his father who passed away in 2017. Both his father and grandfather were foresters, and Hebert said most of his happy childhood moments took place out in the wood lot. He will go on to study Forest Resources at the University of Maine at Orono in the fall, an area that his teachers said he has a natural ability at.

Natural talent aside, Hebert said he owes his thanks to Spiller and Merrill.

“When you’re surrounded by wonderful people, you tend to strive to be the best you can be as well. I didn’t do anything special. I just paid attention to the people around me,” Hebert said.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

13 Comments

  1. What a nice story about a young man who is a rare find in the youth of today! I’m sure your mom is proud of you and what a great testimony to your dad — I’m sure he’d be well pleased that you enjoy doing what he seemed to love to do….

  2. I don’t know Eddie, but he sounds like a wonderful young man. Congratulations, Eddie, and best of everything to you as you go off the University of Maine!

  3. Dad would have a big smile Eddie!
    Nice career choice! Congrats.

  4. We are so proud of you Ed! Way to go! Well earned recognition of a kid who deserves every great thing that comes his way. I remember working very hard to get three-year-old Eddie to love me, and stand by my very early statement that he is the perfect child. It’s been an absolute joy to watch him grow from baby Eddie into a giant man. It’s hard at times to think about Kerry missing out on these special milestones, but comforting to know he must be looking on with great pride as his boys push forward through grief, and the adversity that comes with losing a devoted, loving parent as a young person. Eddie, because of his parents, is the picture of what we hope for our young men to be, and we love him very very much!

  5. Our State needs young Foresters. Good Luck at UMaine, a great school. For Foresters, everyday is Earth Day. May the Forest be with you!

  6. Congratulations Eddie in receiving this award. You are a young man with great character. Looking forward to the great things you will accomplish in life. God Bless!

  7. This is wonderful Eddie! I remember you in middle school as a sensitive and strong young man. I am so very happy for you…couldn’t happen to a more deserving individual!!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.