“No matter how difficult it seems, there is a pathway to success if only you believe in yourself and trust others who want the best for you,” is the message 25-year-old Alexander Buzzell of Windham, and a JMG graduate of Winthrop High School, shared with an audience of about 75 in the Hall of Flags at the State House on Thursday, March 16. Buzzell was among three JMG graduates and Opportunity Passport® participants from across the state who were honored in Augusta at a press release event for their recent personal and professional successes.
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| Thirteen Windham High School JMG students got to meet former WHS student Alexander Buzzell at an event at the State House in Augusta. The trip also included a tour of the State House by Windham State Rep. Barbara Bagshaw and a conversation with Raymond State Rep. Jess Fay. PHOTO BY LORRAINE GLOWCZAK |
"When I first started my JMG classes, my social skills were non-existent,” he said. “But through the hands-on experiences and being part of the JMG Leadership Council, I was taught things such as how to advocate for myself, how to write a proper email, and how to implement oneself in the world of business, finance, and social connections.”
Briefly, JMG is a state-wide organization that partners with public education and private businesses to help students who face barriers to education, graduate high school and go on to pursue meaningful and fulfilling careers. Opportunity Passport® is a financial education and matched savings program that helps Maine youth who have been in foster care develop a general understanding of personal finances and goal setting.
Briefly, JMG is a state-wide organization that partners with public education and private businesses to help students who face barriers to education, graduate high school and go on to pursue meaningful and fulfilling careers. Opportunity Passport® is a financial education and matched savings program that helps Maine youth who have been in foster care develop a general understanding of personal finances and goal setting.
Among those in the audience were 13 JMG Leadership Council students from Windham High School. They were inspired by Buzzell’s message and thrilled to be offered a tour of the State House by Windham State Rep. Barbara Bagshaw. The day also included a conversation with Raymond State Rep. Jess Fay.
“Last Thursday was something I've never experienced before,” WHS JMG Leadership Council student Gwen Rogers said. “The whole day was a great learning experience and I loved it. Alexander inspired me and I really could feel his emotion in his speech. It really helped me understand more about what JMG can do to help people in need. What I found most interesting was just his whole journey and how he came to be in his success.”
Rogers, who lives in Raymond, said that she was excited to be provided a tour of the State House by Bagshaw and enjoyed the opportunity to speak with Fay. “It was fun to learn about each other in just one conversation.”
Jen Dumont, one of WHS’ JMG Specialists, organized the field trip to the State House so her students could see leadership in action.
“The Leadership Council's mission is to advocate for those amongst our population who need a voice, help those in need, and make Windham High School a place where all students feel a sense of belonging and value,” she said. “The council is composed of juniors and seniors who have taken JMG for two or more years and have exhibited leadership skills. These students have the desire to make a positive impact in our school and community.”
Dumont explained that students who benefit most from JMG are those who may not feel a sense of belonging in the public education system. “There are many reasons for a student to be a part of JMG, but many have a motivating desire to pursue their dreams and goals beyond high school,” she said.
Buzzell reiterated Dumont’s explanation of JMG by adding his own experiences growing up and never feeling a sense of belonging or having a place to call his own.
“I grew up in a house with a mother who had a mental illness,” he said. “At 12 years old, it became apparent to the foster care system that I needed to be removed from my home and I bounced around from school to school, living in a couple of foster homes after that. I did not have a solid foundation.”
Buzzell said that by the age of 15, he had found a permanent home until he graduated from high school at the age of 18. He says he is grateful for that experience and to those who were there for him – especially during a challenging time while in college. This includes his Opportunity Passport® mentor, Randy Inosencio, and one member of his family.
“JMG, Opportunity Passport®, and my grandmother believed in me - saved me,” he said. “If I didn’t have their support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Buzzell graduated from Southern New Hampshire University in August 2022 with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration on Project Management. He currently works as a Construction Superintendent for Nexamp, a national clean energy company based out of Boston.
When asked what advice he would offer JMG students today, he responded, “When there is a chance to inspire young people, do it. Always choose to be humble and kind in a world that needs both.”<
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