December 12, 2007, Yarmouth, Maine: Jim Briggs (Pownal), upper school math and science teacher at North Yarmouth Academy (NYA), was the recipient of the 2007 Lifetime Difference Maker Award by the Student Leadership Training Program (SLTP). The Lifetime Difference Maker award was created to recognize and affirm the difference that adults make for young people in and out of school. The award seeks to recognize not simply one event but a lifetime of events. Briggs received the award during a special celebration at the annual Interlead Conference of the SLTP, which was held at Nichols College in Dudley, MA.
Briggs was recognized for over twenty-five years of leadership in youth recreation programs. Over the course of those twenty-five years, he has been a coach of soccer, basketball, baseball and softball. For eight years, he also served as the Commissioner of the Tri-Town Softball/Baseball league, headquartered in Freeport, ME. In addition to his leadership role in youth programs, Briggs was recognized for his public service, which includes two terms on the Board of Directors of School Administrative District #62 in Pownal, ME, two terms as a Selectman in Pownal, and a third serving as Chairman.
The Student Leadership Training Program was founded in 1990 by Jim Fitzgerald and is headquartered in Marshfield, MA. Its mission is to empower student leaders. SLTP offers extensive training for high school and collegiate leaders and brings together student leaders from all over the United States and Canada throughout the year and especially during the summer months. The program offers seminars and conferences that are designed to increase confidence, foster development of leadership skills, and improve communication skills. The Coalition for the Advancement of Student Activities sponsors SLTP and is a non-profit organization formed to develop leadership education. "I am proud that Jim has been honored for his service and leadership in this way. We are very fortunate to have him on our faculty at NYA," said NYA headmaster Peter Mertz.
North Yarmouth Academy is an independent, college preparatory, coeducational day school serving students in grades 6 through 12. NYA is dedicated to fostering integrity, character and intellect in young adults. For more information, please contact NYA at 207-846-2380 ext. 9327 or visit our website at www.nya.org.