Special to the Aroostook Republican
PERHAM — In April, Dayna Sue Michaud, of Perham, made a special trip to the State House in Augusta for the 22nd annual Governor’s Youth Volunteer of the Year awards.
Photo courtesy of Christie Cochran
Dayna Sue Michaud, of Perham, is greeted by Governor John Baldacci at the Hall of Flags in Augusta where she received the Governor’s Exemplary Service Award.
She was nominated through her school and coaches and received recommendations from her peers as well as those agencies she volunteered for. Those sending letters of recommendations included a local soup kitchen for whom she held food drives; and during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina she organized a community supper, donating the $1,800 proceeds to the American Red Cross. She also volunteered for Toys for Tots and has donated gifts and money to this cause since she was a tot herself, beginning at the age of 3.
All noted her exceptional service to her community, and each told that it was apparent that Dayna loves helping others and nearly always puts them before herself. It was due to all this that she was chosen by the Governor’s Service Awards Selection Committee to receive the Governor’s Exemplary Service Award. The ceremony to honor Maine’s most dedicated volunteers was held at the Hall of Flags at the Augusta State Capitol building.
Dayna and her parents, Richard and Katie Michaud, along with her sister, Simone, were met by a former citizen of Caribou, now an assistant to Senator Susan Collins, Michelle Michaud, who gave them an interesting and informative tour of the Maine State House. Dayna’s family then traveled to the University of Maine at Augusta for a special moving and historical presentation at the new and recently-opened Holocaust Museum. This proved to be an “awesome” museum and the entire Michaud family recommends that it is a “must see” on the tour circuit.
Dayna is 15 years old and is about to begin her junior year at Caribou High School and likely will be continuing her volunteer efforts for many years to come.
