CARIBOU, Maine — Caribou Tech Center is proud to announce Brady Barnes as the Student of the Year for the 2025–26 year. A senior at Caribou High School and a four-year Caribou Tech student, Barnes exemplifies the highest standards of leadership, professionalism and commitment to excellence both in and out of the classroom.
Starting his journey during his grade 9 year, Barnes was looking for purpose in his education and to gain skills he knew would last a lifetime. He desired to learn how to fix his own car, spray his own garden or service his family’s lawn tractor.
Barnes has participated in multiple Caribou Tech programs, starting in our exploratory program. He has also taken two years in agriculture, one year of large equipment and maintenance operations, and one year in the criminal justice program, where he was previously recognized as Student of the Quarter. During his four years, he has also spent time each year learning essential skills in our JMG program.
From day one, Barnes has led with quiet confidence — always prepared, focused and committed to doing things the right way. He sets high expectations for himself while serving as a mentor to younger students, fostering teamwork, accountability and respect across programs. This is evidenced by multiple nominations for this honor from staff at Caribou Tech Center who have not had Barnes in class.
In our programs Barnes has developed strong technical and mechanical skills, particularly in welding. He consistently applies his learning to real-world projects and is currently assisting with the construction of a steel flatbed body for a farm truck. His certifications reflect both his work ethic and readiness for the workforce and include forklift safety, tractor safety, OSHA 10 (General Industry and Construction), Stop the Bleed, Maine Career Exploration Badge, Maine Career Exploration Model Credentials and First Aid/CPR.
Barnes is deeply involved in career and technical student organizations. He is an active participant in FFA, SkillsUSA and he currently serves as president of the National Technical Honor Society chapter, demonstrating leadership, responsibility and service to his peers. Barnes earned a gold medal in the job interview contest at SkillsUSA and will represent our school at the national conference in June in Atlanta, Georgia.
Beyond Caribou Tech, Barnes is a consistent honor roll student at Caribou High School and a key member of the golf team where he has earned numerous accolades for his performance. He has also been a hardworking employee in our agriculture program where he has assisted with bringing in our schools potato crop and he works at a local gas station.
Barnes represents Caribou Tech Center with pride and professionalism. He was selected to represent the school at the Hall of Flags in Augusta where he was a student speaker from the podium and he was personally asked to provide a tour of our school to Sen. Sue Bernard — an opportunity that reflects the trust and respect he has earned from staff and administration alike.
In Barnes’ words, “Caribou Tech Classes have been the best thing to happen to me; they motivated me to come to school, and I always felt like I was seen.”
Caribou Tech Center certainly sees Barnes. He is thoughtful, mature and dependable. He embodies what it means to be a Caribou Tech Center Student of the Year. We are incredibly proud to recognize him for his achievements, leadership, character and the positive impact he has made on our school community. For the many times he’s thanked me for the opportunities presented to him at Caribou Tech, I’d like to express my gratitude to Barnes for allowing us to be part of his path and journey. He’s blessed our staff and school.
