Deering High School students have been busy taking advantage of extended learning opportunities (ELOs) this fall, according to Sydney Williams, Deering’s ELO coordinator. Recent ELO experiences have focused on youth leadership and careers in medicine.

Deering’s 4H students attended the MYAN (Maine Youth Action Network) 2022 Maine Youth Leadership Conference at the University of Maine in Orono, on Nov. 3-4. 

Williams explained that the conference centers around discussions about youth leadership, restorative practices in schools, Black Lives Matter and anti-racism, adolescent mental health & wellness, climate justice, body positivity, LGBTQIA+ support and advocacy, social justice, college and work readiness, school climate (including student voice in education and/or bullying/harassment prevention), and issues that impact youth substance use rates. The trip was sponsored by the University of Maine 4H & Youth Development program.

Also, on Nov. 7, Deering students attended a one-day Intro into Healthcare Careers workshop and Q&A with Tufts University students who are studying a variety of medical and healthcare professions and are currently in the middle of their clinicals at Maine Medical Center. Shown in the photo is DHS senior Fatumo Abdirahman trying out her stethoscope skills on a Tufts med student.