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WINDHAM — Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School graduate Mo Karim had a party a little more spectacular than many of his classmates — not only did members of the Otisfield teen’s foster family and friends turn out, but so did state legislators from both parties, as well as staff of SMART Child and Family Services.
Karim, a native of Iraq and a veteran of multiple foster homes since he came to Maine, graduated in June and is heading to Orono to attend the University of Maine, with a full grant from the Finance Authority of Maine.
The celebration for Karim was because he beat the odds — only 3 percent of children who need foster care services go on to college, according to SMART Child and Family Services..
Clearly, said state Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham, in his remarks to the crowd, Karim did not do it alone. He was supported by Rich and Barb Maguire, his seventh and final foster family, who brought him into their home in Otisfield and provided him with the stability he needed to navigate his teenage years and graduate from high school.
And he didn’t just graduate, he excelled. Karim filled his schedule with Advanced Placement classes, and also helped lead the lacrosse team into the state playoffs.
The Maguires had support from the staff of SMART CFS, where they received advice and guidance every step of the way, just as they have in fostering other Maine children in their kind and loving home, SMART said. The organization specializes in children who need intensive assistance, finding families willing to take on the challenging work of fostering them and providing them with the training and support needed to insure success.
Also in attendance at the celebration were Rep. Mark Bryant, D-Windham, Rep. Patrick Corey, R-Windham, and Rep. Susan Austin, R-Gray, who made a point of noting that support for foster families is critical in solving the issues that have been identified lately. This, they said, is an area where both sides of the aisle have common interest and can agree should be a focus of state government going forward.
Karim’s success came from his drive, curiosity and optimistic outlook on life, but also is a Maine foster care success, said the organization, which those at the celebration agreed can be replicated throughout the state.
PHOTO: Recenty Oxford Hills graduate Mo Karim, of Otisfield, third from left, poses with state Rep. Susan Austin, R-Gray; state Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham; his foster father Rich Maguire; and state Reps. Mark Bryant, D-Windham; and Patrick Corey, R-Windham. (Submitted photo)
