Leavitt Trustees raise money to dedicate auditorium to beloved teacher Elaine Chenard

PHOTO: A Leavitt High School yearbook photo of Elaine Chenard. (Submitted photo)

TURNER — The Trustees of Leavitt Institute are kicking off a fundraising effort to dedicate the Leavitt Area High School auditorium in memory of Elaine Chenard.
The money raised will be used to design and install signs and create an account that will assist with the upkeep and improvements to the auditorium.
Chenard was a dedicated and cherished member of the Leavitt community, according to the trustees. She began her career in 1960 and was a teacher, administrator, coach and mentor to children throughout the Turner, Leeds and Greene communities until her death in 2018.
Chenard was an advocate for all students, but particularly those who needed a slight nudge to reach their full potential. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, working with students to set and achieve their goals, and helping them overcome any obstacle put in their way.
Upon her passing, she left a sizeable gift to the Leavitt Trustees that will be used to create the Chenard Family Scholarship. Beginning this year, her gift will support the future educational endeavors of graduating seniors with approximately $30,000 in annual scholarships.
“The residents of Greene, Leeds and Turner are extremely blessed as a community to have such a great source of funds to aid in the education of our children at Leavitt Area High School,” said Tim Doyle, president of the Leavitt Trustees. He said anyone who’d like to learn more about the Corporation of Leavitt Institute or are interested in becoming a member, may contact any trustee or LAHS Principal Eben Shaw.
The trustees are asking all those whose lives Chenard touched to consider a donation.
Donations can be sent to Leavitt Area High School, Elaine Chenard Fund, 21 Matthews Way, Turner, ME 04282 or, if using online bill pay, to Androscoggin Bank, 207 Auburn Road, Turner, ME and reference the Elaine Chenard Fund.
For information visit lahs.msad52.org/trustees-3133c599.