Casey Maddock: Outstanding Student in Secondary Education

Casey Maddock of Scarborough, Maine is the 2025 Outstanding Student in Secondary Education in the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. A member of All Maine Women and Team Maine, Maddock also captained the UMaine Dance Team and served as a College of Education and Human Development Student Ambassador. She graduates with a concentration in mathematics education and a concentration in French.

Parent(s): Warren and Melissa Maddock

Why did you choose to come to UMaine? 

I always tell families on my campus tours that I chose UMaine for financial reasons, but stuck around because of the community. I truly believe that UMaine has a space for everyone. I found spaces that made me feel safe and at home while also challenging me to learn and grow.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at UMaine better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at UMaine? 

I will always be grateful for my supervising professor, Connie Ronco, and my mentor teacher, Rachel Larrabee, who were instrumental in my development as an educator during my student teaching. I had such a positive experience during my internship and grew to love my profession more than I ever thought possible. Connie always made sure I felt confident and capable in the classroom while also challenging me to rise to a higher level.

What has coming to UMaine enabled you to explore beyond academics? 

Beyond academics, UMaine broadened my horizons as a dancer and a leader. During the last four years I’ve trained in a variety of unique styles with student choreographers and the dance team. In joining a sorority, I challenged my beliefs on what it means to be a collegiate woman and learned about myself as a leader during my time as President and in a variety of other roles. I even learned how to command a marching band during my time as captain of the dance team!

Favorite UMaine memory: 

During my first preseason with the dance team, the team joined the marching band on the mall to perform “The Stein Song” all together for the first time that season. I remember how magical it felt dancing to live music for the first time. I knew at that moment that I was participating in something bigger than myself. I felt inspired by the rich traditions and powerful UMaine spirit surrounding me.

What’s on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate? 

After graduation I will be moving back to Southern Maine and working as a middle or high school math teacher. After I get a few years of experience under my belt, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in education. I hope to continue my work advocating for the mental health of Maine’s students and contribute positively to the community in which I teach.

Special thank you message: 

Thank you to my teammates. I could not have asked for a better group of women to spend my senior year with, and I will always cherish the memories we made together in the studio and on the field. To my parents and my sister, thank you for your endless support. Your unwavering faith in me helped me stay the course in every challenge I faced.