KJ, Morning Sentinel highlight first students to earn degrees as Maine’s Top Scholars 

The Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel shared a University of Maine media release highlighting the first students to earn degrees as Maine’s Top Scholars: Kaylee Brann of Albion, Katelyn Ellis of Dixfield and Sadie Libby of Skowhegan. Brann, a biology major who will graduate in December 2021, has been admitted into a 3+4 Accelerated Program undergraduate partnership at the New England College of Optometry. Through the program, she’ll be awarded a joint Bachelor of Science degree from UMaine and, later, a doctorate from the New England College of Optometry. Ellis will earn her Bachelor of Arts in kinesiology this summer, then attend the University of New England to pursue a master’s degree in occupational therapy. Libby earned a degree in psychology with a behavioral/cognitive concentration. She minored in international affairs, concentrated in women’s studies and conducted psychology research with associate professor of psychology Shannon McCoy and graduate student Shelby Helwig. Maine’s Top Scholar (MTS) program, which began in 2017, provides high-achieving undergraduates with full tuition, a designated faculty mentor and opportunities for research experience. They’re also invited to join the Honors College.