ROCKLAND — Rachel Johnson, a 2015 graduate of Oceanside High School, May 2019 psychology graduate from the University of Maine, and Worthington Scholarship recipient, has joined the Worthington staff part-time as program assistant.

In this capacity, Johnson is assisting with scholar communications and support, events such as the scholar send-off BBQ at Point Lookout, and other duties.

“Rachel from day one of becoming a Worthington Scholar has been an exemplary scholar – she not only fully involved herself in our program, she also volunteered valuable hours to assist us in supporting and helping new potential scholars learn about and apply for our scholarship” said Jay McIntire, Worthington Scholarship Foundation program director, in a news release.

Johnson’s addition occurs as the Foundation grows in 2020 to add twenty-three new Maine high schools eligible to receive Worthington scholarships for their students, adding to the six now served. Current staff includes Rick Bedigian, executive director; Jay McIntire, program director and Kerry Hadley as College Mentor and Communications Specialist.

During her time at UMaine, Johnson was involved with University Singers, volunteered hours as an undergraduate research assistant at the UMaine Peer Relations Lab, was an intake staff member at the UMaine Tutor Program, and was a Resident Assistant (RA) for one year.

Despite all her extra- curricular activities, she maintained a 3.98 GPA.

“I am so grateful to have been able to attend UMaine and take full advantage of every opportunity that I could while I was there – I had unique experiences and skills that I still draw from today,” said Johnson, in the release. “I remember feeling so wonderfully full and humbled when I received the Worthington Scholarship. As a college student with a lot on my plate, it meant the world to know that there was a Worthington mentor out there who genuinely cared about how I was doing and was there for support.

“This scholarship isn’t just a signed check; it’s a deep-rooted connection to the community and a program that offers countless services and opportunities to its recipients,” she said.

For more information on the Worthington Scholarship, and profiles of some of the scholars, click on www.worthingtonscholarship.org; phone (207) 596-5800, or visit the Foundation offices at 30 School St., in downtown Rockland.