The Outstanding Educator Award, sponsored by the TA Alumni Association and presented for the first time this year, recognizes outstanding lifetime achievements of TA graduates in the field of education.

Agnes Cunningham was born in Saco in 1911 and graduated from Thornton in 1930. She attended the Farmington State Normal School (now the University of Maine at Farmington) and graduated in 1932 with a teaching certificate. She worked at York Mill for a year before beginning her first teaching position. As the requirements for teaching credentials increased, she attended summer school for years to complete her bachelor of arts in education, which she earned in 1952. Cunningham taught English, reading and language arts in Saco schools from 1933 until her retirement in 1973. She is remembered for her professionalism and her exacting standards but also for her caring and supportive way with students and for encouraging individuality. Cunningham is described by former students as "dedicated and sincere; she was able to reach those who weren't interested in English and motivate them." Cunningham is also active in the United Baptist Church, a local dramatic group, the Women's Educational and Industrial Union and Eastern Star. She enjoys reading and needlework.

See a list of past recipients