Take Note.

When the Great Northern Paper mill, a major employer in Millinocket, Maine suddenly closed in December 2002 unemployment was a concern for the parents and students of Stearns and Schenck high schools. Shrinking finances meant that the two schools would not be able to host their yearly proms. Suggestions from the student forums headed by John Daley, a U.S. history teacher at the 800-student Kennebunk High included raising money to help pay for a prom for the Millinocket students. They raised nearly 2,000 dollars. Community businesses and school organizations became aware of the plight of the mill town's residents and offered Millinocket students discount dresses, hair styling, and accessories for the prom. Their prom is scheduled for this spring.