Hampden Academy starts off the schedule of schools participating in AWTT’s Partnership Program this year.  The Academy will have four portraits from mid-November through mid-December: Dianna Cohen, Julia Butterfly Hill, Maulian Dana Bryant, and Esther Anne.  These portraits will support the integration of art and social studies as students explore the importance of truth telling and being courageous citizens. Then, in March 2026, the school will host four more AWTT portraits – to further enhance their multi-disciplinary explorations.

According to Emily Albee, social studies teacher and 2022 Penobscot Teacher of the Year, “These stunning Truth Teller portraits are used as a way for my high school students to generate ideas and conversations about the various qualities needed to navigate telling the truth and to do what is right even if it is not easy. My students will do research on these portraits and connect their learning to a policy issue in our government class or an aspect of our Wabanaki Studies. These portraits will also help my students define the concepts of advocate and advocacy and how they apply to issues students care about.”

The AWTT School Partnership Program invites schools to partner with community businesses and organizations to sponsor month-long portrait exhibits for students. AWTT Edcuation Director, Connie Carter, offers this vision: “Spark your students’ curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking with AWTT’s Partnership Program. Being in the presence of these original portraits for an extended time ignites students’ interest, courage, and action. Students are inspired to find their voices on issues they care about and explore ways to work for the common good.” Watch video and learn more here