WATCH: Augusta Teacher Named Maine’s 2027 Teacher of the Year

There's some exciting news coming out of Augusta, and it's something the entire Cony community can be proud of.

Gretchen Livingston, a Spanish teacher at Cony Middle and High School, has officially been named the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year.

According to the Kennebec Journal, Livingston received the honor Tuesday morning during a surprise assembly attended by students, teachers, and staff. The school's band played while cheerleaders celebrated as representatives from the Maine Department of Education and Educate Maine presented her with the award.

Livingston was selected from hundreds of nominations across the state.

What makes this recognition especially meaningful is Livingston's lifelong connection to Cony. During her acceptance speech, she shared a photograph of herself at just three years old walking through the halls of the old Cony High School with her mother, who also taught there.

Now, decades later, she's being recognized as one of Maine's very best educators at the same school where her journey began.

The KJ went on to say that Livingston has taught Spanish at Cony since 2003. Before becoming an educator, she studied at Tufts University and spent two years serving with the Peace Corps in Honduras.

Beyond teaching, she's also involved in coaching field hockey and lacrosse, advising the National Honor Society, and coordinating the school's Seal of Biliteracy program.

Perhaps the most touching moment came when more than 100 students joined Livingston on stage for a group photograph, showing just how many young lives she's impacted.

Congratulations to Gretchen Livingston on this incredible and well-deserved recognition!