University of Maine at Machias announces 2020 Ivy Orator and Senior Watch Awards

Three seniors at the University of Maine at Machias are being honored with special recognition for their contributions to the campus community.

English, creative writing and book arts major Alondra Candelario of Thousand Oaks, California was elected Ivy Orator by UMM Class of 2020 graduates. The Ivy Orator traditionally delivers a lighthearted, humorous speech at Honors Convocation to reflect on the college experience.  

Candelario has been an active member of UMM’s Black Student Union, and Equity and Inclusion Committee. She will relocate to Pennsylvania after graduation to accept a college advisor position at McCaskey High School in Lancaster.

Psychology and community studies major KwiNam Park of Machiasport, and business and entrepreneurial studies major Jeffrey Moore of Machias, are this year’s Senior Watch Award recipients, traditionally elected by UMM faculty and staff in recognition of student leadership and service.

Park has been involved in a number of community service projects, including managing the campus food pantry with UMM’s F.O.O.D. Club. She plans to continue her volunteer work after graduation.

Moore, who had a minor in music, is a vocalist and guitarist for EBT, a Machias-based punk band. He hopes to eventually pursue a master’s in business administration and become a certified public accountant.

The awards are traditionally announced at an Honors Convocation ceremony in April, which was cancelled this year due to COVID-19.