Russell is a seventeen-year-old junior at a METS High School. Russell decided to apply to the Maine Educational Talent Search program when he was in the seventh grade. He was shy and not very confident in his abilities. Russell applied himself to his studies and has been on the honor roll several times. Once he found his passion he began to set goals and achieve them in school and in athletics.

Russell states that“before my commitment to athletics I was planning to attend a two year college and had no interest in a potential scholarship.” The turning point was in his eighth grade year when the opportunity to participate in the sport of Biathlon occurred. “From there I decided to focus on this as a tool for my education.”

“My Talent Search advisor gave me a sense of what my options were after graduating from high school.”

Russell has participated in the biathlon since the eighth grade. Last season and again this season he was able to qualify for the Junior World Biathlon Championship. In the past few years he has earned two scholarships.

“My future plans for education include attending a local college part-time and after one year I would like to attend a four year college where they offer the choices that interest me. When I am finished with my education I will be able to support myself and focus on my other goals.”

© 2008 Maine Educational Talent Search (METS)

The Maine Educational Talent Search Project is funded entirely by the US Department of Education. The grant award for 2007-2008 is $510,255.

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Questions and complaints about discrimination in any area of the University should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, the University of Maine, 5754 North Stevens Hall,Room 101, Orono, ME 04469-5754, telephone (207) 581-1226 ( voice and TDD) TYY (207) 581-9484.

This site last revised 3/3/2008 Comments or questions? Send email to Steve Visco (visco@umit.maine.edu)