BIDDEFORD — Many teachers begin their careers with enthusiasm, and Biddeford Middle School Physical Education teacher Marie Potvin has carried with her that passion and enthusiasm throughout her more than 30-year career as an educator.

The passion Potvin brings to the job becomes evident within a few moments of meeting her. It’s in the way she greets her students and the pride in her voice when she talks to them. It’s in the lively way she speaks of her career in education and the energy she has brought to the job. At age 60, she still gets out on the floor to play Pilo Pollo or badminton with students.

Fellow physical education and health teacher Alex Millett, said he has told her more than once, “You’re in your final years (of teaching), and you’re still pushing like a bull.”

Potvin, who is retiring at the end of the school year, said though some people’s passion may fade as they get close to retirement, her passion is “strong to the end.” Like a true physical education teacher, she often uses sports analogies, stating one must not only finish the race but cross the finish line and that football is played in four quarters and doesn’t end in the third.

Potvin has been in education for 35 years. Thirty two of those years have been in the Biddeford school system, mostly at Biddeford Middle School.

Potvin graduated from Biddeford High School in 1977, after living in other areas of New England, she and her husband decided to move back to Biddeford.

“It’s the best move I’ve made,” she said. “I always wanted to come back and teach.”

She was able to raise her children near their grandparents, and she was able to teach and give back to the community that gave her so much growing up.

Potvin said she had two very good mentors when going to Biddeford High School – athletic coach Carolyn Allbee and biology teacher Richard Labonte. Those two educators helped guide her passion for health and athletics, she said.

Teaching is a specific craft and a gift you can give to others by lending your knowledge and insight, said Potvin.

Potvin was honored Monday with the Golden Apple Award by radio station 99.9 The Wolf, an award given each month of the school year that recognizes a Maine teacher who has made a positive impact on their students. Other awards Potvin has received over the years include a Maine Association for Middle Level Education outstanding educator award and Maine Association for Health, Physical Education , Recreation and Dance teacher of the year award.

Potvin said teaching has been very rewarding, and fond memories include students telling her she’s inspired them to pursue a health career, learning that a former student is being honored for performing the Heimlich maneuver or hearing from parents that after taking her class, students are looking at nutrition labels and making healthier food choices.

Among Potvin’s accomplishments are getting the girl’s high school soccer team back up to the varsity level and starting a successful girl’s ice hockey program from the ground up.

“She holds kids accountable and the kids rise to the occasion,” said Millett. He said Potvin has high standards, but treats every student equally and students learn a lot from her.

Millett spoke not only as a co-worker but as a parent. He said his son was a student of Potvin’s and her class was one of the toughest he took, but he gained a lot from the class. Millett said his daughter, who is disabled, participated in Special Olympics training with Potvin and it was one of her best experiences in school.

Potvin said after she retires she plans to spend time with family and pursue hobbies and interests including traveling, playing golf and reading.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be reached at 780-9015 or by email at egotthelf@journaltribune.com.

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