Carmel teen who misplaced each her dad and mom graduates with a scholarship to UMaine
Devyn Robinson was decided to not cry at her commencement from Hermon Excessive College. However when she stood up and began strolling to the stage June 3, the tears started to circulate.
The 18-year-old began fascinated by her mom and the way a lot the day would have meant to her and the senior’s feelings took over.
“I knew that she’d have needed to be there and that she’d be pleased with me,” Devyn stated Thursday.
Her mom, Lee Ann Robinson, died in January 2022, just a few days after she was identified with most cancers and some months after her husband, Joseph Robinson, had died the earlier September.
Devyn and her 20-year-old sister, Jordyn Robinson, thought they had been on their very own however there was a complete group supporting them in methods they by no means anticipated.
The sisters needed to proceed dwelling in the one house they’d ever recognized in Carmel. However the 1978 trailer they’d shared with their dad and mom wanted a brand new roof and different repairs. So residents in Carmel, Hermon and past rallied to assist them stay there.
Hermon City Councilor Steve Thomas arrange a GoFundMe web page and assist for the Robinsons poured in. A neighborhood businessman, Billy Hart, who had not too long ago bought Hartt Transportation, stepped up and provided to purchase a brand new cell house to switch their ageing trailer.
After the Bangor Day by day Information did a narrative on that donation, “calls and letters got here from everywhere in the state in assist of Devyn and Jordyn,” Thomas stated Friday. “I personally have by no means seen such an outpouring of assist like our group confirmed for these two younger girls.”
The 2-bedroom, two-bathroom house arrived in Might 2022 and the sisters had been capable of transfer in late June. A lot of the work that was performed to get it prepared was donated. The sisters had been capable of purchase new home equipment and furnishings with donated funds.
“We wish to say a giant thanks to the group,” Devyn stated. “This modified our lives without end. We had been not sure of what to do. Having the brand new trailer actually helped get us in the appropriate mindset to maneuver ahead with our lives.”
As a substitute of worrying about having a roof over their heads, the sisters had been capable of deal with studying to look after themselves, managing a finances and studying to drive.
Whereas plans for getting their new house had been being finalized the teenagers speedy wants had been lined, Thomas stated.
“Dysart’s lined their gas prices. Baggage of meals, cooked meals, and donations sustained the ladies for months. Donations had been even made to feed their loyal household canine, Shawdoe,” he stated. “And a particular aunt, Liz Jonason, supplied a number of the household love and emotional assist they misplaced of their mother.”
Devyn will likely be attending the College of Maine this fall on scholarships. She is the primary particular person in her household to attend faculty. Her choice to check nursing was influenced by her mom.
“Earlier than I used to be born, she was a nursing assistant ,” she stated. “She all the time needed to go to highschool to get her nursing diploma however didn’t get to go. So, I wish to turn into a nurse for her and it’s the one factor that basically pursuits me in faculty.”
Devyn will stay on campus whereas Jordyn and their canine Shawdoe will stay in Carmel however the house will likely be quieter with out Devyn.
“My sister is a vibrant, energetic particular person,” Jordyn stated. “I’m used to having a variety of Devyn’s laughter in the home. Will probably be quieter.”
Thomas stated that the way in which individuals got here collectively to assist Jordyn and Devyn was a heartwarming expertise.
“Whereas nobody can substitute their mother, it was heartwarming to see so many good individuals come ahead to assist these two younger girls of their darkest hours and supply them with a stable basis to construct their lives on,” he stated. “I’m sure [their mom] Lea is trying down on Devyn and Jordyn, pleased with the caring, humble, and powerful daughters she raised.”
