Saint Joseph’s College has appointed Dr. Michael Pardales of Buffalo, N.Y., as its new vice president and chief learning officer. Dr. Pardales will join Saint Joseph’s on July 15 from Canisius College in Buffalo, where he was the dean of education and human services.

A graduate of Michigan State University, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s in philosophy, Dr. Pardales also holds a doctorate in educational psychology from the university. In addition, he earned a master’s of education in philosophy for children from Montclair State University.

Top schools awarded $4,000 to implement waste reduction plans

Nearly 700 students, faculty and officials gathered at an all-school Earth Day assembly and burst into applause upon hearing the news that Gorham Middle School had placed first in the state in the second annual Zero Waste Challenge.  The competition’s founding sponsors, Poland Spring and Chewonki, were joined by new sponsors ecomaine and Pine Tree Waste, to announce the state’s top four winners and award a total of $4,000 to Gorham Middle School ($2,000 for 1st place), Westbrook Middle School ($1,000 for 2nd place) and Molly Ockett School (Fryeburg) ($500 for 3rd place).  Massabesic Middle School, who placed 3rd in last year’s Middle School Challenge, was also awarded $500 this year for their continuing commitment to Zero Waste plan implementation.