Mt. Abram students and staff enjoy a day dubbed "Jeanne Tucker Day" and gather for a group photo on the deck of the Saddleback Base Lodge. (Lori Littlefield photo) SALEM - - On April 9, over 200 Mt. Abram High School students as well as a large portion of supporting staff took a day to celebrate what was called "Jeanne Tucker Day." The school buses were filled with members of the MTA community as they headed to Saddleback ski resort for a day of skiing and riding and in general to enjoy the great outdoors. At the same time it was a day to celebrate and acknowledge MTA award winning Principal Jeanne Tucker who is retiring at the end of the year after a vibrant 20-year run at the school.

Some skied, some rode and some just enjoyed being outside on the deck of the Saddleback base lodge on a gorgeous spring day. The mountain staff embraced the initiative which not only acknowledged Tucker for her accomplishments but also supported the students in having an opportunity to get active in the great outdoors.

"Saddleback was not only very supportive, they were really well prepared to handle the students and staff with skis and snowboards … it was very efficiently handled allowing students and staff to ski and ride, some for the first time," said MTA faculty member Barry London.

London credited his co-worker Jeff Pillsbury who organized much of the event with Saddleback, general manager Warren Cook, his assistant Kara and all the resort staff who were all very receptive to the event.

Those who chose not to participate in skiing or riding sat out front and cheered on the new snow sport enthusiasts. Others participated in activities in the base lodge such as board games, a movie, designated reading and studying areas and other activities.

"As for Jeanne," London said cheerfully, "she was caught completely by surprise… She was presented with flowers and we served cake to everyone. It was a great day," he explained.

London said it was great to see students and staff, mingling, teaching and encouraging everyone who was there regardless of grade or class in whatever the students and staff chose to do.

This day is also part of an ongoing initiative that promotes healthy outdoor activities for the MTA community.

"Students and especially staff would like to establish a Spring Outdoor Activity Day that encourages everyone at MTA to get outdoors and enjoy," London added.

Both students and staff alike were very grateful for the Saddleback staff and for the opportunities that were presented that day.