Merritt Holman: Winner of the 2024 Governor's Award for Young Maine Volunteer of the Year

Merritt Holman has been honored by Governor Janet Mills and Volunteer Maine as the 2024 Young Maine Volunteer of the Year. Photo: CMTM

CMTM’s Merritt Holman has been honored by Governor Janet Mills and Volunteer Maine as the 2024 Young Maine Volunteer of the Year! 

Merritt, a high school sophomore, was awarded this honor in recognition of her extensive volunteer work in CMTM's Maddy’s Theatre.

Merritt Holman has been part of the CMTM community for as long as she can remember. Her mother, Sarah Holman, was on the CMTM staff when Merritt was born, and she would often bring Merritt along to work during her early childhood. Since then, Merritt says, she has always regarded it as her second home.

“I love every single thing about being a part of the CMTM team,” Merritt shared. “It is the best place with the most inspiring, kind, and driven people I know. Every time I step foot into the building, I feel like I can be my true self and not worry about what people think, while also working with the best people and getting to share my passion with people who love it as much as I do.”

Merritt began her time as a CMTM volunteer in the summer of 2022, and has since spent over 450 hours working as a Deck Captain and Assistant Stage Manager in CMTM’s Maddy’s Theatre. In just under two years, Merritt has supported 13 professional productions, worked alongside 132 actors and designers, and helped to welcome thousands of audience members into our theatre. 

“Merritt believes in the importance of seeing our community reflected onstage in the stories we tell and the people we use to tell them. She takes pride in her role and has stepped up into a mentorship position, even assisting in teaching after school theatre classes for our youngest actors, aged 5-7. She helped them overcome their stage fright, modeled teamwork in rehearsals, and championed them in their final performances. She works hard to be a welcoming smile to everyone who enters our theater, whether they are acting with us for the tenth time or watching their very first performance. She works hard to keep a professional environment while encouraging the kids she mentors to take risks and try new things, letting them know she is there to help them whenever they need. Merritt has helped our volunteer program grow into what it is today, and continues to make us better with every production.”

— Emily M. Dixon, Theatre Production Manager

Merritt prepares for a performance of “The Neverending Story (Atreyu and the Great Quest).”

Theatre Company Coordinator Allison McCall noted that “juggling the responsibilities of being a full-time high school student, working a part-time job, and committing to the demands of a professional theatre schedule is not for everyone. Merritt is able to handle this full schedule with grace, and is present for this team with professionalism and maturity. Her consistency and reliability has established Merritt as a valued member of our community, and she welcomes everyone through her passion and kindness.”

“Working with CMTM has taught me so many things, and I am forever grateful,” said Merritt. “It has taught me a bunch of life skills like independence, self-confidence, organization and multitasking. It has also shown me how to interact and engage with kids and the general public. CMTM has also taught me almost everything I know about theater, thanks to Emily Dixon and the entire Maddy’s Theater team!” 

Our heartfelt congratulations, Merritt, and thank you for everything you do for our community here at CMTM. We are so proud to have you on our team, and we can’t wait to see where your drive, talent, and passion for theatre take you.