Islakeno Mahabir named NMCC’s 2025 Student of the Year

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) has named Islakeno Mahabir its 2025 Student of the Year. Mahabir, a business administration and accounting student, has made a significant impact at NMCC through his leadership, academic excellence and commitment to his peers and the community.

Mahabir is president of the NMCC Student Senate, where he has advocated for students and worked to enhance campus engagement. Through his work-study position at the NMCC Wellness Center, he promotes health and wellness initiatives for students, staff, and local residents—building a particularly strong connection with area seniors who regularly use the space.

Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Mahabir credits NMCC with helping him turn his life around, sharing he was on the verge of abandoning his dreams before coming to northern Maine in the fall of 2022.

“Now, I’m about to graduate with an associate degree in accounting and an associate degree in business administration, and I’m on a clear path to earning two bachelor’s degrees and plan to pursue a master’s degree,” Mahabir said.

Mahabir credits several individuals at NMCC for helping him succeed. Dean of Students Matt Grillo, Student Navigator Ashley Hall, and Wellness Center Director Tom Richard guided him through various challenges. He also praised faculty members Michelle Collins and Nancy Hamlin Cowett for their academic support.

“Keno is an outstanding student,” said Michelle Collins, a business technology faculty member at NMCC. “Not only has he kept pace with his peers, but he thrives academically.”

Collins also praised Mahabir’s work ethic. “His written work is top-notch—well-organized, well-written and well-presented. His critical thinking and analytical skills are excellent, and his grades are consistently at the top of his class.”

“Keno brings energy, kindness and determination to everything he does,” said Matt Grillo, dean of students at NMCC. “He leads by example, and his impact on this campus will be felt long after he graduates.”

Beyond the support from the faculty and staff at NMCC, Mahabir found inspiration in fellow students Kemanie Cato and Boliver Owusu, saying, “They gave me the affirmations I needed to connect with my spirituality, which I greatly appreciate.”

A recipient of the Maine Community College System’s Free College Scholarship, Keno hopes to establish his career in the region and give back to the community that has supported him throughout his education.

Mahabir was officially recognized as NMCC’s 2025 Student of the Year at the Maine Community College System (MCCS) Student of the Year ceremony on Wednesday, April 23, at Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell. A luncheon followed the ceremony.

Each year, Northern Maine Community College and the six other colleges within the Maine Community College System select one outstanding student to be Student of the Year. Recipients are chosen based on academic achievement, leadership, and service to their campus and community. This award represents the highest honor a student can receive from the college.