The Spirit of America Award was established to recognize volunteerism and the Cornish Board of Selectmen selected Diann W. Perkins as the 2021 Spirit of America recipient for her tireless dedication to many hours of committee work.

Diann Watson Perkins was born in Cornish, Maine in April of 1937. She graduated from Cornish High School and the University of Maine in Orono. Her teaching career started in 1959 at Brewer Junior High and continued at Old Town High School, Bangor High School, University of Maine Orono, Gorham State College. Diann continued her career as a teacher in 1967 at Sacopee Valley Junior Senior High School until 1992.

Diann married Linwood Glen Perkins in 1958 and they raised two boys, Jay Farley and Perry Hugh. The family returned to Cornish in 1965.

Her love for the Town of Cornish and her sense for civic responsibility were inherited from her parents. Growing up she saw their volunteer work during World War II, the 1947 fire and many other town committees.

One of Diann’s favorite activities has been working regularly at the polls during elections where she sees all her friends and neighbors. With her tireless energy she has been a dedicated member of many town boards and committees.

Her committee work includes:

• Cornish Comprehensive Plan II & II Committee
• Cornish Fairgrounds Advisory Board
• Cornish Historical Society
• Cornish Memorial Day Committee
• Cornish School and Alumni Association
• Cornish Planning Board
• Cornish Recreation Committee
• Eagle Mill Park Committee
• Pike Memorial Hall Committee
• Water Level Ordinance Committee
• Sacopee Valley Recreation Council