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Letters submitted by BDN readers are verified by BDN Opinion Page staff. Send your letters to letters@bangordailynews.com As a former student of Benjamin Speed, I can say with absolute confidence that he is one of the most dedicated educators I’ve ever known. I had the privilege of being his student for three years at Hancock County Technical Center, and I truly wouldn’t be where I am in my career today without his guidance and belief in his students. Ben has a rare ability to make learning feel effortless. His classroom was a place where creativity thrived. Every student felt seen and valued, no matter what their skill level, and he took the time to understand each of us individually. As the director of creative for Maine Athletics and a Waterfront Concerts house photographer, I attribute my skill and success directly to his guidance when I was in high school, and still reference concepts he taught to this day. I’m confident he would take those values and use them to improve the quality of education for the youth of Bangor. I believe Bangor would be in good hands with Benjamin Speed on the school committee. He is someone who truly understands what it means to invest in students, empower teachers, and make education meaningful. I wholeheartedly support his candidacy. Simon French Hermon Election notice: The BDN will stop accepting letters and columns related to the Nov. 4 election on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Not all submissions can be published.