Alumni Spotlight

Joshua Kane

Kane attended the seminar in 2003 as a representative from Hermon High School. He graduated in 2009 from Thomas College (Waterville, Maine) with a B.S. of Science in Management. 

He works as an Operations Manager for Pepsi Beverages Company in Presque Isle, Maine and enjoys doing a variety of outdoor activities with his family in his spare time. 

He took the time to answer some questions about his Maine Youth Leadership experience and how it has impacted his life. Keep reading to learn more about this outstanding alum.

How do you show the MYL pillar of volunteerism in your daily life? 

I try to volunteer my time and resources whenever possible. I currently do volunteer baseball coaching for Washburn District School and participate in several charity events as a Mason.

How do you show the MYL pillar of character in your daily life? 

The best way I remind myself of this, is to always try to be the person my dogs think I am. Be kind, loyal and truthful. You’d be surprised how many people’s day you can change just by smiling. 

How do you show the MYL pillar of leadership in your daily life? 

Leadership is a very important pillar to me. Anyone can be put into a position of power over a group of people, but a true leader takes a genuine interest in the wellbeing for all those who look up to him or her. A person will typically go to the ends of the earth for you if they feel empowered and appreciated. 

How would you say MYL impacted your trajectory in life? (the decisions you made, the things you did, etc.) 

It reaffirmed in me the importance of always living your life to its fullest potential. Integrity and honor are just as important as rank and status in what you do in your life. 

Did any MYL relationship help you along your way? (JC, SF, AC, fellow alum, etc.) and if so, how? 

The current President of the Board of Directors, Jason Tarr, and I have been very close for a very long time, even before MYL. Both of us being a part of it as Alum and now both on the BOD’s has been a great journey working together to try to get as many students in our State involved as possible. 

What is the legacy you want to leave behind? 

I hope that my legacy is one of a husband, son, father and brother that always acted with honor and integrity. He was always smiling, even when things got tough, and always gave more than he took. 

What is your fondest memory from your MYL experience? 

When I attended the seminar, learning how many other good people were out there that were from different areas, but held and exhibited the same values as I did. 

What might someone be surprised to learn about you? 

That Justin Timberlake is my guilty pleasure, and because of him I always wanted to be in a Boy Band. 

What gives you hope? 

My new son. I hope that he learns some lessons from his Dad, and brings the rest of the world as many smiles and happiness that he has brought me and his Mother. 

What gets you particularly fired up? 

A strong cup of coffee and some late 90’s/early 2000’s rock music to get the day going!

How does your MYL experience impact your everyday work? 

Like I mentioned above, just trying to be a good person everyday. If everyone would turn off the doom and gloom the media tries to keep over our heads, we would see that today is an incredible day to be alive. Smile more, listen more, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and take responsibility for your actions/decisions.

Tell us a bit about your hobbies

My wife Amy and son Wyatt live in Easton, Maine with our two dogs, Chase and Lexi. We all have a love for the outdoors and spend much of our free time together hunting, ice fishing, camping, ATV’ing and snowshoeing. In my spare time I enjoy playing golf, tinkering on engines and gardening. 

If you are a Maine Youth Leadership alum and you’d like to share your story, please email Maria NeCastro at mariatnecastro@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading!

[Published online: 11/23/2020]