<p>Spiker - I agree that it was a great speech! Thanks for posting the link. You can also find it on Stephen King's website. </p>
<p>BTW, King has his own viewing box in the hockey arena. There is a section of private boxes above the arena, each decorated by its owner, which I thought was really neat and representative of the big following the hockey team has.</p>
<p>I loved the line at the end ..where he says so sweetly
"Of all the places in the United States, God touches Maine first with sunlight every day ..some people think its so we.ll get up early ...i think its because he likes us best.. "</p>
<p>Thanks, too. I wonder if son will end up going to Univ Maine. If so I hope Stephen King may give many more speeches/lectures there.</p>
<p>I grew up in Maine, and when I was applying to colleges for the class of '96, I opted not to apply to any schools in Maine. Somehow, this didn't backfire on me, and I was accepted to 6 of the 8 schools to which I applied. I considered 3 reaches, 2 safeties, and 3 matches, ultimately enrolling at Wellesley, which I considered a reach. </p>
<p>However, I had a lot of friends from my class at Brunswick HS who went to Orono (and other UMaine campuses) and had a wonderful education. </p>
<p>Although I didn't make it longer than a semester at Wellesley all those years ago, I ended up at a state school here in WI when I grew up and figured out what I wanted to do with my life. Sure, it doesn't have a great reputation, but it allowed me to find my way and get into Marquette University's MBA program.</p>
<p>Maine's state campuses are vibrant and have a lot going for them, including their location in my beautiful home state. I'm glad to see a thread about some of the Maine publics here on the board, since I see Bowdoin, Bates, and Colby much more often (and for good reason, since they're excellent schools!).</p>
<p>Oh, and Stephen King is an excellent speaker. I love seeing interviews or hearing his speeches. It is then that many have realized how intelligent and thoughtful he is.</p>