Sam Lenson

Celebrating Excellence: GHS Educator Sam Lenson Named 2026 Maine AHPERD Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Brian Jandreau

September 20, 2026

Celebrating Excellence: GHS Educator Sam Lenson Named 2026 Maine AHPERD Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Gorham High School is proud to share that our new physical education teacher, Sam Lenson, has been officially named the 2026 Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (Maine AHPERD).

This prestigious award recognizes educators across Maine who demonstrate outstanding dedication to their students, innovative curriculum development, and an unwavering commitment to lifelong health and wellness. Though Coach Lenson joined our GHS Wellness Department this fall, this honor celebrates his transformative impact on students, adaptive sports programs, and school culture during his tenure at South Portland Middle School.

A Legacy of Inclusion and Motivation

Before joining the Ram family at GHS, Coach Lenson established a standout teaching and coaching record at South Portland Middle School and Noble Middle School. Key accomplishments that led to his statewide selection include:

  • Building Adaptive & Unified Physical Education: Driven by a belief that every student deserves a meaningful place in physical activity, Coach Lenson built South Portland’s Adaptive PE program from the ground up and founded their middle school Unified Basketball team.

  • Empowering All Learners: Colleagues and administrators frequently praise his ability to meet students where they are—whether inspiring every student to complete the inaugural "Shark Mile" run or bringing contagious energy to daily classes.

  • Fostering Community: Beyond the gymnasium, Coach Lenson actively builds connections across school communities, participating in movement breaks, mentoring student-athletes, and instilling core values of sportsmanship and perseverance.

Excellence in Academics and Athletics

Coach Lenson brings a rich background of academic excellence and elite athletic experience to Gorham High School:

  • Academic Distinction: Earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Physical Education, and Coaching (magna cum laude) with a minor in Disability Studies, as well as a Master of Education in Educational Leadership (summa cum laude), both from the University of Maine, Orono.

  • Division I & Coaching Background: Played Division I football for the UMaine Black Bears, earning 2018 UMaine Athlete of the Year honors and CAA Academic All-Conference selections. He is also the founder of Lenson Punting and Kicking, serving as a kicking/punting consultant for regional collegiate football programs.

  • Community Leadership: Founded the "Smile Forward" initiative during college to connect student-athletes with pediatric patients at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center.

Coach Lenson often lives by two personal mottos: "Luck is when preparation meets opportunity" and "A rising tide lifts all boats." We are thrilled to have his energy, leadership, and expertise lifting up our students and staff here at Gorham High School!

Award Celebration

Coach Lenson will be formally recognized for this achievement at the annual Maine AHPERD Awards Banquet on Sunday evening, November 1, 2026, at the Samoset Resort.

Please join us in giving Coach Sam Lenson a warm Gorham welcome and congratulating him on this outstanding statewide honor!