Cassie {Yarmouth High School Class of 2026} | Maine Senior Photographer

Seven and a half years ago, my family moved into our current home. The morning after we closed, we pulled in the driveway to a gaggle, and I mean a GAGGLE of children running across our new front yard, screaming at the tops of their lungs. They carried cards, homemade gifts, and baked goods. They all talked at once. They all were SO excited to welcome us to the neighborhood. We were a little overwhelmed, but it only took a few days for us to understand the magic that we had walked into when we bought this house.

Ok, now I’m going to start to tear up. I knew this would happen.

Included in this gaggle were Cassie, Julia, Sebastian, Sam, Eloise, and Hazel. Ranging from preschool to fourth grade, we had no idea how much these six kids would mean to us, and how much they would become like family. We had no idea we had moved into the best neighborhood in Yarmouth. For years, there were children everywhere. In the street, playing ball, in the yard singing showtunes, riding bikes through each other’s yards, zip lining, climbing trees, playing the guitar, eating everyone’s food, bringing baked goods. You name it, this ‘hood had it. And even though they are all growing up faster than any of us want, all of this is still ever-present in our homes.

This summer we have three kids heading into their senior years – Cassie, Sebastian, and Sam. And I am unbelievably honored to be taking senior photos for all of them, starting today, with Cassie.

From day one, Cassie has been the “mom” of the group. From helping to keep kids in line, to being the president of the kid’s neighborhood “society” the ULS, coordinating birthday parties (I swear there’s still frosting on my counter from the cake they made me one year), baking, baking, baking, and always having the biggest heart. Fast forward to high school, and unsuprisingly, Cassie is the founder and president of the Kindness Club, an advocate for women’s rights, an incredibly talented member of the Yarmouth Playmakers, and like a sister to my daughter, Molly. She still surprises us with baked goods at our front door, and is always willing to help out when needed. She is a talented singer and a wonderfully well-rounded young woman. Over the past few years, I’ve watched Cassie grow into a beautiful, confident, and strong person, with big things ahead of her as she looks towards college where she hopes to study music and women’s studies. It may seem silly to be so emotional over someone who is not my own, but the kids in this neighborhood truly were raised by all of us parents – and each other! – and I am so proud of Cassie and definitely emotional as she heads into her senior year.

We took her senior photos last week at Pineland Farms, where her mom, dad, and sister joined us for a few photos, before leaving Cass and I to create photos together. Cassie loves flowers, and wanted whimsical garden photos. We started in the gated garden of Pineland, and then explored the fields, ending with a killer sunrise over the back of the property.

Cassie – you totally rock. I am so proud of you, and so grateful for all you give this neighborhood and the people around you. You are simply amazing, and I can’t wait to watch you fly. ✨❤️