awards & recognition.
The Patricia DeGrinney LIFE Award
In 2009, the Patricia DeGrinney LIFE Award was instituted in honor of Patricia DeGrinney, a founding member of Maine Right to Life and a dedicated leader in Maine’s pro-life movement.
Patricia DeGrinney worked tirelessly for over 30 years to educate women and men concerning the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. A staunch advocate for the unborn and elderly, Patricia DeGrinney spearheaded many pro-life programs throughout the state of Maine.
The prestigious Life Award is presented to a Maine citizen who has consistently demonstrated compassion, leadership, and service for Maine’s most vulnerable people, which include everyone from unborn babies, handicapped individuals, and
people of all ages who are at risk of suicide or euthanasia.
2025 Recipient
Andy Levesque
Andre “Andy” Levesque has been involved in the pro-life movement forever. He is a prayer warrior for 40 Days for Life and sidewalk advocate. He has been active with the Knights of Columbus, he joined MRTL Board Directors in January of 2022 and is currently serving as Treasurer. He searches for any event to bring his pro-life table and many of you are familiar with all the resources he shares. You can always count on him to be on the forefront with his rosary in his pocket and his pro-life signs in tow.
I have been in various roles in this fight for Life since 2009. I am stunned, amazed and in awe that our winner seems to be everywhere. Even more, his love and joy are present wherever he goes, and that love and joy is contagious and how we will
eventually bring more and more people to the side of LIFE.
Past Winners of The Patricia DeGrinney LIFE Award
2024 Representative Laurel Libby of Auburn
2023 No Award Given
2022 No Award Given
2021 Judy Icenogle of Winslow
2020 No Award Given
2019 Bruce & Jan Wilson of Hope House in Lewiston
2018 Sandy Faucher of Augusta
2017 Cyndi Broyer of Mother Seton House in Fryeburg
2016 Carroll and Terri Conley of the Christian Civic League of Maine in Augusta
2015 Christopher Coughlan of Randolph
2014 Barbara Ford of Godparent Home Ministries in Bangor
2013 Carl Maddaleni of Scarborough
2012 Dr. Ronald & Mrs. Mary Lou Carroll of New Harbor
2011 Judy Cushing of Abba-Women’s Choice in Portland
2010 Margaret Yates of Wilton
2009 Patricia Truman of Hallowell
The Maine Legislative LIFE Award
Beginning in 2025, Maine Right to Life will annually present the Maine Legislative LIFE Award to a member of the Maine Legislature who has demonstrated exceptional courage, commitment, and clarity in defending the sanctity of human life.
This award recognizes a legislator who has stood strong for life—whether in sponsoring or supporting pro-life legislation, speaking truth with conviction, or being a consistent voice for the voiceless at the State House.
Each year, this award will honor a lawmaker whose actions reflect integrity, moral clarity, and a deep respect for the dignity of every human life, from conception to natural death.
2025 Recipient
Rep. Reagan Paul
Rep. Reagan Paul represents Maine House District 37, with her home being in Winterport. She was first elected in 2022 when she was 23 and flipped a blue seat red. I met her in 2022, in that time of the year when new candidates come to Augusta to check it out. Obviously, a time of hope and confidence. This Rep. seemed so young…but in speaking with her, I noted a poise that has played out greatly in her challenging role as a State Representative supporting among other things…LIFE.
This is the second term for our winner and she checks the boxes I listed above for integrity, moral clarity and a deep respect for human life. She has posted Life Legislation, speaks tirelessly in support of Life and there is no confusion as to what she really thinks…really believes.
Past Winners of The Patricia DeGrinney LIFE Award
2024 Representative Laurel Libby of Auburn
2023 No Award Given
2022 No Award Given
2021 Judy Icenogle of Winslow
2020 No Award Given
2019 Bruce & Jan Wilson of Hope House in Lewiston
2018 Sandy Faucher of Augusta
2017 Cyndi Broyer of Mother Seton House in Fryeburg
2016 Carroll and Terri Conley of the Christian Civic League of Maine in Augusta
2015 Christopher Coughlan of Randolph
2014 Barbara Ford of Godparent Home Ministries in Bangor
2013 Carl Maddaleni of Scarborough
2012 Dr. Ronald & Mrs. Mary Lou Carroll of New Harbor
2011 Judy Cushing of Abba-Women’s Choice in Portland
2010 Margaret Yates of Wilton
2009 Patricia Truman of Hallowell