Matt and Gwen Cole of Southport are thrilled to announce the engagement of their daughter, Allison Cole, to Ben Nickerson, son of Cheryl and Mark Lorrain of Boothbay.

Both are graduates of Boothbay Region High School.

Allison, granddaughter of Betsy Cole of Falmouth and Southport, graduated from Colby College in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in English and gender studies. In May of this year, Allison earned a master's degree from the Simmons College Institute for the Study of Children's Literature. She is employed by Candlewick Press, a children's book publisher in Somerville, Mass.

Ben, grandson of Shirley Paine of Boothbay Harbor, graduated from Thomas College in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in sports management. He is employed by the Boston Celtics, where he works in ticket analytics and database marketing.

Allison and Ben will exchange vows on August 9, 2014 on Southport Island.

The couple resides in the South End of Boston with their golden doodle, Bode.