bridgton academy today
summer 2023
3 Wolverine Tracks
5 The Remarkable Mr. Mooney
8 Meet the Academy’s 49th Head
11 A Jerseyman’s Journey
13 Faculty Kids Talk Bridgton
14 Athletics Year in Review
16 Celebrating a Successful Year
18 215th Commencement Exercises
19 Honoring the Class of 2023
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contents
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Bridgton Academy
summer 2023 today
Michelle Cross
Ben Custer
Jessica Priola contributors
Ben Custer
Ashley Lewis ’03
Jesse Logan
Samuel Scannell ’12 photography
Dianne Lewis design
Jessica Priola director of institutional advancement
Diana J. Gleeson head of school
Bridgton Academy Today is produced biannually as the official publication of Bridgton Academy and is distributed to alumni, parents of alumni, and friends of the Academy. We welcome your feedback and encourage you to reach out to us at alumni@bridgtonacademy.org.
bridgton academy
11 academy lane north bridgton, me 04057 207.647.3322 alumni@bridgtonacademy org
wolverine tracks
WOLVERINES SHARE A TASTE OF HOME
On Saturday, December 10, we were delighted to host the first annual Taste of Home Cook-Off. Sponsored by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, the event was designed to allow students a creative outlet to showcase their backgrounds and culture by sharing their families’ culinary traditions.
The cook-off brought together nearly 30 student and faculty chefs who vied to have their creations awarded as the “best dish.” In the lead-up to the tasting and judging, several faculty members graciously opened up their kitchens to give the students a place to cook. Many impressive recipes—from Rasta Pasta to Brigadeiro—were served to hungry attendees and judges alike. Tyler Palumbo ’23 (pictured below) earned first place with his expertly braised Coq Au Vin, and second place went to Dylan Joyner ’23, whose banana pudding tickled the judges’ taste buds.
DEI Committee member Ms. Kayleigh Lepage was instrumental in organizing the event. Ms. Lepage remarked, “It was a unique opportunity for our students and staff to come together and prepare a home-cooked dish to share with our community. I was thrilled to see how excited our students were to cook for their fellow classmates and how creative they were with their dishes. Everyone who participated did a stellar job, leaving our judges feeling very full and inspired. It was a perfect send-off right before the holidays!”
Many thanks to all who competed; the judges: Mr. Jude Lindberg and Mr. Tom Washburn; the DEI Committee; and everyone who helped make this new campus tradition possible.
AN EMERGING SPORT AND ITS NEW BRIDGTON CHAMPION
Many Bridgton alumni (and students) are known to enjoy their time on the golf course. Some have even ventured into the pastime of disc golf. One Wolverine, however, is making a splash in a new golfing phenomenon known as FlingGolf. Described by founders as the “future of the fairway,” FlingGolf is a sort of melding of lacrosse and traditional golf. Played with one club, a “FlingStick,” the sport is described as easier to pick up and more fast-paced than regular golf.
This new take on golf has been rapidly gaining in popularity, with leagues sprouting up all over the United States. This winter, teams and singles from near and far gathered in San Diego for the World League FlingGolf’s San Diego Open. The event was captured by ESPN and will be aired this summer.
Bridgton alumnus Sam Scannell ’12 competed in the tournament and came away a force to be reckoned with. Already well known on the FlingGolf circuit, Sam “Scantron” Scannell dominated the San Diego Open, winning in both the team doubles round, as well as taking home the singles championship. Sam will continue to play on the FlingGolf tour and we wish him the best of success as he sets new performance bars in this exciting (and evolving) sport.
Congratulations, Sam. We’re excited to follow your journey on the links!
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EXPERIENCING HISTORY IN GETTYSBURG
On Friday, March 31, 17
Wolverines, accompanied by Mr. Meserve, Mr. Desmond, Mr. Custer, and Mr. Dugan, departed North Bridgton well before sunrise (4:00 am) for a highly anticipated three-night/four-day visit to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Following the ten-hour van ride, the adventure began with a humbling stop at Gettysburg National Cemetery. The cemetery, which is the final resting place of more than 3,500 Union soldiers, is considered to be hallowed ground and should serve as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by countless men to preserve our democracy. From there, it was off to McPherson’s Ridge, the site of the death of Major General John Reynolds, then Oak Hill, the place where most of the fighting took place during the battle.
On Saturday, the group spent most of the daytime hours exploring several more battlefield sites, with stops at Devil’s Den, Rose Farm, Culp’s Hill, Spangler’s Spring, and Trostle’s Farm, the location at which the Ninth Massachusetts Artillery was
positioned and where Bridgton native Charles E. Dodge was tragically struck down. Off the battlefield, students enjoyed a stop at the famous roadside attraction Mr. Ed’s Elephant Emporium. For more than a decade, Wolverines have been paying a visit to this general store, candy shop, and home of the world’s largest collection of elephant figurines. To cap the day off, the group engaged in a Ghost of Gettysburg Tour, which took them through the city’s streets while they were regaled with paranormal stories. Before calling it a night, they braved one of the most haunted locations in Gettysburg: Sach’s Bridge.
On Sunday, the final day of the trip, the group didn’t waste any of their remaining time, first paying a visit to Cemetery Ridge, the site of Pickett’s Charge. The day’s itinerary also included stops to the Highwater Mark and the Pennsylvania Memorial. The group’s last stop was at Seminary Ridge, site of the start of Pickett’s Charge, where the Wolverines took the same one-mile walk that 12,000 Confederate soldiers took
A SOUTHERN BASEBALL TREK
Thanks to the generosity of Academy parents and donors, Wolverine Baseball flew down to Florida in April to face the wellknown IMG Academy in a threegame tournament. The Wolverines arrived ready to play and Gabe White set the standard in the weekend’s first game, pitching 6.1
innings and allowing zero runs to earn a 3-0 victory. Dan Nineve earned himself a save by shutting the door on a seventh-inning surge by IMG, while Nathan Leighton hit a critical two-run double, and Ryan Bousquet added two hits at the plate.
Game two was a tougher road to travel for the Wolverines, with IMG taking the win. Even so, Nathan Leighton went two for four on the day and Will Burns and Qwest Newhall batted in Bridgton’s runs.
The weekend’s third and final game was a competitive outing. After IMG jumped ahead with a five-run first inning, pitchers Chase Young and Bailey Goss were able to quiet IMG’s bats. Although the Wolverines ultimately lost 6-3, Dan Nineve added a lone RBI for Bridgton, while Jacob Redican, Ethan Belvin, and Nathan Leighton had successful stolen bases.
In addition to the tournament, the Wolverines enjoyed some great food and fun. A special thank you to those donors who generously helped to make this Florida trip possible for our baseball team.
to retreat from the battlefield. Tyler Walles ’23 remarked, “Coach Meserve talks about how peaceful and calming Gettysburg is today, but, at the same time, the amount of pain and suffering these men went through brings everything into perspective.”
Thank you to Mr. Meserve, Mr. Custer, Mr. Desmond, and Mr. Dugan for leading this trip and allowing members of the Class of 2023 to experience the power of history firsthand.
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A Leader in Unprecedented Times: The Remarkable Mr. Mooney
When Martin “Marty” Mooney assumed his position as Head of School five years ago, little did he know that he would lead the Academy during one of the most tumultuous times in its 200+ year history.
In the summer of 2017, Bridgton’s newly minted Head of School, Marty Mooney, along with his wife, Dani, arrived on campus from their previous home in New Jersey. The Academy community was abuzz with excitement to welcome its new leader and his family, as well as learn about his priorities and plans for the school. It didn’t take Marty long to settle into life in North Bridgton,
ingraining himself into the fabric of the community. Mr. Mooney also wasted no time identifying places and processes that would improve the student experience at Bridgton and that of other stakeholders as well. There were, indeed, a number of highly beneficial changes that occurred during Marty’s tenure; however, he will most likely be remembered
for his steadfast leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
From day one, Mr. Mooney had a distinct vision for helping Bridgton Academy move forward towards new goals. Not one to sit on the sidelines, he quickly worked to become an integral community member, meanwhile taking immediate steps to further formulate
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“For me, extending gratitude makes us bigger people and makes large and small acts of kindness even more important in our lives.”
–marty mooney
The Remarkable Mrs. Mooney
Before the onset of the pandemic, while a known figure on campus, Dani Mooney had a busy professional life of her own as the Director of the Lakes Region Recovery Center and a Health Educator for Maine Health. In the late winter and early spring of 2020, however, Mrs. Mooney understood that COVID-19 was going to prove to be more than a blip on the radar. It was incredibly fortunate, and some might even say serendipitous, that the Head of School was married to a woman who holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from
Rutgers University.
Amidst all the uncertainty that was synonymous with the early days of the pandemic, Dani Mooney was steadfast in her willingness to leverage her public health expertise to help guide the Academy through unknown waters. From the spring of 2020 through the following spring of 2021, Mrs. Mooney would ultimately spend countless hours leading every aspect of Bridgton’s response to the pandemic. One of the attributes that made her such an invaluable asset during this time was her ability to remain current on the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), along with her deep understanding of public health that allowed her to translate complex (and, at times conflicting) guidance into layman’s terms for the entire Academy community.
In addition to leading the school’s COVID Response Team, the group charged with providing guidance on best health practices at Bridgton, Mrs. Mooney
his plans and put them into motion. Among his top priorities were building relationships, enhancing the student experience, ensuring the Academy’s financial stability, and making improvements to campus facilities.
Having come to Bridgton with significant experience in student life, Marty worked diligently in his early days to ensure that Bridgton had a strong team in place to oversee the student experience at his new school. Marty met regularly with leaders from student life, academics, and athletics, committing to a focus on the internal programs of the school and making sure that these pillars of Bridgton were the best that they could be.
Mr. Mooney took a multipronged approach to shoring up the school’s financial stability. In addition to seeking ways to bolster the enrollment and fundraising pipelines, he also began taking a deeper dive into revenue, expenditures, budgeting, and balance sheets. Marty made a significant investment in the Business Office when he recruited a Chief Financial Officer and another associate to support its operations. Since then, a new budgeting process has been adopted, along with longer-term financial planning.
Understanding the impact that the Academy’s physical facilities have on the
overall student experience, Mr. Mooney also set his sights on revitalizing gathering spaces on campus. In total, seven such projects were undertaken during his tenure, with two renovations standing apart from the rest: Cleaves Hall and Goldsmith Dining Hall. In 2018, Cleaves, the largest dormitory on campus and one of the oldest, was stripped down to its studs and completely revamped before the Class of 2019 arrived on campus. The “new” Cleaves Hall showcased the potential that all of the Academy’s historic dormitories held. Goldsmith Dining Hall, the most visited space on campus, was also in need of significant attention. Initially opened in 1981, this facility had seen decades of daily use by hundreds of Wolverines and was in need of physical upgrades and revitalization. Today, the newly-renovated dining hall is a bright, modern space designed for comfort and camaraderie alike. Another notable addition to the Academy’s campus during Mr. Mooney’s tenure was the construction of the new Veterans Memorial, centrally located on upper campus near the athletic facilities. This flagship public gathering space, which opened in 2021, offers an area of reflection, remembrance, and recognition of the dedicated military service of numerous
also advised staff across campus on pandemic questions both large and small. This included offering feedback to the operations team on ventilation, serving as a confidant for the school nurse during extremely challenging days, and even providing instruction to elderly residents of the North Bridgton community on the safest ways to go out in public. Dani’s expertise was key in helping to establish the cohort system that was put in place during the 2020-2021 school year, a system that resulted in the Academy being able to remain open for in-person learning that entire year. Dani made herself available around the clock to faculty and staff who were seeking guidance for any type of COVID-19 questions. In short, Mrs. Mooney was an integral part of the Academy continuing to flourish amidst unprecedented realities.
We are so grateful to Dani Mooney for her invaluable service to Bridgton during such a critical time in our history.
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“Marty was a Head of School who deeply understood the opportunity that Bridgton presented to young men. On more than one occasion, I heard him talk about how he would have benefited from a year at BA; a year he worked so hard to steward for others.”
–binaca hanson, former assistant head of school
Academy alumni, parents, and friends, as well as veterans from communities beyond.
As we all know too well, the state of reality took a rather severe turn in the spring of 2020 when COVID-19 put most of the world into lockdown. Many of the projects that Marty had previously undertaken were, unsurprisingly, put on the back burner while he worked to figure out how to navigate the new reality inflicted by the pandemic.
On March 13, 2020, Marty, in consultation with the Academy’s Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership Team, made the difficult decision to send the Class of 2020 home. At the time, he thought the students would simply return a couple of weeks late from their spring break to close out the school year; however, that was not to be. Although campus was practically deserted, Marty’s work did not stop. As a leader who prioritized relationships, he began exploring ways to keep the faculty and staff engaged with the Academy while staying home. Thus, Saturday evening trivia over Zoom became a “gathering spot” for Bridgton employees to converge and socialize. During this time, Marty spent hours researching and writing his own trivia questions for staff, along with developing ever-evolving platforms on which to offer this event. He often reminded staff during the long days of being at home that if there was anything they needed to let him know. For students, online learning programs for the Class of 2020 were rapidly put into place, with Marty supporting his teachers every step of the way. Mr. Mooney even held a weekly
virtual Chapel to keep everyone close to Bridgton, inviting not only members of the Class of 2020, but anyone else in the Bridgton family as well.
While the future was uncertain, Mr. Mooney was committed to offering the best Bridgton experience that he possibly could for students, rolling up his sleeves and working on plans alongside Mrs. Mooney to devise strategies for safely reopening the Academy for 2020-2021 school year. After countless hours of planning and strategizing, the Class of 2021 was welcomed to campus for a year that would be uniquely their own. Among other safeguards put into place was a structured cohort system to ensure minimal contact among students, thereby helping with a rapid containment response when someone on campus contracted the COVID-19 virus. Each student was placed in a cohort by athletic team that year. Cohorts were housed in the same dormitory, took classes together, and ate together; each in isolation from the other. This system was a first-of-its-kind for Bridgton, and it worked exceedingly well. Despite the relative scarcity of vaccines at the time, and the continued prevailing need for caution with the virus, Commencement Exercises, albeit outdoors and in a slightly different format, were held as planned that year. The year may not have been typical for anyone, but, with Mr. Mooney’s steadfast leadership, it was a successful experience for all involved.
When the 2021-2022 school year began, the worst of the pandemic was behind us, yet its effects were still being acutely felt on
campus. The cohort system that was in place the year before was retired; however, the community’s health and safety continued to remain top of mind. That year, as in the year prior, there were never-before-seen situations and circumstances that continued to bubble to the surface. Among the myriad decisions that needed to be considered were the Academy’s stance on vaccination, whether masking would be required, and whether the time had come to reopen events to the public, to name just a few.
In addition to navigating a gradual return to normalcy, Mr. Mooney was now able to begin shifting his attention back to goals and priorities that were, understandably, put on hold for more than a year. In addition to Marty’s renewed focus on people and culture, student experience, facilities, and financial stability, a new, pressing issue had evolved: supporting students whose mental and academic health were adversely affected by COVID. Students had lived through an unprecedented time, and this left marks both large and small on the young men coming to Bridgton. Marty worked closely with both the academic and student life teams, using a strength-based approach to ensure that students’ needs were being addressed in the classroom, on the fields and courts, and in the dorms.
Throughout his five years of service, Marty has served as an unwavering presence of stability and optimism. He was, and is, fiercely proud of Bridgton, and his work at the Academy has been dedicated to making sure it was a better school than when he first arrived.
On behalf of the entire Bridgton Academy community: thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Mooney, for your remarkable service. Go in peace, Mr. Mooney, and keep doing good work!
Facilities & Capital Improvements
Goldsmith Dining Hall
Cleaves Hall
Veterans Memorial
More sustainable infrastructure
Common Rooms & Mass Hall entry renovations
Dorm outdoor space upgrades
Chalmers Ice Arena locker rooms
Wolverine Den upgrades
summer 2023 7 BA
“When we engaged Marty to serve as the Academy’s Head of School, we were thrilled with his willingness and ability to jump into action for the benefit of the Academy. His calm demeanor, willingness to act, and enthusiasm for Bridgton’s mission made him perfectly suited to lead, especially amidst the tumult of the pandemic.”
–kevin
jones ’81, former president, bridgton academy board of trustees
Meet the Academy’s 49th Head of School: Diana J. Gleeson
Board selected Diana as our new Head of School because she is the right person to lead the Academy over the next decade.”
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“The
–vic digravio, president, board of trustees
After Mr. Mooney announced that he would be stepping aside as Bridgton’s Head of School last fall, an intensive, nationwide search to find his successor was launched. The Search Committee, led by trustees and Bridgton staff reviewed nearly 100 candidates’ application materials before narrowing the candidate pool down to just three finalists.
Faculty and staff had the opportunity to meet with Diana J. Gleeson during her visit to campus as a critical part of the recruitment process. The feedback from staff about her candidacy was overwhelmingly positive and was one of the major points the Board of Trustees took into consideration when deliberating who should serve as the Academy’s next leader. On March 20, 2023, the Board of Trustees announced that they had unanimously selected Mrs. Gleeson to become Bridgton Academy’s 49th Head of School.
Beginning her teaching career in 1992, Mrs. Gleeson has served in almost every possible capacity at an independent school: teacher, coach, dormitory parent, advisor, academic program director, college counseling director, dean of students, and assistant head of school. For the past two decades, Diana has dedicated her work to senior leadership
positions in independent schools, helping to build and steward school missions while developing a strong resume of leadership and vision. At the Perkiomen School in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, Diana served as Assistant Head of School for External Affairs for the past six years. In this role, Mrs. Gleeson was responsible for creating and implementing a data-driven enrollment and marketing strategy, working with the school’s executive leadership, faculty, coaches, alumni, and donors to significantly stabilize and bolster enrollment during her tenure. Prior to her role as assistant head, Mrs. Gleeson was Perkiomen’s Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs.
Before joining the Perkiomen community, Diana was the Upper School Head at both Allendale Columbia School in New York and Providence Country Day School in Rhode Island. She began her career at her alma mater Vermont Academy prior to serving on the faculty and as dean at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School in Waltham, Massachusetts.
No stranger to the great state of Maine, Diana earned her bachelor’s degree at Colby College, where she majored in English and was a two-sport athlete (varsity soccer and junior varsity lacrosse). Her husband, Jason, is a native of Belfast, Maine.
Mrs. Gleeson is already enjoying the many Bridgton connections she has made and is particularly excited to welcome the incoming students and families of the Class of 2024. Mrs. Gleeson’s Bridgton headship formally began in early July when she and her family arrived on campus. BA
Mrs. Gleeson’s Independent School Leadership/Experience
30
Years of experience
11
Positions held, including coach, teacher, dorm parent, dean of students, and assistant head of school
5
5,000+
Schools served Students taught/mentored
Proudest achievement: Being part of a student’s “Aha” moment–intellectually, athletically, or socially. As Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to it old dimensions.”
Get to Know Mrs. Gleeson
Pets: Romeo, a 3-year-old Bullmastiff, and Ludo, a 6-year-old rescue Bulldog (mix or miniature - who knows!)
Hobbies: Visiting museums while traveling, a few recent favorites include the Sao Paulo Museum of Art in Brazil, the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, and the Museum of the Future in Dubai.
Favorite food: A fresh, crisp apple, in the height of the season, right off the tree. Favorite travel destination: I love the beach. There is something rejuvenating and restorative about the ocean air, sun, sand, and salt water!
Favorite book: As someone who selected her college based on the library, and then majored in English, this is an impossible question. I tend to reach for mysteries and thrillers, biographies, young adult fiction, historical fiction, and science fiction. And, I love cookbooks! I recently was given The Lost Kitchen: Recipes and a Good Life Found in Freedom, Maine by Erin French, which I am loving.
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“I began my career as a teacher and a coach— learning quickly that trust and fairness were cornerstones of creating a community within my team and classroom. It is clear that Bridgton’s mission and values align with who I am: Community, Curiosity, Sportsmanship, Accountability, and Excellence. I have been living Bridgton’s values my entire career.”
head of school
–diana j gleeson, 49th head of school
A Jerseyman’s Journey Meet Ash Lewis ’03
By Jessica Priola
At the young age of seventeen, Ashley “Ash” Lewis ’03 traveled over 3,000 miles from his home island of Jersey, United Kingdom, to arrive in the wooded hills of North Bridgton, Maine. Ash had been spending his summer playing football (American soccer) in London when he heard about Bridgton from his friend and fellow Jerseyman Greg Fernandes ’03. At the time, Ash was fostering hopes of playing football professionally. “I was quite young then and trying to become a professional. Looking back now, I didn’t stand a chance! I was a 5’8” goalkeeper. Playing in London was sort of my last roll of the dice, and when that seemed it wasn’t working out, I thought maybe things would be different in the United States.”
Ash had a memorable and impactful year at Bridgton, one he recalls fondly to this day. “I can’t believe how long ago it was now— twenty years! I never anticipated I would be at an all-boys school in Maine, but looking back now, I think it was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I honestly wish it would’ve lasted longer. The world was more normal back then, Facebook wasn’t even a thing yet. I got to see America at a really good time. I remember feeling like Bridgton was just so wholesome.”
As an international student, Ash did face a bit of an adjustment upon arriving in the States. “Coming from the UK, I remember that my accent threw people off. It was weird and different for them to hear me talk! My sense of humor is also quite dry, and I think some of my classmates found this difficult to understand. Some stuff was just so different from home. The way you all have breakfast in America was crazy to me! Putting maple syrup on bacon—crazy, but I guess it works!”
Ash felt he carried some high expectations with him to North Bridgton, particularly being a footballer from the UK who was ‘supposed to be good.’ “I did okay while I was at Bridgton, but I wasn’t setting the world on fire. I’m not really sure if I lived up to my own athletic expectations during that time.” For Ash, some of the more important lessons coming out of Bridgton were not even related to soccer at all. “I grew up a lot during that time, without even really realizing it. I learned how to operate with so many different types of personalities around me. This gave me more confidence because I had to put myself out there. My classes were interesting—math was really difficult. I’ve never been great at math, but factor in the different metric systems and it didn’t go so well. Although I did miss
home a bit, I was having a great time making friends. I think that the brotherhood of Bridgton is inevitable. You form this strong connection with your peers. As I look back, I’m really proud of this. I think, when you’re in the moment, some of us just wanted it to be over. When you’re young, you aren’t in the frame of mind to be reflective, you just want to be moving forward. Now though, I think every member of my class would reflect and be proud of what we did.”
Ash ultimately returned home to Jersey after his time in the states, beginning a career in finance and enjoying football as a pastime instead of a more serious pursuit. Ash worked a desk job for close to a decade, but always knew it wasn’t really what he wanted to do. He had long-fostered an interest in art, and beginning at the age of 19, Ash developed an appreciation for tattoos as well. Spurred on by his lack of passion in the finance sector, Ash made the decision to leave the office life behind, securing an apprenticeship as a tattoo artist. “I took a punt at that point in my life,” shared Ash. “Sometimes you have to take a risk. I had family around and knew I would be supported if it all went wrong. I’m a firm believer that if you aren’t happy, and you want to make a change, it’s down to you to do it. No one else is going to do that for you.” Ash took a leap and his new career was born. Very shortly thereafter, however, his life would take an unexpected turn.
At the age of 27 and just beginning to make his way as a burgeoning tattoo artist, Ash suffered a serious spinal injury that left him in the hospital paralyzed from the waist down. His doctors told Ash that he would have a five-percent chance of ever walking again. “This event had such a big impact on my life,” Ash shared. “I had just quit my finance job, just started tattoo work. I had to give up everything, had to give up sport. Because I really couldn’t do anything else, I got heavily into tattooing. My wife Sarah, who’s really the glue that holds our family together, her support and that of my family was monumental during this time—and really many other times since then. It’s so important to have a supportive partner by your side, and for me, this is Sarah.”
Ash also took his rehabilitation very seriously, and within several years, was able to regain much of his normal mobility in spite of his doctor’s initially grim prognosis. “The recovery journey was pretty bad; it was particularly tough mentally. Having to learn to
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alumni spotlight
“Sometimes you have to take a risk. I had family around and knew I would be supported if it all went wrong. I’m a firm believer that if you aren’t happy, and you want to make a change, it’s down to you to do it. No one else is going to do that for you.”
walk again, it’s a weird and strange feeling. It’s quite embarrassing really. You know you aren’t moving normally, but it’s difficult to relearn simple things that we take for granted. I didn’t give up though, I found inspiration in small, funny ways. When you face adversity like that, you have to just kind of get on with it.”
While he was in rehabilitation, Ash’s work as a tattoo artist took over much of his life. “I became quite hyper-focused on becoming the best at what I do. That’s a trait in my personality that I’ve come to recognize. Tattooing probably took over my life too much. It actually took my daughter being born for me to put the brakes on and find a better balance.”
Ash is best known for his realism and black-and-gray tattoos. As he perfects his craft, Ash has become one of the most well-regarded tattoo artists in the entire UK, winning numerous awards and recognitions. “Realism is what came naturally to me. Even as a kid, this is how my art has always been. It’s impossible for me to say how many tattoos I’ve created now—thousands! I don’t have a favorite or best, I try to do the very best tattoo I can for each and every person. I’ve gotten really good at my job. My career has allowed me to travel all over the world. I’ve seen many beautiful places and beautiful homes. I’ve tattooed some people I’ve never thought that I’d tattoo! Ultimately though, this job has allowed me to do something I enjoy and support my family.”
“What has probably been most challenging with my career has been getting to the top and realizing there is no top. I’m driven, and I know that it can be really hard for me to switch off. Tattooing is a competitive industry, and staying relevant is tough. But you have to keep a balance. For a while, staying current on social media was quite important to me. I think though, that the world has gone a bit mad with this. We need to learn how to use these tools wisely.”
In the midst of recovering from a serious spinal injury, rising to the top of the tattoo industry, and being a devoted husband and father, Ash also discovered a passion for running. During the pandemic, Ash, who felt he was fairly fit at the time, decided to go out and run a 5K at the urging of his wife, Sarah, who is herself an accomplished runner. “I could say it wasn’t that bad…but it actually was that bad. I came home and had my head under the sink realizing how unfit I had become, but I did enjoy it!” He soon “got a bit obsessed” with running, especially developing interest in the data involved in his training through heart rate monitoring and fitness tracking. “I’m super competitive already and have a drive to keep improving my strength and times,” shared Ash. “Running is my time. Nothing is more free. I put on shoes and just run. I don’t bring my phone, don’t listen to music. We are all so plugged in all the time. This is a chance for me to just be quiet and meditate. I am alone with my thoughts.”
Over the past few years, Ash has completed multiple marathons, including running the Manchester Marathon this spring, finishing with a 2.52, a personal best time. On the same day as Bridgton Academy’s commencement in May, Ash completed his first-ever ultra marathon in Jersey, running forty miles around the island in an event known as “Double Top,” a course described as “savage but rewarding.” Ash earned third place after running for more than seven hours along the beautiful and hilly coasts of Jersey.
Reflecting on his time at Bridgton, Ash only has fond memories of friends and faces from the Academy. When asked about advice for future Wolverines heading out into the
world to make their careers, Ash shares the importance of being humble and willing to learn. “You don’t need to be the absolute best in the world at what you want to do,” he states. “What you need is passion and a good work ethic. Have a bright personality, be good with people. You may be fantastic at something, but if you don’t have those skills, it’s going to be hard to get far. You have to be enthusiastic and embrace working hard. Success isn’t just going to come to you. You must put the groundwork in. And, even if you aren’t the best at what you want to do, you can always still learn. It’s all about your mindset.”
“My advice for young people: travel, see the world, meet new people and be openminded. Get off the internet and social media, or, at the very least, use it wisely. Enjoy your family and friends; they don’t last forever, and neither do we. Above all, be brave and grab new opportunities.”
Ash Lewis resides in St. Helier with his wife, Sarah, and daughter, Adelaide. The family also includes a Bulldog named Bronson, and Jax, a Springer Spaniel. You can visit Ash online by checking out instagram.com/ashlewistattoo and instagram.com/Run_ash_run225.
Meet Jersey
Jersey is a small island located closer to France than England but considered to be part of the United Kingdom.
Jersey features French street names and heritage.
Many islanders, including Ash, don’t consider themselves French or English, but Jerseymen.
Jersey boasts famous beaches and cliffs and is known for its unique and beautiful landscape.
Ash’s tattoo studio is located in St. Helier, the capital of Jersey.
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Faculty Kids Talk Bridgton
By Ben Custer
Most Wolverines spend only a single year on campus, but there is a group of cubs lucky enough to shape and be shaped by the community throughout their youth. Faculty children play a big role in day-to-day life at Bridgton, from serving as bat boys for the baseball team, to sharing meals in the dining hall with “the big boys,” to playing games of catch between Walker and Jillson with anyone who passes by. The connections they form are often as strong as any others built around campus. Parker Izaryk (son of Aaron and Jamie Izaryk) explains, “It’s really fun living with the students because once you make a good enough connection, you can mess around with them and they’re always really nice. It’s always fun just to spend time with them.”
There’s one faculty child who currently towers above the rest. Patrick Daley ’09, son of Joe Daley ’77 P’04 P’05 P’09, plays a critical role on the school’s Operations team, but he can remember feeling the same way at Parker’s age. “Oh yeah, just being around the students was the best thing ever. They were our heroes.” While his heroes may have changed a bit over the years, Pat still sees tremendous value in growing up on campus, and with three young children of his own, he now sees that value differently: “I can’t think of a better place for kids to grow up. It’s insulated. You know everybody. They can run around wherever they want…I bring it up to my wife all the time, I couldn’t imagine raising my kids anywhere else. The socialization in a community like this is so strong.”
Another aspect that Pat has grown to appreciate with the benefit of age is the Academy’s diversity. He recalls, “One thing I think I took for granted when I was growing up here is how many walks of life the students come from. I got to interact with people from literally all over the world, which isn’t necessarily the norm growing up in Maine.” With Wolverines coming to North Bridgton from both near and far, faculty kids are exposed to a much wider range of the human experience than many local children their age.
The benefits extend beyond the faculty children, though. Their presence is an equally great learning experience for the students who become their role models. The maturity built through these interactions is just another way that the Academy prepares Wolverines for life after school. Pat Daley explains, “I think it’s good for our guys to realize that this is a living, breathing homestead. It fits the school’s ethos–it’s not just a ‘work and go home’ kind of place. The kids are just as embedded here as anyone else.”
If you poll the current youngsters about what makes growing up on campus special, you probably won’t hear as much about “socialization” and “community ethos” as you will about the athletics fields and playing with the “big boys,” but they’re speaking to the same reality: there’s nothing like growing up in a dedicated, closely-knit community like Bridgton Academy. Parker Izaryk may have said it at its simple best, “It’s just really fun. I like it here. It’s such a nice place to grow up.”
What is your favorite sport to watch?
Buddy Tucker: My mom and I love watching basketball. I love it when the coach gets fired up!
What is your favorite meal in the Dining Hall:
Manny Tucker: Hmm, tacos!
Buddy Tucker: Chinese!
Elliott Atwood: Potatoes!
What is your favorite spot on campus?
Parker Izaryk: The baseball field–dad and I hit batting practice here sometimes. Do you like growing up here: All: Yes!
Wolverine “Cubs”: Over two dozen faculty children currently live on or near campus ranging in age from infancy to college (and beyond!).
Two current faculty members, Kayleigh Lepage and Pat Daley ‘09, both grew up on the campus of Bridgton Academy.
summer 2023 13 dan nineve fresh takes on 1808 staff perspectives
BA
Class of 2023: Athletics Year in Review
By Ben Custer
From game-winning interceptions to playoffs in the Wolverdome, it was a great year for Bridgton Academy athletics. Here is a brief rundown of each team’s accomplishments this season.
In its first year under Head Coach Matt Dugan, the football team showed outstanding competitiveness throughout the season. Leaders like Benni Vollert, Keegan Andrews, Alex Exposito, Zylas Abney, and Dylan Joyner did not let the standard slip and the team fought hard in every game. At no point was this clearer than late October. After starting the season 0-5, the Wolverines rallied for two consecutive victories, capped by Brock Fitzell’s interception in the endzone to seal a victory at Husson University. Coach Dugan will always remember the team’s fight, saying “Guys had
to play multiple positions and out of position due to roster size, but they fought hard and never quit and we got better each week.”
In Head Coach Jim Hopkins’ final year, the soccer team went 8-3-2 in NEPSAC Class A play and 15-4-3 overall. While they fell just short of reaching the NEPSAC playoffs, it was still a great season for the Wolverines, highlighted by a 7-0 victory over Kents Hill School and a tight 3-1 loss to eventual NEPSAC Class A champions, Worcester Academy. Led by Camron Boumsong and Ian Spiro, it was a tight group that played a passionate and aggressive brand of soccer that kept opponents on their back foot. Coach Hopkins reflects, “While it stings that we weren’t selected for the playoffs, I’m so proud of this team. These guys played hard for each
other and made Bridgton proud.” Although it won’t show up on the record sheet, the most meaningful game of the year may have been a spring scrimmage. When the news broke that Coach Hopkins would be coaching at the University of Southern Maine this fall, several former Wolverines from across his tenure came back to play in one final match with him. It was a great send-off for a great coach!
The hockey team amassed a 20-27-3 record this year in a season spanning from September to March. Tyler Walles and Brendan Stamm were elected captains by their peers and they lived up to the honor all year long, leading both on and off the ice. The team battled injuries throughout the long season, with only six players who were able to dress for every game on the schedule. In spite of this, the Wolverines kept fighting. It’s hard to pick out specific moments in their marathon season, but the 4-3 win over rival Hebron Academy in April was one to remember. After an ugly 7-1 loss earlier in the season, the Wolverines refused to let the rematch get away from them in their final game at Chalmers Ice Arena. Ed Robson ’50 Head Hockey Coach Mike Meserve had high praise for his team’s character, saying, “Teams are built through adversity, with some help from blood and sweat. Even though we were undermanned some games, everyone competed, everyone put the team first. The bond this team has doesn’t show up on the scoreboard, it shows up on the bus, in the weightroom, and in the dorms. I truly saw a group of men become brothers.”
The 2023 Bridgton Academy basketball team finished with an overall record of 21-13. The Wolverines finished 9-7 in conference as the #3 seed in NEPSAC AAA, beating Newman Prep (MA) in an exciting home playoff game before falling to #2 seed Brewster Academy in the semi-finals. All sixteen players saw action throughout the season and all are set to further their playing careers at the collegiate level in the coming years. January was a good month for the
14 bridgton academy today
Wolverines with an extended home winning streak, capped off with a hard fought 66-62 victory over Worcester Academy in the BA Winter Classic. “Taco Sunday’’ at the Lesure household was a favorite event throughout the season, helping to celebrate the highs and soothe the lows. While the team did eventually fall to Brewster, the 84-68 home playoff win against Newman Prep was an electric night that players and fans will not soon forget. Head Coach Whit Lesure reflects, “Coach Horne and I grinding with the guys to make the most of this emotional roller coaster ride of a year is what it’s all about. And for that, we are forever grateful to the hoop boys of ’22-23.”
The lacrosse team amassed an 18-14 record over their fall and spring seasons. While the fall is dominated by tournament play and opportunities for college recruitment, the spring allows Head Coach Derek Marshall to focus on teamwork and the pure enjoyment of competition. This year, there was no better example of this than the first game on the spring schedule, a 13-12 triple overtime loss to Navy Prep. Surrounded by snow, their sheer determination and camaraderie let Bridgton push the extremely talented Navy Prep team to their absolute limit. The team was led on the scoresheet and in the huddle by Zachary Roper who provided an offensive threat every moment he was on the field. Corey White was the ultimate team player as he led the team in ground balls and did a great job at the faceoff X. These leaders laid the groundwork for the team’s on-field success. Coach Marshall explains, “We had a solid year overall. A lot of guys got to play a lot of lacrosse and set themselves up for college athletics. We had a fun year because of the effort and attitude that players brought to the team.”
The baseball team concluded with a 1915-1 record across the fall and spring, winning the Academy’s first Showcase League title in October. It was a year with several highs as the team also beat powerhouse Andover for the first time in nearly a decade and had a winning game against IMG Academy during a spring trip to Florida. Will Burns played a pivotal leadership role throughout the year while Nathan Leighton’s quietly relentless effort also provided a positive influence on his teammates. Gabe White and Noah Grant brought valuable poise and professionalism to the pitching staff, making for a balanced, character-driven squad. Head Coach Aaron Izaryk relates,“This was a high-character, hard-working Bridgton group. They came to the field ready to work, and pushed each other in a manner that was impressive. They loved playing the game together, and really embraced the year. We had some outstanding performances both at the plate and on the mound, and our record is indicative of the strength of schedule the guys played.”
Congratulations to our Wolverines on another great year! Well played! BA
summer 2023 15 athletics
16 bridgton academy today Celebrating
a Successful Year
The end of the year at Bridgton is truly an exciting, bittersweet time. While we’re eager to see what our students will accomplish next, it’s hard to see them depart. In the last few weeks, the entire community enjoys coming together to make the final days fun-filled, with plenty of activities and events designed to help relieve finals-related stress and create lasting memories.
The celebratory activities kicked off with a special three-part Chapel: the Spring Academic Awards Ceremony, the Brown Public Speaking Contest, and the Sylvester Spelling Bee. Faculty members gave heartfelt testaments to the outstanding efforts of the students they selected for their awards as they came to the Chapel stage to be recognized.
Once all the awards had been distributed, it was time to kick off the Brown Public Speaking Contest. This contest had two entrants: Owen Bell and Tjark “TJ” Lademacher. Owen spoke first, giving a highly creative and extraordinarily funny speech on the art of giving a good speech. Owen may have been a tough act to follow, but TJ didn’t hesitate to take the stage in his wake. TJ, a student who came to the Academy from Germany, was intent on improving his English during his time with us. He spoke to the power of overcoming adversity and his willingness to try new, uncomfortable things. The judges had an incredibly difficult decision to make; however, TJ was ultimately selected as this year’s winner.
The Chapel concluded with the Sylvester Spelling Bee, moderated by Whit Lesure. In keeping with recent tradition, Coach Lesure opened things up with an amusing poem that encapsulated life on campus for the Class of 2023. This contest drew more than 20 entrants, many of whom were knocked out of the running with a tough, first-round word. Noah Grant was named the victor when he was the last student standing and correctly spelled the word “facetious.” Congratulations, Noah!
Other highlights from the last week included the College Counseling Celebration, which featured a visit from an ice cream truck; the Corey Smith Memorial 3:3 Basketball Tournament; the Faculty/Staff versus Students Softball Game; and the Academic Awards Dinner.
The Corey Smith Tournament is run bracket-style with teams composed of three players; according to the rules, faculty and staff are able to join students on their teams. This year, 16 teams signed up; ultimately team “DOA” (Paris Horne ’07, Mamadou Kane, Aidan Farley, DJ Reed) met up with team “Massouri” (Austin Vick, Evan B. Thompson, Ahmad Hanberry) for the final match, with team DOA coming away with the victory. For the past 60 (or so) years, the faculty/staff have been the reigning champions of the softball game. Unfortunately for the students, that streak wasn’t broken, as the faculty once again won the game.
This year, we were also delighted to bring back the Academic Awards Dinner, which was held for the first time since 2019. Several hundred people, including students, families, trustees, and faculty gathered in the Chalmers Ice Arena to celebrate student achievements. It was a lovely evening that included amazing food, and lots of smiles and laughs. BA
summer 2023 17
class of 2023
215th Commencement Exercises
Commencement day at Bridgton is always a momentous, joyous occasion, and this year was no different. While many of the long-standing traditions remained in place, such as the class photo taken from Goldsmith Dining Hall and the regal sound of Ernie Smith’s bagpipes, this was a slightly different year in that it was Marty Mooney’s final time presiding over the ceremony. Board of Trustees President, Vicker V. DiGravio III, thanked Mr. Mooney for his service during his address, and, as a remembrance of his time in North Bridgton, presented Marty with a miniature version of the Wolverine.
This year’s exercises also included the presentation of the Ray T. McDonald Jr. Distinguished Service Award to alumnus, longtime supporter, and former trustee, Tim Armour ’67 for his invaluable contributions, spanning several decades, to the Academy. The Andrew F. Staub ’04 Faculty Development Award was presented to Athletic Director Aaron Izaryk and faculty member Dan Edwards, who just completed his first year in Bridgton’s classrooms. During the ceremony, Mike Meserve, Ed Robson ’50 Head Hockey Coach and Humanities Instructor, gave an emotional tribute to STEM Instructor Tom Washburn in celebration of his retirement. Class of 2023 soon-to-be graduates also took part in the day: Cole Kenneth Brooks ’23 delivered a moving Invocation; Class Speaker and Valedictorian, Gabriel White ’23, gave a rousing speech reflecting on the year; and Evan B. Thompson ’23 delivered a lovely Benediction. As always, the festivities concluded with the gathering of attendees on the turf, where students and faculty said their final goodbyes.
Again, our congratulations to the Class of 2023 and a sincere welcome to the brotherhood of Bridgton alumni. We are truly excited to see where your journey takes you next!
18 bridgton academy today BA commencement 2023
Zylas abney
Hometown: West Boylston, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Framingham State University
Awards: Head of School Award, Mission Achievement Book Scholarship, Lee & Carol Noble Fine Arts Award
Team: Football
Dormitory: Holt
Christopher adjei
Hometown: Worcester, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Southern Connecticut State University
Team: Football
Dormitory: Holt
Honoring the Class of 2023
aidan almeida
Hometown: Gloucester, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Nazareth College
Team: Soccer
Dormitory: Sylvester ethan almonte
Hometown: Brookfield, CT
Plans after Bridgton: Wingate University
Team: Football
Dormitory: Sylvester
lorenZo almonte
Hometown: Bethel, CT
Plans after Bridgton: Western Connecticut State University
Awards: Dianne C. Fabello Memorial Award
Team: Basketball
Dormitory: Jillson
aleC amato
Hometown: Cheshire, CT Plans after Bridgton: Endicott College
Team: Lacrosse
Dormitory: Walker
summer 2023 19
Keegan andrews
Hometown: Kennebunk, ME
Plans after Bridgton: University of Maine
Awards: Alexander
D. Harry Jr. ’58
Memorial Commencement
Award, Richard R. Marcella Award
Team: Football
Dormitory: Holt
eriC attleson
Hometown: Binghamton, NY
Plans after Bridgton: Herkimer County
Community College
Team: Lacrosse
Dormitory: Cleaves
owen bell
Hometown: Milford, CT
Plans after Bridgton: Connecticut College
Awards: Faculty
Award, Dr. William Holt AwardEnglish
Team: Soccer
Dormitory: Jillson
ethan belvin
Hometown: Claremont, NH
Plans after Bridgton: Trinity College
Team: Baseball
Dormitory: Walker Charles billard
Hometown: Sandwich, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Ithaca College
Team: Baseball
Dormitory: Walker timothy boston
Hometown: Brewster, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Undecided
Team: Wolverine
Dormitory: Sylvester
Camron boumsong
somKong
Hometown: Courbevoie, ilede-France, France
Plans after Bridgton: St. John’s UniversityNew York
Team: Soccer
Dormitory: Jillson
ryan bousquet
Hometown: Meredith, NH
Plans after Bridgton: Husson University
Team: Baseball, Hockey
Dormitory: Cleaves Connor breitKopf
Hometown: Naples, FL
Plans after Bridgton: Emerson College
Team: Lacrosse
Dormitory: Mass Hall
jaCKson summers brennan
Hometown: Highlands Ranch, CO
Plans after Bridgton: Chapman University
Team: Basketball
Dormitory: Holt
Cole brooKs
Hometown: Palm City, FL
Plans after Bridgton: Junior Hockey
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Walker
20 bridgton academy today
Members of the Academy’s Board of Trustees
joseph bruno
Hometown: Wakefield, RI
Plans after Bridgton: Merrimack College
Awards: Howe
Award
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Walker
william burns
Hometown: Reading, MA
Plans after Bridgton: University of Maine
Awards: Electra H.
Fickett Outstanding Citizenship Award, Douglas R. Avery
Baseball Award
Team: Baseball
Dormitory: Jillson
Kalvin CatChings
Hometown: Randolph, ME
Plans after Bridgton: Bridgton Academy
Team: Basketball
Dormitory: Mass Hall
jaCob Cleland
Hometown: Oak Bluffs, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Central Connecticut State University
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Cleaves
torin Clifford
Hometown: South Hamilton, MA
Plans after Bridgton: University of Maine
Team: Baseball
Dormitory: Cleaves Christopher Conroy
Hometown: Dorchester, MA
Plans after Bridgton: St. Lawrence
University
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Mass Hall
Claden daubney
Hometown: Madbury, NH
Plans after Bridgton: Roger Williams
University
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Sylvester
rory de vere white
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Plans after Bridgton: Franklin & Marshall College
Team: Lacrosse
Dormitory: Sylvester
ryan devaney
Hometown: Atkinson, NH
Plans after Bridgton: Saint Anselm College
Team: Baseball
Dormitory: Jillson
summer 2023 21
Faculty members Mia Bergmann, Kate Tucker, Jamie Izaryk, and Kayleigh Lepage.
miChael dileo
Hometown: Stoneham, MA
Plans after Bridgton: University of MassachusettsAmherst
Team: Soccer
Dormitory: Cleaves
arthur
dilworth
Hometown: Yorktown Heights, NY
Plans after Bridgton: Nichols College
Team: Football
Dormitory: Sylvester
maxim dion
Hometown: Mirabel, QC, Canada
Plans after Bridgton: Roberts Wesleyan College
Team: Soccer
Dormitory: Sylvester
abdou diop
Hometown: New York, NY
Plans after Bridgton: Oakland City University
Awards: Mission Achievement Book Scholarship
Team: Soccer
Dormitory: Jillson
owen dorion
Hometown: Foxboro, MA
Plans after Bridgton: American International College
Team: Football
Dormitory: Jillson
jaCKson dresens
Hometown: Wayland, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Saint Anselm College
Awards: Dr. William Holt AwardComputer Science
Team: Soccer
Dormitory: Cleaves
thomas egan
Hometown: Lexington, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Wheaton College
Team: Lacrosse
Dormitory: Mass Hall ari
esCandon
Hometown: Weston, CT
Plans after Bridgton: Southern Methodist University
Awards: Dr. William Holt
AwardMathematics
Team: Football
Dormitory: Mass Hall
alexander exposito iii
Hometown: Hyde Park, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Franklin Pierce University
Team: Football
Dormitory: Sylvester
aidan farley
Hometown: Gorham, ME
Plans after Bridgton: Plymouth State University
Team: Football
Dormitory: Walker
broCK fitZell
Hometown: South Hadley, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Team: Football
Dormitory: Sylvester
22 bridgton academy today
Colby
garey-wright
Hometown: St. Johnsbury, VT
Plans after Bridgton: Augusta University
Team: Baseball
Dormitory: Jillson
Conall gately
Hometown: North Kingstown, RI
Plans after Bridgton: Undecided
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Holt
jaCob graham
Hometown:
Scarborough, ME
Plans after Bridgton: Johnson & Wales University
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Sylvester
noah grant
Hometown: Brownfield, ME
Plans after Bridgton: Southern Maine
Community College
Awards: Edwin V. Spooner Memorial
Award, Sylvester
Spelling Prize
Team: Baseball
Zander hasKell
Hometown:
Scarborough, ME
Plans after Bridgton: Merrimack College
Awards: Justin A.
DeSorrento ’96
Soccer Award, Dr. William Holt
Award - Physical
Science, Edward F. Brown Essay Prize
Team: Soccer
Dormitory: Jillson
justyCe
hathaway
Hometown:
Worcester, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Merrimack College
samuel gliCos
Hometown: Windham, ME
Plans after Bridgton: Kenyon College
Team: Soccer
Dormitory: Cleaves
edward golden
Hometown: Plymouth, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Saint Anselm College
Team: Lacrosse
Dormitory: Cleaves
bailey goss
Hometown: Clinton, CT
Plans after Bridgton: University of Maine
Team: Baseball
Dormitory: Walker
Dormitory: Cleaves
owen griffin
Hometown: Rockport, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Montana State University
Team: Lacrosse
Dormitory: Mass Hall
matthew
guillaume
Hometown:
Union, NJ
Plans after Bridgton: St. Thomas More School
Awards: Lee & Carol Noble Fine Arts
Award
Team: Football
Dormitory: Cleaves
ahmad
hanberry
Hometown: Boston, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Hampton University
Team: Football
Dormitory: Mass Hall
Awards: Mission Achievement Book
Scholarship
Team: Football
Dormitory: Cleaves
davis holland
Hometown:
Andover, MA
Plans after Bridgton: West Virginia University
Team: Wolverine
Dormitory: Cleaves
sCott hurley
Hometown:
Peabody, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Anna Maria College
Team: Baseball
Dormitory: Walker dylan
jaCKson
Hometown: West
Hartford, CT
Plans after Bridgton: Central Connecticut State University
Team: Football
Dormitory: Holt
summer 2023 23
amaan jafery
Hometown: Monroe, NJ
Plans after Bridgton: CUNY City College
Team: Baseball
Dormitory: Cleaves
seth joba
Hometown: Orchard Park, NY
Plans after Bridgton: University of Vermont
Awards: Corey
Smith ’88 Memorial Basketball Award
Team: Basketball
Dormitory: Holt
mamadou Kane
Hometown: Saly, Thies, Senegal
Plans after Bridgton: Bridgton Academy
Awards: Phyllis B.
Wakefield Class of ’46 & ’10 Award, Mission Achievement Book
Scholarship
Team: Basketball
Dormitory: Holt
dereK King
Hometown: Portsmouth, NH
Plans after Bridgton: Husson University
Team: Football
Dormitory: Cleaves miles
Klapper
Hometown: Hillsborough, CA
Plans after Bridgton: University of Idaho
Awards: Captain
Claude “Duke”
Hough ’54 Award
Team: Basketball
Dormitory: Mass Hall
tjarK lademaCher
Hometown: Lueneburg, Niedersachsen, Germany
Plans after Bridgton: Saint Mary’s University
Awards: Edward F. Brown Public Speaking Prize Team: Basketball
Dormitory: Mass Hall
jaCK lannon
Hometown: Portland, ME
Plans after Bridgton: Nazareth College
Team: Soccer
Dormitory: Sylvester
jaCK lano
Hometown: Strafford, NH
Plans after Bridgton: Husson University
Team: Baseball
Dormitory: Walker thomas
ledbury
Hometown: Needham, MA
Plans after Bridgton: University of Vermont
Awards: Faculty Award
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Mass Hall
nathaniel
leighton
Hometown: Exeter, NH
Plans after Bridgton: Saint Anselm College
Awards: Sportsmanship Award, Faculty Award
Team: Baseball
Dormitory: Cleaves
Charles loCKe
Hometown: Swampscott, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Nazareth College
Team: Lacrosse
Dormitory: Sylvester franKlin
longeneCKer
Hometown: Haverhill, MA
Plans after Bridgton: College of Charleston
Awards: Faculty Award
Team: Soccer
Dormitory: Cleaves
jaKe lotenberg
Hometown: Rockville, MD
Plans after Bridgton: Salisbury University
Team: Football
Dormitory: Jillson
justin
loveland
Hometown: Simsbury, CT
Plans after Bridgton: Western New England University
Team: Hockey, Lacrosse
Dormitory: Mass Hall
sean
maCdonald
Hometown: Portland, ME
Plans after Bridgton: University of New England
Awards: Lee & Carol Noble Fine Arts Award
Team: Soccer, Hockey
Dormitory: Sylvester
24 bridgton academy today
Kenneth madill
Hometown: Georgetown, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Junior Hockey
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Sylvester
anthony
malonis
Hometown: Hamden, CT
Plans after Bridgton: Quinnipiac University
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Holt
roCCo
mastrangelo
Hometown: Holliston, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Dickinson College
Awards: Golf
Improvement Award
Team: Golf
Dormitory: Cleaves
finn
mCdonough
Hometown: Manchester, NH
Plans after Bridgton: The University of Tampa
Awards: David
DeFelice ’67 English Improvement Award
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Sylvester
ian mCneil
Hometown: West
Topsham, VT
Plans after Bridgton: University of Vermont
Team: Lacrosse
Dormitory: Walker
Kyle mCquade
Hometown: Clifton Park, NY
Plans after Bridgton: St. John Fisher University
Team: Lacrosse
Dormitory: Cleaves
devan miller
Hometown: Taunton, MA
Plans after Bridgton: University of MassachusettsDartmouth
Team: Football
Dormitory: Cleaves
Camden miller
Hometown: Yarmouth, ME
Plans after Bridgton: University of Hartford
Team: Lacrosse
Dormitory: Cleaves
sebastian miller
Hometown: Billerica, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Bridgton Academy
Team: Soccer
Dormitory: Jillson randy mones jr.
Hometown: Shelton, CT
Plans after Bridgton: Southern Connecticut State University
Team: Football
Dormitory: Sylvester
daZyear moore
Hometown: Pittsfield, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Florida Memorial University
Team: Football
Dormitory: Cleaves
eriC morrell
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Plans after Bridgton: University of Rochester
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Walker
thomas jaKe
moulton
Hometown: Essex, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Bentley University
Team: Soccer
Dormitory: Cleaves
luCas
mouthaan
Hometown: Marblehead, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Gordon College
Awards: Faculty Award
Team: Basketball
Dormitory: Jillson
nathanial needle
Hometown: Scarborough, ME
Plans after Bridgton: Daemen College
Awards: Annie R., Horace A., & Martha B. Flint
Improvement Award
Team: Soccer
Dormitory: Cleaves
summer 2023 25
james
neuburger
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Plans after Bridgton: Whitman College
Team: Basketball
Dormitory: Holt
qwest newhall
Hometown: Portland, ME
Plans after Bridgton: Bryant University
Team: Baseball
Dormitory: Walker
Kenneth niChol
Hometown: Bedford, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Elon University
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Sylvester
daniel nineve
Hometown: Plainville, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Fitchburg State University
Team: Baseball
Dormitory: Jillson
marKus nordin
Hometown: Wenham, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Wheaton College
Team: Basketball
Dormitory: Jillson
matthew o ’Connor
Hometown: Windham, NH
Plans after Bridgton: University of Mississippi
Team: Lacrosse
Dormitory: Mass Hall
miChael o ’neil
Hometown: Greenland, NH
Plans after Bridgton: Saint Michael’s College
Team: Lacrosse
Dormitory: Sylvester
Colin owens
Hometown: Watertown, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Post University
Team: Football
Dormitory: Holt
Kieran phang-davey
Hometown: Singapore
Plans after Bridgton: Arizona State University
Awards: Arthur
P. Stebbins Jr. ’67 Award
Team: Wolverine
Dormitory: Cleaves
ethan philbriCK
Hometown: Cromwell, CT
Plans after Bridgton: University of New Haven
Team: Football
tyler palumbo
Hometown: Fairfield, CT
Plans after Bridgton: Sacred Heart University
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Holt
Calvin parKer
Hometown: Wellesley, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Miami University
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Sylvester jaquan
peters-wolfe
Hometown: Mansfield, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Curry College
Team: Football
Dormitory: Cleaves
Dormitory: Sylvester Campbell pivniCK
Hometown: Roseland, NJ
Plans after Bridgton: Washington & Jefferson College
Team: Football
Dormitory: Walker
Cameron plante
Hometown: Shrewsbury, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Wagner College
Team: Lacrosse
Dormitory: Mass Hall
alexander porudominsKy
Hometown: Parkland, FL
Plans after Bridgton: Lake Forest College
Team: Lacrosse
Dormitory: Walker
26 bridgton academy today
tarin prior
Hometown: White River Junction, VT
Plans after Bridgton: University of Hartford
Team: Lacrosse, Football
Dormitory: Cleaves
jaCob rediCan
Hometown: Salem, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Fitchburg State University
Team: Baseball
Dormitory: Cleaves
Camndon reed
Hometown: Watertown, MA
Plans after Bridgton: James Madison University
Team: Football
Dormitory: Jillson
devonte reed
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Plans after Bridgton: Bridgton Academy
Team: Basketball
Dormitory: Holt
trevon roChesterthomas
Hometown: Oak Park, IL
Plans after Bridgton: Franklin Pierce University
Team: Basketball
Dormitory: Mass Hall
jason rogers
Hometown:
Albany, NY
Plans after Bridgton: Franklin Pierce University
Team: Football
Dormitory: Cleaves
gavin sampson
Hometown: Kingston, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Bridgewater State
University
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Sylvester
jeb sChartner
Hometown: North
Kingstown, RI
Plans after Bridgton: Keene State College
Team: Wolverine
Dormitory: Cleaves
mitChell robinson
Hometown: Pawtucket, RI
Plans after Bridgton: Worcester State University
Team: Football
Dormitory: Jillson
william roper
Hometown: Woodinville, WA
Plans after Bridgton: York College of Pennsylvania
Awards: Alumni
Award, John D. Powers ’91
Memorial Lacrosse Coaches’ Award
Team: Lacrosse
Dormitory: Cleaves
benjamin
sChenK
Hometown: Rockport, ME
Plans after Bridgton: McDaniel College
TeamTeam: Soccer
Dormitory: Holt
summer 2023 27
jaCK sherwood
Hometown: East Falmouth, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Belmont University
Team: Baseball
Dormitory: Holt
brendan
stamm
Hometown:
Dedham, MA
Plans after Bridgton: University of Delaware
Awards: John T. Fabello ’34 Hockey
Award, Dr. William Holt AwardsSocial Science
nolen sKafas
Hometown: Haverhill, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Keene State College
Team: Lacrosse
Dormitory: Mass Hall
thomas sloan
Hometown: Riverside, IL
Plans after Bridgton: University of South Carolina
Team: Football
Dormitory: Holt
anthony
solomon
Hometown: Grand Prairie, TX
Plans after Bridgton:
Undecided
Awards: Leland S. Buck, Jr. ’42 Award
Team: Basketball, Hockey
Dormitory: Mass Hall
ian spiro
Hometown:
Boxford, MA
Plans after Bridgton: St. John’s University
Team: Soccer
Dormitory: Cleaves
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Sylvester
magnus
steele
Hometown: Bedford, NH
Plans after Bridgton: Stonehill College
Team: Football
Dormitory: Cleaves
alexander
sullivan
Hometown:
Reading, MA
Plans after Bridgton: University of New Hampshire
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Mass Hall
evan
thompson
Hometown:
Newton, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Colby College
Awards: Tom C. Austin Football Award
Team: Football
Dormitory: Walker
evan
thompson
Hometown:
Norwell, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Clark University
Team: Soccer
Dormitory: Cleaves
walter tibbetts
Hometown:
Portland, ME
Plans after Bridgton: Dean College
Awards: Dr. Christopher Blanch
’89 Award
Team: Football
Dormitory: Mass Hall
harrison
tuCKer
Hometown:
Billerica, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Salem State University
Team: Baseball
Dormitory: Holt
owen tuCKer
Hometown: Bath, ME
Plans after Bridgton: Le Moyne College
Team: Lacrosse
Dormitory: Sylvester
Cole usseglio
Hometown:
Wethersfield, CT
Plans after Bridgton: Massachusetts
Maritime Academy
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Walker
jaKe vaChon
Hometown:
Manchester, NH
Plans after Bridgton: University of Maine
Team: Baseball
Dormitory: Holt
28 bridgton academy today
austin viCK
Hometown: St. Albans, MO
Plans after Bridgton: Lynn University
Awards: Mission
Achievement Book Scholarship
Team: Basketball
Dormitory: Holt
pedro vieira
Hometown: Danvers, MA
Plans after Bridgton: University of MassachusettsBoston
Team: Soccer
Dormitory: Holt
david vollert
Hometown: Grunwald, Bayern, Germany
Plans after Bridgton: American International College
Team: Football
Dormitory: Walker
tyler walles
Hometown: Andover, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Sacred Heart University
Awards: Charles H. Gould Award
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Mass Hall
braeden watson
Hometown: Saco, ME
Plans after Bridgton: CUNY City College
Team: Baseball
Dormitory: Holt
justin watson
Hometown:
Anthem, AZ
Plans after Bridgton: Glendale
Community College
Team: Basketball
Dormitory: Jillson
rashaad way
Hometown: Boston, MA
Plans after Bridgton: University of New Haven
Team: Football
Dormitory: Cleaves
Corey white
Hometown: Woodstock, VT
Plans after Bridgton: Ithaca College
Awards: Dennis
O’Brien ’67 Award
Team: Lacrosse
Dormitory: Mass Hall
gabriel white
Hometown: Essex Junction, VT
Plans after Bridgton: Bentley University
Awards: Addie
M. Chadbourne
Award, Charles H. Gould Award
Team: Baseball
Dormitory: Cleaves
Cooper wiley
Hometown: Falmouth, ME
Plans after Bridgton: Endicott College
Team: Basketball
Dormitory: Mass Hall
james willner
Hometown:
Marshfield, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Springfield College
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Holt
Karl yonKeu
Hometown:
Manchester, NH
Plans after Bridgton: Franciscan University of Steubenville
Awards: Russell A. Pitnof ’34 Award, Mission
Achievement Book
Scholarship
Team: Basketball
Dormitory: Mass Hall
Chase young
Hometown: Chicopee, MA
Plans after Bridgton: Fitchburg State University
Team: Baseball
Dormitory: Cleaves
damon Zurolo
Hometown: Cheshire, CT
Plans after Bridgton: Sacred Heart University
Team: Hockey
Dormitory: Cleaves
summer 2023 29
Congratulations, Class of 2023!
Bridgton Academy Veterans Memorial
Since its founding in 1808, Bridgton Academy has had a distinguished history of service to the United States Military. This Veterans Day, Memorial Day, or on any day, we invite you to this beautiful space designed to honor history, inspire reflection, and recognize those who have given so much.
The Bridgton Academy Veterans Memorial is open to all visitors and located directly adjacent to the athletic fields.
If you are interested in honoring a loved one or Veteran in your life within the Memorial, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at alumni@bridgtonacademy.org or by calling (207) 647-3322, ext. 2.
bridgton academy po box 292 north bridgton, me 04057 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Burlington, VT Permit No. 601