Bridgton Academy Today Autumn/Winter 2018

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bridgton academy Today

m a n ag i n g e d i to r

Nick LeBel c o n t e n t e d i to r

Jessica Priola c o n t r i b u to r s

Michelle Cross Sarah Gaines Ryan McLellan p h oto g r a p h y

Nick LeBel Jesse Cottingham

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from the head of sc hool

As the head of a one-year school, I often get asked about our culture and how we are able to maintain it with an almost complete turnover of students each year.

Here’s the secret formula: we simply live our mission, provide opportunities for our young men to connect with each other, and work with them to build and maintain their best vision of the Bridgton experience. The story below is just one example, among many, of the ways in which our students create community.

Even though duped into a trip they hadn’t really signed up for, all proceeded to the bleachers in Oxford, eating red hot dogs (known in Maine as “Red Snappers”) and other forms of generally bad food, laughing, telling stories, and watching the cars crash and careen around this short track on the first cool night of late summer in Maine. We drove home that night, a little closer than we had been, with a full-throated singing of “Wagon Wheel” as we made our way up Chadbourne Hill Road.

In early September, I led a trip to the Oxford Plains Speedway, a half-mile track about 30 minutes north of campus.

On race day morning, however, I had only two students signed up. When I saw one of them in the afternoon—Ricky—I asked him if he could rally a few more troops to the event. Pulling the van up to the Chapel later in the afternoon, I was surprised to see five of our young men ready to go.

No one would have drawn the activity up exactly this way, but at the end of the night, the boys wanted to know when we could go back. These young men and I, who did not know each other ten days earlier, came together to share a few laughs and a few stories, getting a little bit closer in the process. Most importantly, this was an opportunity— one of so many to come during this year at Bridgton Academy—to connect with each other and further define what makes this a one-of-a-kind experience.

On the drive to Oxford, one of the students said, “Mr. Mooney, how far is this Walmart?” “Walmart?” I asked. After an awkward silence and what I imagine were a few dirty looks going on behind me, the next thing I heard was “Ricky, you tricked us!” followed by laughing and a few playful punches thrown. Ricky, it seems, convinced a few of his friends that this was a van trip to the Walmart, not to the speedway.

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martin j. mooney head of school

bridgton academy Today

in this issue ... wo lv e r i n e t r ac k s Our new section highlights news and events from around campus.

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au s t i n b r o w n ‘18 A Wolverine’s journey from devastating injury to his return to North Bridgton.

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ba outdoors Our students explore one of the most instructive classrooms of all, the woods and waters of Western Maine.

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securing the ice Ed Robson ‘50 endows Bridgton hockey program with $1million gift.

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boot” wolverine Army pilot David Nolan ‘80 reflects on his career and his days at the Academy.

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a n n ua l r e p o r t on giving

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c ampus profile: jessica priola Six things to know about the 13-year BA veteran.

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a

“muddy

About Bridgton Academy Today You’ll notice our Autumn 2018 edition of t he magazine not only spor ts a new look , but also contains a renewed focus on balancing t he energy and activity of campus wit h stories focusing on our alumni. We hope you enjoy t his new direction, and, as always, we invite your feedbac k. Please contact Nic k LeBel at nlebel@bridgtonacademy.org wit h your t houghts.

wolverine trac ks community service on pleasant mountain In coordination with the Loon Echo Land Trust, which manages nearly 6,700 acres in the northern Sebago Lake Region of Maine, 44 Bridgton Academy students headed to nearby Pleasant Mountain, where they supported the Trust’s efforts to build a day shelter on the mountain’s North Peak. In order to get the building materials where they needed to be, our students spent an afternoon hauling lumber over the ridge to the construction site, where “Janine’s Overlook” would be completed.

fourth annual college fair In late September, the Office of College Counseling hosted its fourth annual college fair in Bridgton’s Memorial Gymnasium welcoming admission representatives from sixty schools from as far away as Florida and California. “This fair is now a cornerstone of our program,” explains Jamie Izaryk, Director of College Counseling.

“Our students represent themselves and Bridgton Academy in such a positive light; I am sure this is part of the reason that we have experienced continued interest from college admission offices and consistent growth in the number of colleges attending our fair each year.”

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wolverine trac ks

h o m e c o m i n g 2018

DREW STAFFORD - KALAMAZOO, MI

WILLIAM CROWLEY - MILTON, MA

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TYLER MARTIN - HANOVER, MA

WOLVERINE SOCCER

JAKE RAINESS - BALTIMORE, MD

Members of the Bridgton Academy community celebrate the ribbon-cutting of the newly renovated Cleaves Hall (L to R): Corban Teel '19, past dorm heads Rick Marcella and Matt Burgess '88, board member Tim Armour, board President Kevin Jones '81, Head of School Marty Mooney, past dorm head Peter Gately, board member Doug Lyons '83, board member Diane Potter P'14, current dorm head Patrick Daley '09, and Eduardo Alvala '19.

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wolverine trac ks

welcome to the wolverdome

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Tom Dumont, of Montreuil, France, opens the Bridgton Academy basketball season at the legendary WolverDome with a thunderous dunk against Commonwealth Academy. bridgton academy Today

Ryan McLellan captured in mid-sentence during class this fall. An accomplished writer, Mr. McLellan is a veteran of the National Poetry Slam, and his work has been selected for numerous national and international poetry journals, such as The Lake (England), Lagan Online (Northern Ireland), The Subterranean Quarterly, and Lower East Side Review. His full length collection, Plenty of Blood to Spare was published in 2012. He and his wife Daniela live on campus in Edwards House.

Beth Chagrasulis has been recognized by both the National Association of Biology Teachers as well as the Maine Science Teachers Association.

Her classes in genetics, medical microbiology. and CAP nutrition form backbone of our College Articulation Program in science. Outside the classroom, “Ms. Chag” brings her skills as a biologist to many areas, including the Maine Bumble Bee Atlas, a partnership between the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and “citizen scientists” across the state to document the diversity, distribution and abundance of bumblebees in Maine.

WALKER HALL KARAOKE

HALLOWEEN AT CLEAVES HALL

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wolverine trac ks

We are excited to introduce you to one of the members of the Class

of 2019! Peter Werth IV is a Woodbridge, Connecticut native and

member of Bridgton Academy’s Wolverine Program, and will spend his year in North Bridgton under the watchful eye of Mr. Meserve and Mr. Washburn.

How did you first hear about Bridgton Academy, and what ultimately led you to enroll here?

I first found out about Bridgton from my cousins who each graduated from the Academy; they recommended it to me after the success they went on to experience following their year here. The main reason I decided to enroll at the Academy was to improve my GPA and get my SAT score up so that I can broaden my choices when applying to a four-year college.

What are your first impressions of Bridgton Academy as a student?

My honest first impression is that there is a lot to get used to. For instance, the mandatory two-hour study hall is a big difference from what I was used to back home. Being on a schedule all of the time was also a bit of a shock, but it’s starting to become routine now.

What is your favorite class so far, and what has been your best academic achievement to date at Bridgton Academy?

My favorite class so far would have to be Geography and World Cultures with Mrs. Cole because of the way the class is organized. There really isn’t a set of topic that we have to cover; it’s more class driven concerning what we want to learn about, which makes me feel really engaged with the content and the class overall. As for my best academic achievement at Bridgton to date, I’m not really too sure since we haven’t had that many tests or projects yet, so I think it’s too early to judge that. (I have been proud of some of my quiz scores, though—notably in Meteorology with Mr. Rosen!)

If you could share a day's worth of meals with someone—living or dead—at Goldsmith Dining Hall, who would you choose and why? (You can have three people—one for each meal—or divide as you wish.)

I would want to have breakfast with David Bowie because I love his music and he seems like a really interesting person to talk to because of how “out there” he was. I would enjoy having lunch with Mark Hamill because he is in some of my favorite movies. He also just seems like a really genuine and fun guy to talk to. Finally, I would choose to have dinner with Mr. Meserve because, other than him being a really genuine and fair guy, I feel like he would have something tasty cooking on the grill.

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bridgton academy Today

meet

a wolverine

peter werth

a new look for the chapel

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, one of the Academy’s original buildings has a bright new look: four stained glass windows now adorn the nearly one hundred and fortyyear-old Twitchell Memorial Chapel—two main front windows along with two frontfacing windows on the Chapel’s second floor.

Artist Lyn Hovey was selected to create the vision, and over the course of the two-year design project, Hovey created stained glass windows to complement the existing exterior of Chapel—and the Academy as a whole.

Bagala Window Works of Westbrook, ME, completed the installment.

evening speaker series begins with craig morong ‘85

Bridgton Academy opened its Evening Speaker Series for the Class of 2019 with Mr. Craig Morong, Class of 1985. Now a partner at Atlantic Zagros Financial Partners, LLC, Mr. Morong spoke to the class about the value of failure, as well as the value of learning from those failures, and how they can help you ultimately succeed. As he quoted Thomas Edison about the 1,000 iterations of the light bulb before he was successful: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 1,000 ways that won’t work.”

wolverines visit the travis mills foundation

In October, Mike Meserve, Teacher and Director of the Wolverine program, and Mr. Tom Washburn, Teacher, took nine students to the Veterans Retreat of the Travis Mills Foundation to assist with grounds work that needed to be done there. This hardworking group of students supported the Foundation with the clearing, raking, and the removal of leaves, brush, and wood from the property.

The Travis Mills Foundation is a nonprofit organization supporting recalibrated veterans and their families through long-term programs that help combat veterans overcome physical obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation. Veterans and their families arrive from all across the United States in a beautiful retreat setting located in Rome, Maine, where they are able to participate in adaptive sports and activities.

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austin brown :

A Wolverine’s Triumphant Return

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t was a picture-perfect

Sep tember day in North Bridgton: sunny and

slightly breez y, w ith just a hint of crisp y

fall air—the perfect day for a

football game.

This wasn’t just any football game, though— it was Bridgton’s only home contest of the season, and it happened to be during Homecoming Weekend 2018. The Wolverines were poised for a victory against Norwich University, and the crowds were eager to witness it.

Warming up on the turf with Norwich was Austin Brown, Bridgton Academy Class of 2018.

Winning was in his thoughts, but that certainly wasn’t everything on Austin’s mind this day.

Rewind to exactly one year ago: it was once again Homecoming at Bridgton Academy. The opposing team, Navy Prep, is historically one of the Wolverines’ toughest rivals. The football season had just begun a few weeks earlier for Bridgton, and many of the players were eager

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for coaches and recruiters to see them on the field, vying for a place on college rosters in the fall of 2018. Austin was no exception: he had chosen to attend Bridgton Academy not only to improve his grades and SAT scores, but “to get some looks in football.”

Navy Prep was on top of its game, forcing the Wolverines to play catch-up. Even with the Wolverines giving it their all, Navy Prep remained strong on defense. Then, one single kickoff changed the game for Austin that day.

The defensive back suddenly found himself on the ground, unable to get up or even move his leg due to the excruciating pain, and somewhere in the recesses of his mind he hoped this would not be the end of his football career.

One of the first individuals to attend to Austin that afternoon was Bridgton’s trainer, Cody Marean. His reflection in those moments following is so vivid: “When I arrived at Austin’s side after he went down, his knee was visibly dislocated. My first instinct was to cover it with my arm and body to shield it from the students and families on the sidelines. I also knew his ACL was likely torn

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and felt that other ligaments were torn, too. I had never seen anything like this, so I didn’t know what to expect.”

As Austin was riding in the ambulance on the way to the hospital that fateful fall afternoon, the pain he felt extended far beyond the physical. “I was furious...I felt like all of my chances to even get a look from college football programs had just gone out the window.”

Austin’s faculty advisor, Ms. Julie Knapp, was at the game that day and watched his injury unfold before her eyes. Witnessing him go down, she felt certain he had suffered a devastating injury. By the time Austin saw the specialist and viewed the results of the MRI, he found out that his injuries were much worse than anyone had anticipated: he had torn his ACL, MCL, and meniscus, and he had completely ruptured his patella tendon.

Dr. Avery, a well-known orthopedic doctor, told Austin and Ms. Knapp, “I have never seen an injury to this extent,” and further predicted that Austin may never walk normally again.

If he did, it seemed certain that he would not play football again at a competitive level.

This was not the news that Austin wanted to hear. After meeting with the surgeon and taking time to process what was ahead of him, during their trip back to campus that evening Ms. Knapp “saw a determination in Austin that was inspiring.”

Even following the extensive surgery required to repair his injuries, when Austin found himself in a place where he was really struggling with all that had been dealt him, Ms. Knapp “had no doubt that he would get back on the field.”

Throughout the challenges and obstacles that came his way in physical therapy, Austin was determined that he would play football again. His intense desire to play at the collegiate level far outweighed anyone telling him it wouldn’t happen, and he made up his mind to give everything he had to his recovery. Cody describes Austin as the most dedicated and goal-oriented person he has ever worked with. “Austin would be in the weight room every day and then in my office every afternoon, on top of going to physical therapy and keeping up with his academics,” Cody recalled.

As Austin progressed through therapy and his year at Bridgton, he eventually gained acceptance into Norwich University.

The most exciting part of being accepted there was the opportunity to be able to play football again, as long as he was physically able to do so. Graduation from Bridgton arrived in May, and Austin continued to work toward his dream. “In addition to working at least 40 hours a week in landscaping, he went to physical therapy twice a week,” shared Cody. “You could see him getting physically and mentally stronger each day.”

By August, Austin arrived in Northfield, Vermont, ready to begin classes and more than ready to fulfill his dream of playing football. His hard-earned spot on the Cadets’ football roster truly brought him full circle to this year’s Homecoming game. You could hear the smile on Austin’s face through the phone just a week after the contest: “It felt so good to be back at Bridgton…to see everyone and have their support. I am still not at one hundred percent yet—I don’t have my full range of motion—but it was great to be able to be running all over the field.”

Bridgton Academy celebrated a victory during Homecoming, but perhaps the biggest victory of all was seeing this Wolverine alumnus back on the field doing what he loves.

Austin Brown returns from injury with Norwich University, September 2018

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educ ation in its natural state

The Wolverine and BAXX Men Programs

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or decades of alumni, some of their most vivid and cherished memories of bridgton academy were not built on the fields of compe tition.

Through experiences with Outing Club leaders Mr. Warren Youker and Mr. Phil Goepel, students in classes from the 1960s through 2012 enjoyed not only hands-on learning in the great outdoors, but also gained benefits from the lifelong lessons that nature can teach, such as increased self-reliance and a broader sense of perspective.

With the retirement of Mr. Goepel in the spring of 2012, however, the future of the Outing Club was uncertain, save for the knowledge that it needed to continue, in some iteration. By the summer of 2013, the stage was set for what would ultimately become two distinct program offerings, each designed to purposefully take all interested students out of their comfort zones while exploring their new surroundings. As a result, participants become more confident, both socially and otherwise, and learn how to hold themselves accountable—traits that are critical not just in college, but for a successful life in general.

Bridgton Academy’s Wolverine Program, created by Mr. Mike Meserve and led by both him and Mr. Tom Washburn, has between 8 and 12 full-time members each year who have chosen not to play a sport during their time in North Bridgton. “We want these students to have a feeling of belonging and something that distinguishes them within the Bridgton Academy community,” explains Mr. Meserve.

The number of participants in the program often fluctuates, however, as student-athletes who are off season choose to take advantage of the group’s offerings as well.

Over eighty out-of-season studentathletes participated in at least one activity with the Wolverine Program last year. And, as a team in and of itself, the Wolverine Program is held to the same standards as any other team on campus, with participants expected to show growth and development in all areas of Bridgton Academy. “We work together, travel together, and sweat together,” explains Mr. Meserve. “We want to show students that it’s okay to struggle; it’s okay to fail … but it’s not okay to quit.”

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The Wolverines enjoy a wide range of cultural, outdoor, and community service opportunities. “The program encouraged me to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone,” shares Dan Ferrarini ’18. “I found that I enjoyed a lot of activities that I had previously never thought about doing, such as whitewater rafting, staying overnight in a haunted house, and jumping out of a plane.” “Being with a group of young men who take such a sense of pride in our daily, weekly, and year-long accomplishments inspires me most,” says Mr. Meserve. “I love it when students start to use the verb ‘can’.”

In addition to the Wolverine Program, Mr. Ray Stauble, Dean of Students and avid outdoorsman, specifically created the BAXX Men to make outdoor learning experiences regularly available to all students. (BAXX is an abbreviation for Bridgton Academy Extreme Experiences.)

Careful coordination with coaches allows student-athletes to participate in out-ofthe-box team-building activities afforded by specially designed BAXX Men excursions.

In fact, last year’s class saw 95 students participate in a minimum of one BAXX Men activity.

Just within the Class of 2019’s first month on campus, students took part in moose calling, survival exercises, trap shooting, and whitewater rafting. Mr. Stauble also works closely with the Wolverine Program, organizing BAXX Men activities throughout the year that members of the Wolverines regularly participate in.

“I offer three to four trips a month, and my hope is that every BA student participates in at least one activity during his year here,” shares Mr. Stauble.

Activities on deck for this year’s class include ice fishing, snowshoeing, survival exercises, archery/firearms certification, wilderness first aid, a winter camp-out, fly fishing lessons, participation in a bear

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“We want to show students that it’s okay to struggle; it’s okay to fail... but it’s not okay to quit.

The Wolverines blast down the Kennebec River, The Forks, ME

study, and a two-day plane crash scenario. For the latter activity, Mr. Stauble will educate ten to twelve students on how to survive in the wilderness with limited supplies. After a comprehensive training, the students will then be required to navigate cross country for thirteen miles over the course of two days and nights. Ben Johnson ’18 took part in a similar exercise during the fall of 2017. “The BAXX Men program instilled in me a sense of courage and self-reliance that has granted me an amazing resource to pull from whenever I find myself feeling doubt or insecurity. That newfound confidence carried me throughout the remainder of my academic year at Bridgton and set the tone for the can-do attitude I now enjoy in college,” says Ben.

In order to build the foundation for their own definition of success, there is much for students to navigate—both during their year here and beyond. At Bridgton Academy, a student’s proverbial compass often needs to be reset in order to stay the course and accomplish what he set out to do. In order to fully achieve this success, however, sometimes the real thing is in order—a traditional compass that helps teach students how to explore and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds them outside so that they can better channel all that is possible from within.

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securing the ice

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Edward Robson ’50 Establishes the Academy’s First Athletic Chair n the fall of 1949, Edward J. Robson, a native of Arlington, Massachusetts, made his way to the campus of Bridgton Academy.

His high school career had fallen slightly short of remarkable, but Ed knew that he wanted to continue to pursue his passion for hockey. “I overheard a conversation between my parents and a teacher, perhaps the guidance counselor, and they seemed to agree that I would end up being a clerk,” Ed reflected. “What kind of a clerk, they didn’t say; but clerking was my lot in life as far as they were concerned.

I was too busy thinking about hockey to care much about future employment.”

With aspirations on the ice looming large in his mind, Ed soon found himself at Bridgton Academy, surrounded by students likewise looking to improve their destinies and achieve their college goals.

Ed’s year at the Academy didn’t start out as he planned. After contracting polio, he spent five weeks that fall in the hospital, being mailed his homework and remaining in a quarantine ward with over a dozen other patients. When he came back to campus, Ed wholeheartedly jumped into his classes and athletics, knowing he would need to work hard to attain his college hockey dreams. When asked about his Bridgton year, Ed remarked that the Academy helped him “learn how to learn.” “Even today, I

Ed Robson '50 (#14) with the Class of 1950 hockey team

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Ed Robson '50 visits campus with his wife, Karrin, in October 2018

am still grateful that my parents made the investment. I hope I made sure they knew.”

Following Bridgton, Ed pursued his hockey dreams at Colorado College. After his graduation from Colorado, Ed joined the Marine Corps, becoming a helicopter pilot and obtaining the rank of Captain.

During his five-year tour, the Marine Corps gave him temporary duty to play hockey for Team U.S.A. at the World Tournament in Düsseldorf, Germany. The next year, they allowed Ed time to train and become a member of the U.S.A. Olympic team. Ed ultimately left the team during training camp because his wife was giving birth to their second son. Looking back, Ed credits the Academy as the foundation that made his next chapters possible. As life unfolded, Ed and his family made Arizona their

home, and this new home state became the nexus of Ed’s business ventures. Robson Resort Communities eventually became a business juggernaut in the southwest, expanding into Texas and beyond.

Now a spry and cheerful 88-year-old, Ed continues to run his company on a daily basis. “I never get tired of the game,” Mr. Robson comments. “I credit much of my success to luck and making sure to establish good relationships with everyone I come in contact with.” One such relationship is that which Ed has developed over the years with longtime Bridgton faculty member Tom Austin. In fact, it was conversations between Tom and Ed that formalized Ed’s interest in endowing the Academy’s first athletic chair. “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Ed during my trips to Arizona,” remarks Tom. “His love for Bridgton is evident, and so many times we have taken tours down memory lane. Ed really credits Bridgton as the starting place for so much of his life’s journey. I hear the pride with which he speaks about the Academy, and it’s an amazing thing.”

It is out of this passion and pride for Bridgton Academy that, in the fall of 2018, Edward Robson gifted Bridgton Academy $1,000,000 to establish the Ed Robson '50 Head Hockey Coach. “I feel very good that I am able to provide this gift to Bridgton,” Ed reflects. “It is a small price to pay for what the Academy gave to me.” This donation is the second largest one-time gift that the Academy has ever received from an alumnus.

The purpose of this endowment is to help fund the head hockey coach position as well as to support the overall hockey program at Bridgton Academy in perpetuity. Even though Ed’s graduation was close to 70 years ago, his love of allthings hockey has not wavered, and he still excitedly follows Bridgton hockey and our alumni. “I hope that this gift further strengthens and supports the rich tradition of hockey at Bridgton Academy,” states Mr. Robson. “I also hope that my support helps other kids as Bridgton Academy helped me. Every youngster needs to find success.”

Ed’s philanthropy at Bridgton will be recognized with our naming of the head hockey coach position in his honor.

Moving forward, the hockey coach at Bridgton Academy will carry the title of the Ed Robson '50 Head Hockey Coach.

“The Academy is incredibly honored and humbled to establish the Ed Robson '50 Head Hockey Coach Chair,” states Head of School, Marty Mooney. “This gift is the first of its kind at our Academy. Not only will Mr. Robson’s gift significantly increase our endowment, but it will also perpetually support an athletic tradition that is ingrained with the history of Bridgton Academy. We are honored by Mr. Robson’s love of the Academy, pride in his time here, and genuine care for the strength of our mission and programs.

From the Bridgton Academy Board of Trustees, our staff, our alumni, and our current students—thank you, Mr. Robson, for your incredible generosity. Our hearts are full, our school is humbled, and your Bridgton story is forever etched into the fabric of this life-changing school.”

“I feel very good that I am able to provide this gift to Bridgton... it is a small price to pay for what the Academy gave to me.”

Ed Robson '50 with the first Ed Robson '50 Head Hockey Coach, Rod Simmons

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t h e n e w d ay The hockey team gathered before first light to prepare for their annual day-long rite of passage. Over 16 hours of grueling physical and mental challenges, the team built a foundation that will last them throughout their 42-game season and beyond.

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a " muddy boot " wolverine David Nolan '80 Reflects on a Career in the Sky

D

Nolan had a choice to make.

I t w a s 1 9 8 0 , h i s fat h e r h a d pa s s e d a w ay j u s t o v e r a y e a r p r i o r , a n d av i d

though the grieving process had clouded

things

in

his

life,

he

h a d t h e c l a r i t y t o k n o w h e d i d n o t h av e t h e m at u r i t y h e n e e d e d t o s u c c e e d .

His father had always told him that he reacted well to discipline and, though David could no longer ask him for advice, he had other people in his corner who were ready to push him in the right direction and help him achieve his dreams. After much thought, prayer, research, and conversation, he set his sights on Bridgton Academy.

“I didn’t believe it until I received the acceptance letter,” says David, who was kind enough to take the time to answer questions between classes at Campbell University Law School, where he is finishing his degree as a law student. “I thought I wanted to go to law school and I must have,” noting he is currently preparing to take the Bar Examination. “Mr. Walker noted on my recommendation that he thought I would make a splendid attorney. I hope he was right!”

Once on our campus, David adapted to “The Bridgton Life” quickly, and thankfully had some friends on the roster to help him get acclimated. David met his dorm parents that first night, the Gatelys, who ran Cleaves Hall. “I remember meeting [them], and how very cool they were,” David says. “They made us all feel at home. As more students arrived, we helped everyone bring in their bags. We were all in the same boat.”

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Although David recalls the occasional shortlived squabbles among classmates that one would find at most any school, he knew he had joined a community that would challenge him, push him out of his comfort zone, and provide life-changing opportunities for him and his classmates. “We all doubted ourselves and our abilities,” David says. “We all had God-given talent and, in one way or another, had not measured up previously, so we were extremely motivated and competitive. It was healthy competition because I think we all supported each other.” Like many other alumni, David knew that simply enrolling at Bridgton Academy did not make someone a Wolverine; it was something that had to be earned. Though he excelled in his classes and was a member of the Student Senate, David says that it did not sink in until one of his last moments on campus. “I did not feel like a Wolverine until I received my diploma. At that moment, the entire year came to fruition and into perspective.”

After graduation, David went into the Army as an Aviator. “I was very fortunate to serve at the time when I did because it offered me the opportunity to excel and eventually earn promotion to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Five,” David says. His first assignment

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“was great for a junior aviator because for my first two years all I did was fly.” Like many who serve and make sacrifice for our country, David is humble about his service: “I am hesitant to speak of any individual honors or awards that I received, and even writing this has been somewhat painful because of the ‘I’ quality to it.”

For a majority of his military career, David was assigned to groups expected to be the first called upon. Front-line units in the “muddy boot Army” are required to train and deploy constantly to keep their mission focus sharp. During this time, David flew the AH64A Apache and the AH-64D Longbow for 20 years, spending almost 11 of those years actively deployed. From 1989 to 1990, David served as an advisor to the military of El Salvador. During the Clinton Administration, which, in David’s words, “turned out to be very busy for the Apache community,” he served in Bosnia and Kuwait with the 3rd Infantry Division while tensions with Slobodan Milosevic and Saddam Hussein were high. He also served in Korea with the 6th Cavalry Regiment, with the primary mission of patrolling and conducting overwater operations in conjunction with the US Navy.

After the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, David served two tours with the 82d Airborne Division in Iraq: at Ballad, in 2004, followed by a deployment to Tikrit in 2006.

These were nearly back-to-back deployments, with David serving overseas for a total of 27 out of 33 months. “During that time, the 1-82 Attack Helicopter Squadron (Wolfpack) was instrumental by flying more Apache combat hours...than any other Attack Helicopter Squadron up to that time in the history of the Army...The Wolfpack’s ability to constantly provide aviation overwatch was so remarkable that Vice Chief of Staff and legendary Apache

pilot, General Richard Cody, attended one of our production control meetings to find out what we were doing that the other Apache units were not.”

David went on to serve three tours in Afghanistan, first deployed to Kandahar in 2002 with the 1-229th Aviation regiment. His second and third tours were as Brigade Aviation Maintenance Officer, where David was responsible for the readiness of nearly 200 aircraft.

His first tour with the 82d CAB was in Kandahar, from April 2009 to April 2010.

“The 82d CAB’s primary mission was to provide air support to our regional command.” David continues, “We were [also] tasked with building the aviation package for General Stanley McChrystal’s Afghanistan ‘Surge Plan.’” David’s brigade successfully oversaw the build-up of a new airfield and also designated the types and numbers of aircraft to support the surge, the logistical packages to sustain the surge, and trained the new aircrews as they arrived on the battlefield. For their action during this deployment, the 82d CAB

“I did not feel like a Wolverine until I received my diploma. At that moment, the entire year came to fruition and into perspective.” received the Presidential Unit Citation, “which is awarded to units who demonstrate exceptional heroism in action against an armed enemy.”

David’s final deployment, to Bagram, Afghanistan, lasted from September 2011 to September 2012, during which he had the

same duties to the 82d CAB Commander, Col. T.J. Jamison. “Col. Jamison was the most audacious and daring commander that I had the pleasure of serving under,” David says. “By this time I was the Senior Warrant Officer in the CAB and the most senior aviator in the 82d Airborne Division.” During that tour, the CAB flew more aircraft hours, killed more enemy combatants, conducted more MedEvac missions, and delivered more cargo than any Aviation Brigade in Army history. With his usual understatement, David simply says, “For this deployment, the 82d CAB received its second Presidential Unit Citation.”

Throughout David’s illustrious 27year career, he served numerous combat deployments, flew over 1,500 combat hours, and retired at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Five. He was the Senior Aviator and Aviation Logistics Technician in the 82d Airborne Division and received the Legion of Merit, his highest commendation of many during his time in the Army. David then went on to graduate summa cum laude from Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and his education continues to this day as he works towards his goal of becoming a lawyer. David’s many achievements are a testament to the drive and motivation a Wolverine can leave our campus with on graduation day. When asked how his year at Bridgton made “the difference” in his life, David Finnerty Nolan ’80 offered a take that wonderfully sums up what our school is about, and what a year on the hill can do for a young man: “The lesson that Bridgton taught me was that I could compete with the best people and that, if I supported them, they would support me. I learned teamwork at Bridgton; I learned that your buddy would help get you through and that you would help get him through. This lesson, along with the time-management skills I learned, would become instrumental to my success in the military and in life. Teamwork, faith in God, faith in others, and prioritizing your affairs are the essential building blocks to accomplishing your goals. Bridgton Academy, and my little piece in it, is an illustration that it produces men to believe and rely on God, Honor, and Country and, judging by the Class of 1980, I feel justified in saying: mission accomplished.”

David Nolan in Tikrit, Iraq, 2006

20

annual report

giving

on

a special section of bridgton academy today

Giving by Alumni

Class of 1953

Class of 1939

Miriam Chaffee ’39 In Memory of Ms. Madelyn Buck ’37 Rachel Deans ’39 In Memory of Ms. Viola Payson ’39

Class of 1947

Joan Barrett ’47 Dorothy Campbell ’47 In Honor of the Veterans

of the Class of ’47

Shirley Davis ’47 Albert Evans ’47 Nancy Holden ’47 In Memory of Mrs. Sally Hapenney

Class of 1948

Richard Winchenbach ’48

Richard Currier ’53 Col. Richard Fickett ’53 Billie MacKay ’53 Richard Wright ’53 In Memory of Mr. Ray Gadaire ’47

Class of 1954

Warren Edwards ’54 Frederick Haynes ’54 R. Sharley Reutter ’54 In Memory of

Classmate Jessica Stewart ’54

John Volckmann ’54 In Honor of “My Family” Carol Wenmark ’54 In Honor of Mr. Grady Vigneau

Class of 1955

William Greaney ’55 In Memory of

Class of 1949

Class of 1950

Class of 1956

Alice Colby-Hall ’49

Austin Conrad ’50 David Eaton ’50 Jean Holden ’50 George Leadbetter ’50 Dana Lord ’50 Donald Millberry ’50 Thomas Pike ’50 In Honor of “The education I received.”

Edward Robson ’50 In Honor of the Class of 1950

Class of 1951 John Dempsey ’51 Andrew Karkos ’51

Margaret Poskus ’56 David Sampson ’56 In Honor of Mr. William Deguio ’56 Nelson Turnquist ’56

Class of 1957

Nancy Hough Armstrong ’57 In Memory of

Capt. Claude “Duke” Hough ’54

& Mr. Joseph DeSalle ’57

Garabed Garabedian ’57 James Lake ’57 In Memory of Mr. Richard Goldsmith Albert Symes ’57

Class of 1958

Class of 1952

Beverly Boehling ’52 Arthur Curtis ’52 C. Albert Robichaud ’52 In Memory of

Mr. John T. Fabello ’34

Donald Hebert ’55 Ronald Johnson ’55

Mrs. Carol Robichaud Henry Rustigian ’52 In Memory of

Mr. Jerry Romano ’52 & Mr. John Locke ’52

Dennis Barous ’58 Allan Denison ’58 Fredric Gauthier ’58 In Honor of Mr. Fred Gauthier Leonard Hathaway ’58 Murray Nickerson ’58 Col. Philip Saulnier ’58 In Memory of

Robert Stone Saulnier & In Honor of Col. Michael P. Saulnier, US Army, Retired

Donor Profile g r e t c h e n r e e d p '12 West Windsor, NJ

Bridgton bridges the gap between hope and strategy. Hoping a child does well without giving him the tools he needs to become highly successful is not helpful.

Bridgton was able to give my son things I could not give him. This means everything to me. I am very proud to be a Wolverine parent and donor to Bridgton Academy.

21

bridgton academy Today

Class of 1959

Thomas Burbank ’59 In Memory of

Mr. Harold Burbank

George Mullin ’59 Philip Rackley ’59 In Memory of Mr. Richard Goldsmith Robert Weston ’59

Class of 1960

Bruce Buffinton ’60 Stephen Camuso ’60 Paul Flahive ’60 Richard Moughan ’60

Class of 1961 Peter Brown ’61 Bruce Cargill ’61 Jim Fonda ’61 Hugh MacKenzie ’61 Richard Sommers ’61 Charles Spilman ’61

Class of 1962

John Bacheller ’62 Thomas Barker ’62 James Burek ’62 Frederick Hoy ’62 Dr. Edward Martin ’62 Cole Proctor ’62 In Memory of Mr. Robert Walker Ronald Squatrito ’62

Class of 1963

William Dean ’63 Dr. Charles Goodspeed ’63 Richard Murphy ’63 In Memory of

Mr. Robert Walker

William Seach ’63

Class of 1964

James Ashley ’64 In Memory of

Mr. Dean Harrington ’64

Dr. James Baker ’64 Richard Harlow ’64

Daniel Keeler ’64 Mark Pelson ’64 Marc Posner ’64 In Honor of Mr. Tom Austin,

Mrs. Susan Cole, & Mr. Peter Gately; In Honor of the Class of 1964

Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Elaine Walker

Edwin Smith ’64 Edward Tobiasson ’64 In Memory of

Class of 1965

Anonymous In Memory of

Clyde “Jack” Dempsey ’65

Joseph Amico ’65 William Blais ’65 Mark Blank ’65 In Honor of the Class of 1965 Richard Blechman ’65 Steven Bonville ’65 Anthony Chinappi ’65 Jeff Craw ’65 Peter Cross ’65 In Memory of

Mr. Richard Goldsmith, Mr. Richard Cross ’68, Mr. Ray Langmaid ’65, & Mr. Brian Hubbard ’65 Harold Damelin ’65 In Honor of “My Brothers

from the Class of 1965” Lawrence DeSantos ’65 In Memory of

Herbert Kepnes ’65

Barry Schlosberg ’65 In Honor of the Class of 1965 Class of 1968 Andrew Searle ’65 Michael Cooper ’68 John Stabile ’65 Stanley Duda ’68 Rogan Stearns ’65 Donald Lewis ’68 James White ’65

Class of 1966 John Cartmill ’66 Willard Leavitt ’66

Class of 1967

Charles Ambrogio ’67 Mr. William Armour ’67 William Bain ’67 Mark Bloom ’67 Timothy Braun ’67 Michael Doyle ’67 In Memory of Mr. Larry

McClenahan ’67, Mr. Peter Blaisdell ’67, Mr. Richard Bowen ’67, Mr. Dennis O’Brien ’67 & Mr. James Corbett ’67; In Honor of Mr. Jan Gebo ’67

Jan Gebo ’67 Gerald Goldman ’67 E. James Grip ’67 In Memory of

Mr. Dennis O’Brien

Linn Hazen ’67 John Killian ’67 Patrick Maloney ’67 Timothy March ’67 In Memory of

Col. Robert Eldridge ’65 James Gagne ’65 John Hanlon ’65 James Herlihy ’65

Mr. Stanley Aldrich ’67 Duane Johnson ’65 In Memory of Richard Bioty ’65, Captain Mike McNiff, USCG ’67 Edward Mellus ’67

Thomas Gorrill ’65, & David Murphy ’65 James Ramsey ’67 Wayne Lynch ’65 George Reid ’67 John Morrill ’65 Capt. David C. Rollins, USN ’67 Alexander Moschella ’65 In Memory of Drew Salling ’67

Mr. Richard Goldsmith Richard Seaver ’67 James Murphy ’65 In Honor of the Class of 1965 R. Grant Truesdale ’67 Raymond “Mickey” Ouellette ’65 In Memory of Robert Watson ’67 In Memory of

Mr. Richard Goldsmith from the Class

of 1965, In Memory of “Our 1965 Classmates Who Are No Longer With Us”

Gerald Quigley ’65

Mr. Jeffrey Coburn ’67

Class of 1969

James Ducey ’69 Robert Knickerbocker ’69 In Memory of

Mr. Donald Gaulin ’69

Robert Phipps ’69 Thomas Vannah ’69

Class of 1970

Donald Daniels ’70 Robert Dempsey ’70 In Memory of

Mrs. Sally Hapenney

“Moose” and Lucy Wicks

Greg Flaherty ’70 Richard Lindstrom ’70 Robert McNulty ’70 John Ready ’70 Dennis Scannell ’70 In Honor of Mr. Tom Austin Craig Wicks ’70 In Memory of

Class of 1971

Robert Axtell ’71 In Memory of Mr. Doug Avery Ernest Clark ’71 David Colella ’71

Class of 1972

Dennis Caruso ’72 In Memory of

Mr. and Mrs. Hapenney

Mr. Kevin Keefe ’72

C. Stewart Curran ’72 Douglas Hoak ’72 James Muldoon ’72 In Memory of Lawrence Strycharz ’72 Peter Suneson ’72

Gordon Webb ’67

22

Annual Repor t Class of 1973

John Acton ’73 Frederick Barry ’73 In Memory of

all fallen military personnel

Stuart Hershman ’73 John Sullivan ’73 Patrick Tria ’73

Class of 1974 Derek Horton ’74

Class of 1976 Gary Bousquet ’76 Frank Hackett ’76 Brian O’Hear ’76

Class of 1977

John J. Daley ’77 Christopher Marion ’77 William Vaughan ’77 In Memory of

Class of 1982

Wayne Cohen ’82 Thomas Dean ’82 Chris and Kristine Whitney ’82 In Memory of

Mrs. Sally Hapenney

Class of 1983

Robert Bogan ’83 Daniel Demers ’83 Marc Duncan ’83 In Memory of

Mrs. Sally Hapenney

Adam Foley ’83 Douglas Lyons ’83 In Honor of Mr. Peter Gately

Class of 1984

Christopher Healey ’84 Gregory Thielman ’84 Jeffrey Zambello ’84 In Memory of Mrs. Betty Dyer

Class of 1988 Todd Boudreau ’88 Matthew Burgess ’88 Daniel Connolly ’88 Jason Connolly ’88 Jeffrey Ray ’88

Class of 1989 Robert DeCamp ’89

Class of 1990

Michael Bruneau ’90 William Dawes ’90 Daniel Macke ’90 In Honor of Mr. Kevin Hancock Edward Solek ’90

Class of 1991 Erik Nixon ’91

Class of 1992 David Hastedt ’92

Mr. Freeman Whitney ’41

Class of 1993 James Borodawka ’93 Mark Sullivan ’93

Class of 1994 Guy Beaudoin ’94

Class of 1995 Craig Budolfson ’95

Class of 1996 Daniel Callihan ’96 Brian Fahy ’96 Mark Lufkin ’96 Ryan McNeill ’96 Robert Sweeney ’96

Class of 1998 Jason MacDonald ’98 Joseph Parker ’98

Class of 1978 Timothy Glasow ’78 Kraig Haynes ’78 Jonathan Mapes ’78 William Pittorino ’78

Class of 1979

Seth Bacon ’79 James Chadbourne ’79 D. James Clark ’79 LCDR. Stephen Lewia ’79

Class of 1980

Col. David Aumuller ’80 Andrew Burbank ’80 William Cusick ’80 John Donahue ’80 CW5. David Nolan ’80 In Memory of Mrs. Sally

Hapenney, In Honor of Christine M. Nolan

Class of 1981

Stephen Everbach ’81 Kevin Jones ’81 R. Seth MacDonald ’81 John Neagle ’81 James Proulx ’81

23

Class of 1985 Philip Anthes ’85 Marc Branchaud ’85 Thomas Clifford ’85 Brian Jones ’85 Stephen Long ’85 Craig Morong ’85

Class of 1986

Roger Austin ’86 In Honor of the Class of 1986 Mark Dittrich ’86 Todd Higgins ’86 Eric Horn ’86 Robert Lynch ’86

Class of 1987

John Avery ’87 Mark Carlson ’87 Nicholas Geannaris ’87 Adam Jacoby ’87 Adam Lewis ’87 In Memory of Mrs. Sally Hapenney Brian Macdonald ’87 Eric Marder ’87 John Ralsten ’87 Michael Sweeney ’87 William Terry ’87

bridgton academy Today

Class of 1999

Matthew Berk ’99 In Honor of

Mr. Peter Gately, In Memory of Mr. Jake Laferriere & Mr. Mike Fuller ’82

Brian Cardarella ’99 David Cedrone ’99 In Memory of Mr. Jake Laferriere Craig Griffin ’99 Douglas Padden ’99

Class of 2000

Griffin Jaggard ’00 Thomas Kelly ’00 Christopher Osburn ’00 Jared Peter ’00 George Powers ’00

Class of 2001 Patrick Pingicer ’01

Class of 2002 Porter Hayes ’02

Class of 2003 Brendan Fahy ’03 Damian Farley ’03 Eric Rehfield ’03 Douglas Simons ’03

on

Giving

Class of 2004 Aaron Daly ’04

Class of 2005

Timothy Berwind ’05 Gerrit Conover ’05 Matthew Leone ’05 In Memory of

Mr. Brian Foley ’05

Class of 2008

Edward Mastro ’08 In Honor of Mr. Whit Lesure William O’Connor ’08

Class of 2009 David Brackett ’09 Patrick Daley ’09 Jarrett White ’09

Class of 2010

Nicholas Christensen ’10 Derek Mayo ’10 In Honor of Mr. Whit Lesure James White ’10

Class of 2011

Brendan Fitzpatrick ’11 Sean Yule ’11

Class of 2012

William Groves ’12 In Honor of Mr. Nick Swim ’12

and Mr. James White ’10

Zachary Littman ’12 In Honor of Mr. Cejay Suarez ’13 Nicholas Swim ’12 In Honor of Mr. Will Groves ’12

Class of 2013 Peter Amabile ’13 Kevin Doherty ’13

Class of 2014

Kevin J. Cadigan ’14 Maxwell A. Davies ’14 Connor B. Demore ’14 Lucian Di Marco ’14 Nicolas Dupuis-Gaudreault ’14 William Dyson ’14 Michael English ’14 Tyler B. Etzkorn ’14 Daniel S. Fontaine ’14 Robert E. Harris ’14 Jeffrey S. Heinz ’14 Tanner P. Hyland ’14 Sean C. Mack ’14 Stephen D. Main ’14 Lucian Di Marco ’14 Michael J. McBreen ’14 Matthew H. McCutcheon ’14 J. Luke Packer ’14 Nicholas Potter ’14 In Honor of

the Class of 2014

Matthew R. Serra ’14 Ryan W. Shea ’14 Reese W. Van Beber ’14

Class of 2015

William Aufranc ’15 Ryan Becker ’15 Jason Blier ’15 James Brania-Hopp ’15 Benjamin Caples ’15 Cory Ellerton ’15 Shea Farrell ’15 Sean Foley ’15

Zachary A. Gilpin ’15 Stephen Goddard ’15 Michael S. Greco ’15 Brendan Greene ’15 Joseph Grout ’15 Johan Hammarstedt ’15 Adrian Huang ’15 Brian J. Huyghue ’15 Matthew W. Lambert ’15 Steven Longfellow ’15 Andrew T. Middleton ’15 Dylan J. Mulvey-Welsh ’15 Philipe Normandin ’15 Jonathan T. Pierce ’15 Brad Rhoades ’15 Adam J. Ryan ’15 Michael Schillereff ’15 Jackson J. Sutton ’15 Jason Tibbetts ’15 Vasilios Vakalfotis ’15 Matthew J. Wendelberger ’15 Tyler Williams ’15 Jacob Worcester ’15 Jack D. Zaylor ’15

Donor Profile lt . c o l . m a r k o t t ( r e t )

Peachtree, GA

Class of 2016

Brandon T. Barnes ’16 Charles K. Berry ’16 Nicholas S. Clemons ’16 Joseph Downes ’16 Harrison R. Engstrom ’16 Jeffrey Gordon ’16 Lars Lauersen ’16 Noah Medeiros ’16 Corey R. Moses ’16 Jack Pottenger ’16 Matthew Pratt ’16 Colin T. Quinn ’16 Benjamin Rees ’16 Olivier Roy ’16 Ryan J. Ruhlin ’16 Dylan Sheehan ’16 Kyle Skidmore ’16 Hunter Swayze ’16 Thomas Willegal ’16 David D. Zulauf ’16

Class of 2017

Gregory P. Babikian ’17 Henry T. Brackbill ’17 William G. Chenard ’17 James Craig ’17 Raymond E. Donovan III ’17 Joshua Dunagan ’17 Cole W. Gagne ’17 Terell J. Handley ’17 Matthew T. Healey ’17 Kendall M. Jones ’17 Kade Kaminski ’17 Victor Kury ’17 Mason D. LaPlante ’17 Nicholas Lepage ’17 Daniel M. Lynch ’17 Devon L. Mayewski ’17 Mitchell T. McCabe ’17 John R. Piersiak ’17 Brian J. Quinn ’17 John Quinn ’17 George C. Reid ’17 Liam M. Riehs ’17 Cameron J. Romanik ’17

Bridgton Academy is a unique school of higher education. It offers those choosing to commit themselves to high standards the ability to improve and succeed in the professional world and therefore give back to this same community. I, too, am unique as I never attended school here, but I see the vast potential of educational benefit for our future generations. Therefore…I give. My grandfather was Harold Sampson, Bridgton Academy’s Headmaster from 1919–1943. I can hear the campus bells play now from the carillon that was dedicated in his honor.

Harold Sampson was headmaster for close to 25 years, one of the longest serving head tenures in the history of Bridgton Academy.

I am incredibly proud to honor his memory and service.

24

Lachlan S. Rowan ’17 Justin C. Slocum ’17 Conor J. Tracy ’17 Clayton A. Tucker ’17

Class of 2018

Matteo Avallone ’18 Isaac Blake ’18 Zacaria Bouhalloufa ’18 Zachary Brady ’18 Ryan Brown ’18 Thomas Coleman ’18 Charles Considine ’18 Nathan Curley ’18 William Devine ’18 Jackson Dobek ’18 Christopher Dorain ’18 Nicholas Dorain ’18 Brody Dupuis ’18 Jordan Enselmoz ’18 Ian Fagan ’18 Daniel Ferrarini ’18 Matthew Kalof ’18 Collin Krauth ’18 Trevor LaBonte ’18 Richard Lord ’18 Ryan Nicholson ’18 John Nisbet ’18 Emmett Peoples ’18 Philippe Poulin ’18 Bryan Ramos Martinez ’18

Joshua Schwaeber ’18 Benjamin Spiker ’18 Trevor Suydam ’18 Kolton Vining ’18

Giving by Parents of Alumni & Current Students Mr. & Mrs. John Admirand Mr. Peter Amabile Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Ames Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Andrews Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Philip H. Anthes Mr. & Mrs. Valentino Avallone Mr. & Mrs. Brian Barcelou Ms. Wendy Barker Mr. & Mrs. Forrest W. Barnes In Honor of

Mr. Thomas Barnes ’82

Mr. Kevin Van Lenten ’09

Mr. Daniel J. Beckman Mr. & Mrs. Charles A. Berg Mr. & Mrs. Jim Bernard Dr. & Mrs. Paul A. Bizinkauskas Mr. & Mrs. William Blackett Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Blake Mr. & Mrs. Paul M. Blanch Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Boli Mr. Ghollamallah Bouhalloufa Mr. & Mrs. David A. Brackett In Memory of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Brown Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Burgess

Donor Profile n i c k s w i m ’12 Muncie, IN

I give to Bridgton Academy because of everything that the institution has done for me. It has helped me grow and excel both on the field and in the classroom.

Having been a student and more recently an employee, I have had the opportunity to see the real magic on the hill and what it can do for a young man’s future. I feel that the opportunity to give back to Bridgton Academy as an alumnus is an honor. Each dollar given directly helps future students secure their own Bridgton experience. And, with all of the impressive renovations around campus, it’s an exciting time to be a Wolverine!

25

Annual Repor t

bridgton academy Today

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph M. Byron In Honor of

Mr. Andrew Byron ’05

Mr. Richard E. Conley ’37, In Honor of Jason Clement ’03

Mr. Christopher Dorain ’18 & Mr. Nicholas Dorain ’18

Mr. Dan Fontaine ’14

Mr. Matt Gallery ’09

Mr. Tom Geddes ’11

Mr. Sean Getman ’13

Mr. Clayton Geuss ’17

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Camuso Mr. and Mrs. Alfred H. Carlson Mr. Onofrio Cerasuolo &

Mrs. Giuliana Tomassini Mr. & Mrs. William W. Chalmers Mrs. Nanette Chandler Mr. & Mrs. Jon Christensen Mr. & Mrs. John H. Clement In Memory of Mr. & Mrs. Todd Cloutier Mr. & Mrs. Michael Cook Mr. & Mrs. Edward J. Craven Mr. & Mrs. Joe Curley Mr. & Mrs. Robert Curran Mr. John J. Daley Lt. & Mrs. James B. Dalton Jr. Mr. & Mrs. William Dean Mrs. Maria Defilippis & Mr. Zurab Asatashvili Mr. & Mrs. John M. DiMizio Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Dobek Mr. & Mrs. William Doherty Mr. & Mrs. Charles L. Donahue Jr. Mr. & Mrs. John Donahue Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Dorain In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Doyle Mr. & Mrs. Brian Drummey Mr. & Mrs. Bradford Dupuis Ms. Elizabeth A. Durfee Dr. & Mrs. Kennyon D. Edwards Mr. & Mrs. Howard S. Ehrlich Mr. & Mrs. Nathaniel P. Eldredge Dr. William Ellis Mr. & Mrs. Kevin P. Fahy Mr. & Mrs. Thomas M. Feeley Mr. & Mrs. Greg Fenton Mr. & Mrs. Mark Filler Mr. & Mrs. John R. Fisher Mr. & Mrs. Denis Fitzpatrick Mr. & Mrs. Michael Flynn Mr. & Mrs. David Fontaine In Honor of Dr. & Mrs. Andrew Forauer Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Fournier Ms. Judy Fuller Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Gallery In Honor of Dr. Julia Galliker & Mr. Alfred d’Aliberti Mr. & Mrs. Peter E. Gately Mr. & Mrs. D. Michael Geddes In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Michael Getman In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Mark Geuss In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Steve Giles Ms. Amy Glaser Mr. Charles J. Graffeo Mr. & Mrs. Clive Grainger Ms. Anne M. Griffin Mr. & Mrs. Gary W. Gross Ms. Mary Haag Mr. & Mrs. Charles Hamaty Mr. Dale Harris Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Haynes Mr. James B. Heinz Mr. & Mrs. James Hennessey Mr. & Mrs. Gary and Mary Anne Hitechew

on

Giving

Mr. Aleck Holowach & Ms. Julie Dimperio Ms. Nancy Hopkins Dr. Reese J. James & Mrs. Leslee Lindsay-James Mr. Mark Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Robert H. Johnson Ms. Therese Joslin Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kalof Mr. & Mrs. Thomas W. Kelly Mr. John J. Kenney Jr. Mr. Guy Kidd Mr. Jerry Knapp Ms. Julie Knapp Mr. Kevin Krauth & Ms. Kathleen Jakob Mr. & Mrs. Richard LaBonte Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Lambias Dr. Patricia Larkin-Upton Mr. & Mrs. Michael Lavoie Ms. Ginger Leaven Mr. & Mrs. David Lepage Mr. & Mrs. Whit Lesure Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Lufkin Jr. Mr. & Mrs. John Lukacz Jr. In Honor of

Mr. Robert Lukacz ’92 Dr. & Mrs. Robert Lutz In Honor of

Mr. Kevin Lutz ’09

Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Lyons Mrs. Joan Mahoney Mr. & Mrs. John Mahoney Mr. & Mrs. John C. Manni In Honor of

Mr. Joseph Manni ’13

Mr. Freeman Whitney ’41, Mr. Doug Avery, Mr. Gordon Weeks, & Mr. Mike Fuller ’82

Mr. & Mrs. Richard R. Marcella In Memory of

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Marhoffer Mr. & Mrs. Michael Martin In Honor of

Mr. William Martin ’18

Mr. Sanford R. Martin

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph W. Matz Mr. & Mrs. Weston Maxwell In Honor of

Mr. Remington Maxwell ’18

Mr. Kevin M. McCarthy Mr. & Mrs. Richard McCarthy Mr. & Mrs. Thomas McKenny Mr. & Mrs. Mark S. McNeilly Mr. & Mrs. Richard Meader In Honor of

Mr. Jay Pottenger & Ms. Susan Wharfe Mr. & Mrs. Michael and Diane Potter Mr. & Mrs. Mike Quarton In Honor of

Mr. Kiernan Quarton ’13

Mr. Grady Vigneau

Mr. Justin Simmons ’18

In Honor of Mr. Caleb Statser ’11

Mr. Stephen Quigley & Ms. Alicia Cooney Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Raschdorf Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Rector Ms. Gretchen Reed In Honor of Mrs. Jessica Priola

Mr. Lance Meader ’93 & Mr. Daren Meader ’95 Ms. Gretchen Relva Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Romanchuk Mr. & Mrs. Gerard C. Mergardt In Memory of Mr. & Mrs. Gary Saklad In Honor of

Mr. Michael Mergardt ’84

Mr. Bradley Saklad ’17 Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Mesite Mr. Jorge Salazar & Ms. Yudi Espinoza Dr. Allison Metz Mr. David M. Sanborn Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Montembeault Mr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Sanfilippo II Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Moore Ms. Sarah E. Sansom Mr. C. Oscar Morong Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Michael Sawyer Mr. John J. Moynihan Mr. & Mrs. Steven Saya Mr. & Mrs. Scott Murdock Mr. & Mrs. Sean Scannell Mr. & Mrs. James Murphy Mr. & Mrs. Darvin L. Schanley Mr. & Mrs. John Murray Mr. & Mrs. John R. Scott In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. John F. Nelson In Honor of

Mr. Scott Nelson ’87

Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Newton Mr. & Mrs. Paul Nicholson Mr. & Mrs. John J. O’Brien Mr. & Ms. Kevin O’Neil Mr. & Mrs. Dana Packer In Honor of

Mr. John Packer ’14

Mr. Jared Peter ’00

Mr. Robert Petherick

Mr. & Mrs. John R. Paladino Mr. & Mrs. Richard Pelletier Mr. & Mrs. Alan Peoples Mr. & Mrs. Bernard G. Peter Jr. In Honor of Mrs. Maryann Petherick In Memory of Mr. & Mrs. Charles Phoebe Mr. & Mrs. Greg Plentzas Mr. & Mrs. Marc Posner

Mr. & Mrs. Darryl Shampine Mr. & Mrs. John Simmons In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Doug Simons Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Slavin Mr. Edwin Smith Mr. Charles Soule & Mrs. Daniela Baldoni Mr. Donald J. Southwick Mr. & Mrs. Gerald F. Spada Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Spencer Mr. & Mrs. John Spiker Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Stahl Sr. Mr. Phillip Statser & Ms. Karen Scott Statser Mr. & Mrs. Ray Stauble

26

Mr. & Mrs. Craig Stephens In Honor of

Annual Repor t

Mr. Charles Stephens ’10

Mr. Peter A. Strassell Mr. & Mrs. Edward Sullivan Mr. & Mrs. Rick Suydam Mr. & Mrs. Walter Swayze Mr. & Mrs. Joseph T. Sweeney Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Taylor Ms. Olivia Terceros & Mr. Tyler Downey Mr. & Mrs. Robert Thornton Mr. & Mrs. Edward J. Travis Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Paul Turenne Mr. & Mrs. Dwight Van Inwegen Mr. & Mrs. Eugene J. Vetrano Mr. & Mrs. Graydon E. Vigneau Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Vining Mr. Steven Webler & Ms. Martha Huntley Mr. & Mrs. Robert G. Weisenburger Mr. & Mrs. James Wheeler Mrs. Linda White Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. White Mr. & Mrs. Scott Wilkins In Honor of

Mr. Cameron Wilkins ’16

Mr. Alexander Addison ’14

In Honor of Mr. Sean Yule ’11

Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Wrage In Honor of Mr. & Ms. James Young Mr. & Mrs. Richard and Susan L. Yule Mrs. Jean S. Zbinden

Giving by Individuals Ms. Cathy Adkinson Ms. Jean P. Ahearn In Memory of

Mr. William Ahearn ’58

Mrs. Sally Hapenney

Anonymous Ms. Anne Bartlett Mr. & Mrs. James H. Barwell Mr. & Mrs. Jeffory D. Begin Ms. Stephanie Bubier In Memory of Mr. Stephen Cabana Mr. & Mrs. Bruce A. Chalmers In Memory

of Mrs. Sally Hapenney

Mr. Jerry Romano ’52 & in honor of his birthday

of Mrs. Betty Dyer

Mrs. Miriam Buck Chafee ’39

Mrs. Sally Hapenney

Ms. Soo-Ling Q. Chan In Memory of her husband, Ms. Cynthia Choate Mr. & Mrs. Bruce & Susan Cole In Memory Ms. Miriam D. Collins In Memory of Mr. & Mrs. Francis Darcy In Memory of

Ms. Mary Anne Day In Honor of Dr. Charles Dreyer Ms. Lisa Desautels-Poliquin Mr. & Mrs. Vic V. DiGravio III Mrs. Courtney Doughty Mr. Ernest Dupuis Ms. Gail Dyer In Memory of Mrs. Betty Dyer Ms. Margaret English Ms. Cindy Fascia Mr. Michael E. Ferrick In Memory of

Mr. & Mrs. Jack and Sally Hapenney

Mr. James MacDonald ’27

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne E. Fillback In Memory of

27

Mr. Steve Geary Mr. Bob Golden Mrs. Carol J. Hamblet Mr. & Mrs. Kevin D. Hancock Ms. Anna Hanson In Memory of Mr. William White Mr. & Mrs. Chris E. Harlow Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Hawkes Ms. Natalie Hoag

bridgton academy Today

Mrs. Naomi Hooper Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth R. Houghton

In Memory of Ms. Mary Otis Reynolds ’29

Ms. Martha Flint ’52

of Mrs. Sally Hapenney

Mrs. Sally Hapenney

Mrs. Sally Hapenney

Mrs. Sally Hapenney

Mrs. Sally Hapenney

Mrs. Sally Hapenney

Mr. Harold Sampson

Mrs. Sally Hapenney

Mr. Stanley R. Howe In Memory of

Mr. & Mrs. Theodore D. Jennings In Memory Ms. Rebecca Jensen Ms. Gloria Johns Mr. Brian Kooperman Mr. Marc Kooperman Mr. John H. Leader, Jr. In Memory of Ms. Sandra Leader In Memory of Mrs. Sue LeBel Ms. Barbara Lyons Mrs. Audrey MacIntyre In Memory of Ms. Sheri Martin Ms. Dorothy Martinez Mr. H. Jackson Marvel Mr. Mark Mathis Ms. Deborah McAfee In Memory of Ms. Barbara McMullan Mr. James Millette Ms. Cheryl Montana Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Moulton Mr. & Mrs. Norman C. Nicholson Jr. Ms. Sally J. O’Neal In Memory of Lt Col and Mrs. Mark B. Ott In Memory of Mr. Homer Pence Mrs. Erin Plummer Mr. Mark Priola Ms. Alyson Randall Ms. Nellie Raymond Ms. Melissa L. Tafoya In Memory of Mrs. Ba White In Memory of Mrs. Sally Hapenney Mr. & Mrs. William W. White III Mr. Timothy S. Wile Ms. Brenda Wiley Mrs. Patricia Willis In Honor of Kevin Huscher ’14 Mr. Christopher Woodford Mr. Andrew Yablin Ms. Mary Yao Mr. Thomas Young Mrs. Joanne Zalewski

Giving by Fiscal Year 2018 Employees Mr. Tim Atwood Mr. Tom Austin Mr. Matt Burgess ’88 Mrs. Carrie Bush Mrs. Beth Chagrasulis Ms. Karen Cole Mr. Sven Cole In Memory of

Mrs. Sally Hapenney & Mrs. Betty Dyer

Mrs. Michelle Cross Mr. Joe Daley ’77 Mr. Patrick Daley ’09 Mr. Travis Dube Mrs. Deb Dutton Ms. Sarah Gaines Mr. Mark Goodwin Mr. Will Groves ’12 Mrs. Janet Guidi

on

Giving

Donor Profile d i a n e a n d m i k e p o t t e r p ’14 Dover, NH

Bridgton Academy’s mission is simple, and it’s also simple to give back. Even if you don’t have the means to donate as much as others, any amount has a positive impact. And the gesture is a way to pay it forward.

Encouraging young alumni and their families to start giving back even while some of them are still students at BA also sends a message to your sons that their time at Bridgton is important, and that you feel the Academy is worthy of your support.

Mr. Aaron Izaryk Mrs. Jamie Izaryk Ms. Julie Knapp Mr. Nicholas LeBel In Honor of

the Black Knights Rugby Club

Mr. Freeman Whitney ’41 & Mrs. Jean Whitney Higgins ’41

Mr. David Lepage Mr. Whit Lesure Ms. Binaca Macdonald Mr. Rick Marcella Mrs. Amanda Miller Mr. Gabriel Miller Mr. & Mrs. Martin Mooney Mr. Jeremy Muench Mr. Matthew Nutley Mrs. Jessica Priola In Honor of Mrs. Faye Roderick Ms. Laurie Swan Mr. Ray Stauble Mrs. Katherine Tucker Mrs. Angela Warde Mr. Michael Warde Mr. Thomas Washburn Mr. Christopher Webb Mr. Jamie White ’10

Giving by Companies & Foundations Alabama Romanchuk Fund AmazonSmile Foundation Annette’s Country Skillet Diner Aubuchon Hardware Bavarian Chocolate Haus Bear Mountain Inn Beth’s Kitchen Cafe Black Horse Tavern Boston Bruins Boston Red Sox Bridgton Books Bridgton Highlands Country Club Chalmers Ice Arena Bridgton Sports Camp Campfire Grille Castleton University Corn Shop Trading Company Craftworks Davis Family Foundation

Eleanor L. Walker Trust Endicott College Enstrom Candies, Inc. Eversource Energy Foundation Fidelity Charitable Firefly Boutique Flagship Cinemas Flatbread Company Gateway Marina Gelato Fiasco Green Artisan Landscape Design Greenwood Manor Inn H.B. Fuller Company Foundation Hancock Lumber Co, Inc Hannaford Community Cash-Clynk Hayes True Value Hardware &

Just Ask Rental Haynes Family Foundation Heaven & Earth Day Spa Highland Lake Resort Hobart & William Smith College Husson University Ithaca College John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. Kahuna Laguna Kathryn J. & Theodore E. Nixon

Family Foundation Lilly US Matching Gifts Program Macdonald Motors Merck Partnership For Giving Mitchell Tees & Signs, Inc. Morong Family Charitable Trust Mr. Butcher Muddy Moose Muddy River Signs Noble House Inn Olde Mill Tavern Orbital ATK, Inc. Paris Farmer’s Union Piper Jaffray Portland Sea Dogs Portland Stage Post University Prime Time Sports Proulx Oil & Propane Inc. Ricky’s Diner Rosse Family Charitable Foundation Ruby Slippers Running with Scissors

Schwab Charitable Seacoast Adventure Sportshaus Squeaky Clean Laundry Story Land Sullivan Tire Sweet Laurel Tasteful Things The Augustus Bove House The Beaudoin - Haims

Family Charitable Fund The Benevity Community Impact Fund The Bridgton News The Colonnade Hotel The Oxford House Inn The Winey Baker Towanda’s Specialty Food & Deli Toy Chest Two Black Dogs Country Pub University of Massachusetts - Lowell University of Southern Maine Venezia Ristorante Village Tie Up Walt Disney World Co. Warren’s Florist Waterford Equestrian Center Waters Corporation Western New England University XL Center YourCause, LLC

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1

4

When did you begin working at Bridgton Academy?

I began working at Bridgton in September of 2005. I had just gotten married a few weeks before starting the job. I remember having to explain that my name on my resume was no longer accurate. This was my first “real” job after college. Prior to coming here, I had been working as a freelance writer.

2

What is one of your best BA memories/ stories?

I have created amazing relationships here.

Last year, I had the privilege of working with a young man who went from being a college dropout to being honored as our valedictorian.

While my whole advisory group was amazing, his story was on another level for me. I took away many lessons from our relationship that will stay with me.

What roles have you been in since first arriving here?

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I was first hired to do grant writing and prospect research. Prospect research is important: it allows you to study your constituency base and see trends in giving patterns or financial capacity. I stayed in the Office of Alumni and Development, serving in a number of different capacities over the years. By 2013, I was promoted to the Director of Development, becoming the first female to serve in this role for the Academy.

What does “The Year That Makes The Difference” mean to you?

It means a lot, both personally and professionally. I never anticipated building my career here, but I fell in love with Bridgton much in the same way others do—because of the positive impact and change we see in the young men. It is also an honor to hear from alumni who have such strong regard for Bridgton, even decades after their time here.

Jessica Priola Bridgton Academy’s Director of Institutional Advancement on life, her career and the future of development at Bridgton Academy.

3

What do you enjoy most about your work here? What do you find most challenging?

I enjoy that there is always more to do than there is time in the day! My position is focused on revenue, which in and of itself, requires much focus and attention. Enrollment and fundraising are both big mountains to climb, which we do from the ground up every year. You need to work to inspire people to be invested, excited, and passionate about your mission. Because I believe in what I do; when I ask people to make a gift, I know the real difference that this Academy makes. It’s incredibly important in life to believe in what you do, not just work to earn a paycheck.

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bridgton academy Today

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What do you do away from Bridgton Academy?

Well, I’m a mom and a wife, so family time is important. My kids are 10 and 7, and I try to capture as many moments of growing up as I can, as it apparently flies by! I enjoy running, being outdoors (especially in the sun), and horseback riding in my spare time. Running and riding are both activities full of challenge and growth, so there is never a shortage of ways you can work to improve.

I also love to read and dig around in the garden. In general, having fun, giving of my energy to others, and exploring the world around me are three key principles in my life.

giving at a glance 2017-18 $730,955 t o t a l r a i s e d 765

DONORS

/ 153 NEW

Top Endowment Designations

DONORS

oldest donor - class of 1939 top participating class - 1965 top participating young alumni class - 2015

8,750 living alumni breakdown of total gifts - fy’18

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33 unique states represented in our giving

30% - massachusetts 24% - maine

top donating states

B r i d g t o n A c a d e m y ’s A n n u a l D a y o f G i v i n g : M a rc h 8 , 2 0 1 9 Please join us as we mark Bridgton Academy’s 211th year and celebrate making the difference for over two centuries of students.

B lu e C h i p s : Mail your donation to: Bridgton Academy PO Box 292 North Bridgton, ME 04057

Use AmazonSmile when you shop and select Bridgton Academy as your charitable designation. A portion of your purchases are given back to BA!

Set u p a Re cu r r in g D onation Never forget your gift! Set up a recurring monthly donation in an amount that is comfortable for you!

donor percentage

Call Our Wonderful Staff!

We are here to help you! Please call the OfďŹ ce of Alumni & Development if you have questions on how to support BA.

207-647-3322 x1229

“How can I give?�

Sh op o n A m a zon!

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Give O nl i ne Click the Alumni/Giving menu on our homepage for a secure and easy way to make your donation.

E s tat e Pl ans Bridgton Academy is honored to be the recipient of legacy giving. Please contact our ofďŹ ce to learn more.

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