2019 Hall of Excellence Inductees BY DAWN GALE ’81 DIRECTOR, ACADEMY FUND AND ALUMNI RELATIONS
Fryeburg Academy inducted another impressive group of alumni and supporters into its Hall of Excellence during a ceremony held over the 2019 Homecoming Weekend. The Hall of Excellence was created 10 years ago with a mission, “to further recognize outstanding achievements and contributions in extra-curricular activities by the Academy’s many dedicated and gifted students, coaches, and supporters.” There are currently 84 individual members and one team in the Hall. KENNETH “TINKER” KIESMAN Class of 1965 Kenneth Kiesman, known to most as “Tinker” graduated from the Academy in 1965. Many of his fondest memories included time spent as a member of the FA football team. Tinker played varsity for four years as a defensive tackle and was part of the undefeated 1963 state championship team. He was awarded the Robert S. Crabtree Award at Fryeburg Academy’s graduation for his outstanding service to the community. This award was just a preview of what was to follow. Following graduation, he attended Harvard’s EMT certification program earning his National EMS Certification and in 1982, he became the owner and operator of the North Conway Ambulance Company and owner of Pace-Tech Equipment. An EMT since 1970, Tinker served as a member of the Northern New Hampshire EMS Regional Council and for many years was an active member of the NH Ambulance Association. His long list of community support roles includes the Fryeburg Fire Department from 19641970, the North Conway Fire and Rescue from 1970-1999, the American Red Cross 1982-2000, the Northern NH EMS Regional Council from 1989-1996 (president), and the NH Ambulance Association
from 1989-2001(president). He is a longtime member of the Elks Club and held the position of Exalted Ruler, served as president of the NH Rotary Club, and served as the North Conway Light and Water Commissioner from 197579, acting as chairman. In 1987 he received the Louis Sleeper Award of Excellence in emergency medical service from the NH Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. In 1999 he received the Emergency Medical Service Achievement Award, created to recognize an individual or group who has made an outstanding contribution to the Emergency Medical Service. Perhaps one of the most important and memorable service roles that he played was that of Santa Claus in the 1980s, bringing smiles to hundreds of local children’s faces at the North Conway Community Center. Tinker is now enjoying retirement with his wife, Liz. Tinker was inducted by ’65 classmate, teammate, and Hall of Excellence committee member, Don Bean ’65. BRIAN SMITH Class of 1965 Brian Smith was a standout studentathlete during his time at Fryeburg Academy. A member of the Class of 1965, Brian was elected class president for all four of his FA years. He was also a four-year member of the varsity football team (captain his senior year) and a member of the undefeated 1963 state championship team. He was active in the Latin and French clubs, a member of the National Honor Society, played baseball in his sophomore year, and was a member of the ski team his senior year. Brian graduated from the University of Maine at Orono. He returned to the Valley after graduation and started his own busi-
ness in 1969 with two other artisans in an open-air rummage store on Route 16A in Intervale. Shortly after opening, Brian and his partners heard about a music festival in New York and decided to go. They hung a sign up on the door, “Gone to Woodstock. Reopen next week!” After a few months, he moved into town, next to Badger Realty, and then down the street to his current location, where he has been since 2001. North Country Fair Jewelers celebrated 50 years in business in 2019. Brian is known throughout the Valley and beyond for his eye for beauty and sense of community. He loves where he lives and supports local causes including the Revolving Closet of North Country Cares, the Gibson Center, Jen’s Friends, and Starting Point. In 2017, he was awarded the MWV Chamber of Commerce’s Steve Eastman Citizenship Award, and in 2018 he was presented with the Friend of Kiwanis Award. Brian spent 10 years as a member of the board of directors of the Gibson Center for Senior Citizens, serving three years as president. He is a 25-year member of the North Conway Rotary, and a Paul Harris Fellow. North Country Fair Jewelers is a family business and he is joined by his daughter, Emily and her husband Greg; as well as daughters Katie and Jen! Brian was inducted by Steve Cote ’85, alum, trustee, and Hall of Excellence member. MICHAEL HILL Class of 1979 Mike Hill is a member of the class of 1979. His father, Ronald Hill ’53, was the headmaster and Mike lived on campus. Mike excelled as a student and an athlete. He was a varsity member of the soccer team, ski team (tri-captain senior year), and the baseball team as well as the math team, Latin club, speech club, student council, Fry ebu rg Ac a de m y Scene s
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