WA Today is published two times each year for alumni and friends of WA. If you are receiving duplicate copies or have a change of address, please contact the Development Office at WA, PO Box 190, East Machias, ME 04630. You may read WA Today on-line at www.washingtonacademy.org. Click on “Alumni” tab then “WA Today.”
Published by: WA Development Office
News from the Head of School
This year has been filled with many lessons and a new appreciation for Washington Academy and those who support it. There is an old folk tale called “Stone Soup” that reminds me of the sacrificial contributions that people make for the Academy. In this story a traveler comes to a village carrying nothing more than an empty pot. The traveler fills the pot with water, drops a large stone in it, and places it over a fire. One villager becomes curious and asks what he is doing and the traveler answers that he is making “stone soup”, which tastes wonderful, although it still needs a little bit of garnish to improve the flavor. The villager does not mind parting with a bit of carrot to help out, so it gets added to the soup. Another villager hands them a little bit of seasoning to help them out. More and more villagers walk by, each adding another ingredient. Finally, a delicious and nourishing pot of soup is enjoyed by all.
The great work that Washington Academy does each year for its students is made possible by the sacrificial work of our faculty members, staff, administrators, and coaches. Each one does something special and significant, and does so at personal sacrifice…of their time, talent and energy. As I walk around the school late each afternoon I always see faculty assisting students, when most would already be home with their families. This extra time and effort along with the good work that goes on in the classroom are the ingredients that support the accomplishments of our students. I am proud that the Academy is a place where students can achieve more than they realized that they could. Paula and I experienced this in a new way this year when our nephew, Stephen, moved in with us for his senior year. Stephen regularly shared with us his appreciation of his new teachers, the great teaching that went on in his classes, and his teachers’ willingness to go the extra mile for him, and for his classmates.
Another group that has inspired me this year is those who have contributed to the Academy’s first capital campaign, “Tomorrow Begins Today.” Each one has added their portion as they were able, but as a group they have assisted us in getting closer to our goal of $1,875,000. Both of these groups provide very important ingredients to ensure the success of Washington Academy’s students.
Kind Regards,
Judson McBrine
Judson McBrine is pictured with his wife Paula, and their nephew Stephen McBrine at Washington Academy’s 2011 graduation.
Washington Academy 2011 Honor Parts
Judson McBrine, Head of School at Washington Academy in East Machias, proudly announces the honor parts for the graduating Class of 2011 as follows:
cHLOE BARNETT
Earning distinction as Valedictorian is Chloe Barnett, daughter of Tom and Barbara Barnett of Dennysville. Chloe has been involved in a variety of activities, including art club, youth government, Latin club, envirothon, and the varsity swim team. She also figures skated competitively with the St. Croix Skating club for eight years, and has an intense passion for sailing. She is Treasurer of the National Honor Society, having been inducted in her sophomore year, and represented WA at the American Legion Girls’ State program the summer of 2010. She also is a very talented writer and received a perfect 800 on the writing section of her SATs. She has been a contributor to W.A.’s literary publication, the Silver Quill, Washington County High School Writer’s Symposium, Teen Ink. Additionally, in 2010 she attended the Stone Coast Writer’s workshop. Chloe is undecided as to where she will attend college, but is planning to double major in gender studies and pre-law.
JORDAN PORTER
This year’s Salutatorian is Jordan Porter, son of Scott and Arlene Porter of Whiting. Jordan has participated in varsity basketball, soccer and tennis. He was chosen for the 2nd team PVC All Star in tennis and the All Academic PVC All Star team in basketball. He is the Vice President of the National Honor Society, President of his Senior Class, and participates in Beyond Belief Youth Group, Students Teaching About Respect (STARS), art club and prom committee. He was chosen to be a member of Prom Court. He has been a contributor to W.A.’s literary publication, the Silver Quill, Young Writer’s Symposium, and Teen Ink. He received the Maine Principals Award. Jordan will be attending the University of New England, where he will major in Nursing.
K ATHERINE Ac KLE y
First Honor Essayist for Washington Academy’s Class of 2011 is Katherine Ackley, daughter of Kevin and Sharon Ackley of East Machias. Katherine has been involved in chess club, latin club and art club. Katherine will attend the Maine College of Art and will major in Art. She has received the Maine College of Art Full-Tuition scholarship, which is presented to a student who demonstrates a high level of academic and artistic achievement.
KIRA ARNOLD
Second Honor Essayist is Kira Arnold , daughter of Dr. Julia Arnold and Patricia Godin of Trescott. Kira has participated in softball, basketball and varsity tennis and volleyball, being team captain for volleyball her senior year. She was class treasurer her junior year and parliamentarian her senior year. She also participated in chorus, yearbook, and was a peer proctor. Kira will be attending Vassar College, where she will major in Psychology.
2011 Graduates of Washington Academy are going places…
Berea College
College of the Atlantic
Connecticut College
Husson University
Kennebec Valley Community College
LIM College
Lynn University
Maine College of Art
Maine Maritime Academy
Rivier College
Smith College
St. Joseph’s College
Thomas College
United States Army
United States Marine Corps
United States Navy
Universal Technical Institute
University of Maine at Farmington
University of Maine at Machias
University of Maine at Orono
University of Miami
University of New England
University of New Hampshire
University of North Carolina
University of Southern Maine
Vassar College
Washington County Community College
Wellesley College
School News
2011 Principal’s Award Recipient
Jordan Porter of Whiting, a senior at Washington Academy, has been selected to receive the 2011 Principal’s Award, Head of School Judson McBrine announced today. The award, sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association, is given in recognition of a high school senior’s academic achievement and citizenship.
Jordan Porter, Mr. McBrine and other award winners and their principals will attend an Honors Luncheon at the Spectacular Event Center in Bangor on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 1:00 PM.
The Honors Luncheon recognizes these outstanding students with the presentation of an individual plaque and the awarding of five $1,000 scholarships in the names of Horace O. McGowan and Richard W. Tyler. Mr. McGowan and Mr. Tyler were former Maine principals and executive directors of the Association.
The Principal’s Award is presented in more than 130 Maine public and private high schools by member principals of the MPA, the professional association which represents Maine’s school administrators.
“cheer” with WA cheerleaders
The WA Varsity cheerleaders are spreading “cheer” in the community! On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2011, the cheerleaders visited with the residents at the Machias Maine Veterans’ Home and Davis Estates. They passed out colorful carnations and handmade Valentine’s Day cards to the residents. They even performed a few cheers! The Washington Academy Cheerleaders are coached by Rebekah Cox.
Ski club Takes Trip to Sugarloaf Mountain
The Washington Academy Ski Club took a trip to Sugarloaf Mountain to hit the slopes this past winter. Jodie Handrahan, a teacher at WA who heads up the club, takes the group skiing about three to four times each winter. Jodie commented, “We had a great day! The conditions were incredible”.
The 2011 Mr. WA Winner
Patrick Means, a senior at Washington Academy, competed against fellow male classmates in the annual Mr. WA contest on April 2 and was crowned Mr. WA. The contest was a fundraiser for the Senior Class Project Graduation. Other contestants vying for the title were Paul Jans, Graham Pingree, Garrett Hopkins, Thomas Moody, Jay Beaudoin II, David Mahar, Carlos Montero, and Brandon Ellsworth. The judge’s panel included WA teachers Malcolm Holmes, Heidi Reynolds, Emily Navarro, Gina Gaetani, and the student judge was senior Jordan Porter. They judged the competitors in categories such as confidence, originality, creativity, and interaction with the audience. The master of ceremony was teacher Sam Leavitt. Each contestant took part in an evening wear and sportswear competition, answered questions, and performed a talent.
Singing the song “L-O-V-E” for their talent competition were Paul Jans, Garrett Hopkins, Graham Pingree, and Thomas Moody.
Patrick Means, the 2011 Mr. WA
Back Row (L-R): Eddie Cotton, Diwen Shi, Dewey Sheehan, Brandelyn Hodgdon, Mara Lookabaugh, Erik Anthony, Gianna Porter, Emma Huntley, Jon McBrine, Ngan Thai, Tai Thai, Chan Hee, Hannah Sprague, Felicia Pepin, Tammy Ramsdell; Front Row (L-R): Jodie Handrahan, Carlos Montero, Tobias Francis, Manny Aretakis, Michael Lee
Coach Rebekah Cox, Madison Barker, Jenessa Sprague, Carrie Dinsmore, Shelby Whitman, Rebecca Whitney, Gianna Porter, Emma Huntley, Skye Davis, and Blayne Chaffey pose with Davis Estates resident Constance Cox.
National Honor Society Inducts New Members
Science class Journeys to Space
Washington Academy’s National Honor Society held their induction ceremony on March 23 at the East Machias Congregational Church. Three year members Molly Abrams (National Honor Society President), Chloe Barnett and Jordan Porter and two year members Elizabeth Hull, Allison Holmes, Mara Lookabaugh, Christopher Plaisted, Taylor Seeley, Yiming Ye, Brittney Jamieson, Rachael Mahar, Matthew Talbot and Kelly Sawyer welcomed new members along with families, friends, and WA Trustees. New members include seniors Kira Arnold, Madison Barker, Jay Beaudoin II, Kayleigh Bridges, Lea Bushman, Candice Craven, Audrey Curry, Ethan Davis, Taylor Davis, Erik Doherty, Kameron Hanson-Auld, Garrett Hopkins, Paul Jans, Tavoy Johnson, Tatum McFadden, Carlos MonteroMoreno, Megan Paprocki, Courtney Radeka, Christy Smith, Jordan Spencer, Kirsten Taylor, Tai Thai; juniors Taylor Ackley, Caleb Beal, Ashley Beam, Heather Blythe, Krysten Fabri, Meghan Faulkingham, Jessie Hardy, Nicole Harman, Brandelyn Hodgdon, Jennifer Johnson, Matthew McCaslin, Cameron Morrison, Crystal Naylor, An Nguyen, Lauren Quirk, Sophia Schmauderer, Diwen Shi, Jenessa Sprague, Kirsti Wright, Anne Zegers; and sophomores Emmanuel Aretakis, Jillian Day, Mackenzie Foss, Emily Hawkins, Breana Riquier, and Ben Rose. WA faculty member Peter Rensema was the guest speaker. Music was provided by WA music teacher Sarah Holsapple and student Mary Rose Nguyen. Congratulations to everyone on their achievements!
community Based Education Key to Salmon Restoration
December 9th marked another first for the WA Coastal Ecology Program. Students from Mr. Sprangers’ and Mr. Holmes’ classes assisted the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Maine Department of Marine Resources – Division of Anadromous Fish release retired brood stock back to the wild. Salmon held at Green Lake and Craig Brook National Fish Hatcheries are used as brood stock for two years before being released back to the wild. This year, 20 WA students carefully transported the adult salmon from the truck to the river. These fish range in weight from 5 pounds to 25 pounds, and brought a great deal of excitement to the students, many who have never seen fish this big.
The students in the Integrated Science (IS) classes at recently went on a journey to space at the Challenger Learning Center in Bangor. During their simulated space mission to the moon, the students were assigned jobs as mission controllers and astronauts. They solved problems, communicated effectively, made decisions, and worked as a team.
Catherine Kropp, IS teacher at WA commented, “The scientific experiments were challenging and the realistic scenarios, like landing on the moon and encountering a meteor shower, were dramatic and realistic.” This trip was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Machias Savings Bank.
Step Up Day
Over 415 students attended the annual Step Up Day at Washington Academy on Friday, May 13. Students spent the morning meeting with their advisors and walking through their fall schedule in 30-minute blocks. They then attended a performance by Audio Body, a one-of-a-kind performance combining physical comedy, cutting-edge technology, and live music in the Gardner Gym and enjoyed the sunny afternoon with a cook-out and field day events. This annual event provides students with an opportunity to test drive their fall classes and make changes early, avoiding missed classes in September while courses are being juggled. A special thanks to Sherry Radeka who organized this year’s WA Step Up Day.
The 2011 National Honor Society Members
National Honor Society President Molly Abrams is pictured with guest speaker Peter Rensema (left) and Head of School Judson McBrine (right).
Ashley Rier, Kayla Danahy, Jaqueline Thomas, and Ginny Esford buckled in for their mission.
Cassidy Cook enjoys some freshly made cotton candy at this year’s Step Up Day at WA.
A Day in the Life of a United States Senate Page
By Paul Jans ‘11
During the month of June 2010, I had the honor of working as a U.S. Senate Page in Washington, D.C. I lived dormitory style with thirty other high school juniors from around the country. Daily, we prepared for long eight to ten hour work days depending on what bills were on the Senate floor of the Capitol. My job was to assist Senators with their daily tasks. During my stay in D.C., I experienced how the federal legislative body works and assisted in the pro cession of visitors viewing the casket of Senator Robert Byrd. The Senate Page Program does an excellent job allowing high school juniors to experience our living government.
Recent Disasters in Japan Spur Government class to Action
Mr. Charbonnaeu’s Government Class organized a school wide fundraiser for the Red Cross Japan relief effort. Students chose this community service-centered final exam to support the idea that a citizen’s civic duty and pursuit of the American Dream should not just be limited to people of this nation.
cNA Program
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program’s students at WA participated in Down East Community Hospital’s ten free colorectal screenings in March, which was to raise awareness for the high incidence of colorectal cancer of women in Washington County. Erin Flannery, RN, who teaches the CNA program, was also one of two nurses who initiated the project.
Residential Students Visit Elementary School
Fourteen Washington Academy residential students visited Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School this spring to participate in the school’s Culture Festival. WA has been participating in this festival for three years. The WA students were warmly welcomed with a song by the student body and snacks in the library. The WA students come from countries all over the world including Rwanda, Spain, Nigeria, China, Korea, Russia, Bosnia, and Vietnam. Throughout the day they gave presentations to the students that included slide shows, traditional dress and calligraphy demonstrations. Mitchell Look, principal at Rose M. Gaffney, commented “The kids at RMG were very excited to have the opportunity to learn about the culture of students from other countries. The younger students particularly liked the activities that they did with the international students. They did a great job and made an impact on the RMG kids. We hope to be able to do this again.”
Ngan Thai in formal Vietnam dress.
Chadia Uwamahoro talking to the class about her native county Rwanda.
Ayomide Aimakhu engages the class about his home in Nigeria.
Front row left to right: Nicole Harman, Brandon Ellsworth, Candace Craven, Nikki Prescott, Tatum McFadden, and Taylor Seeley. Back row left to right: Kaylyn Smith, Dr. Aziz Massaad, Erin Ingalls, RN, Nicole Garcia, RN, Donna Renshaw, RN, Erin Flannery, RN, Heidi Schwinn, RN, Carl Brow, CRNA, Karen Labonte, RN. (Not pictured: Dr. Leonid Brodsky and Juanita Boyd).
Formal Speaking Program
The annual Formal Speaking Program was held on April 27 at WA’s Larson Library. Students recited self-selected pieces in front of an audience of family members, friends, and school staff. The following students and their pieces were: Heather Blythe- “O Captain! My Captain!” by Walt Whitman, Candace Craven- “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe, Ben Rose- Monologue from Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard, Matt Talbot- “Freedom” by Paul Eluard, Rachel Young- “Daddy’s Day” by Cheryl CostelloForshey, and Anne Zegers- “Hymn to Isis”. The winners of the Formal Speaking Contest were Ben Rose and Matt Talbot. Adjunct Assistant Professor Lisa J. Athearn and Professor of English Gerard NeCastro, both from the University of Maine at Machias, and Librarian at the Porter Memorial Library Lee McBride served as judges for the evening. Washington Academy faculty assisting with the program were Mrs. Jean Plummer, Ms. Jodie Handrahan, and Ms. Amy Axe.
Students Visit Husson University c ampus
WA students enrolled in Husson University courses taught by WA teachers visited the Husson University campus and met with President Robert Clark and Frank Hubbard, Dean of Science and Humanities. During their visit, the students attended sessions of the courses in which they were enrolled, toured the campus, and enjoyed the experience of being in college for a day.
One Act Play
For this year’s one-act play production, the WA players presented “Day Six”, written by Ed Monk. The plot involved the last day of creation with trouble- the committee to design human beings was not working out too well. A comedy with “serious” consequences when things go wrong, male-female gender stereotypes were explored with humor and urgency. The WA Players placed second in the Class B Eastern One Act Play Regionals in Mount Desert Island. Rachel Young, Cyrus Vigil, and Ben Rose received actors commendations.
The cast, directed by James Ausprey, included Rachel Young, Ben Rose, Ali Librizzi, David Mahar, An Nguyen, Heather Blythe, Elizabeth Hull, Cyrus Vigil, Chris Plaisted, Taylor Roos, Taylor Ackley, Andrew Henderson, Chocorua Morrissette, Sheldon Otto, Donna-Ray Furlong, Layla Lavigne, Ashley Rier, Cassidy Cook, and Kaitlyn Carl. It was produced with special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.
cathy Swain Receives National Recognition
Cathy Swain, Spanish teacher at WA, has been selected to attend a summer study opportunity supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) titled “Medieval and Early Modern Islamic Iberia.” The four-week program in Valencia and other cities in Spain is directed by E. Michael Gerli, Commonwealth Professor of Hispanic Studies at the University of Virginia. The sixteen selected teachers each receive an award of $3,300 to cover their travel, studies, and living expenses. The approximately 715 NEH Summer Scholars who participate in these programs of study will teach almost 90,000 American students the following year.
Math Team Wins State Math Meet
The WA Math Team was presented with State Championship jackets by the Board of Trustees on May 19. The 12 person math team won the State Math Meet in the Class C division. The State Meet is sponsored by Maine Association of Mathematics League (MAML).
(L-R) Ben Rose, Matt Talbot, Anne Zegers, Rachel Young, Candace Craven, and Heather Blythe
Ben Rose and Matt Talbot, Formal Speaking winners
(L-R): Charlie Fabri, Matt Talbot, Mr. Rensema (Coach), Renxiang Cai, Yiming Ye, Qian Yu, Simeng Qu, Harry Wang, Shenjue Zhu, Diwen Shi, RuoFan Liu, Bokai Cai, Licki Wang
(L-R): Katie Ackley, Ross Trundy, Kira Arnold, Cameron Morrison, Kristina Pettegrow, Kamerson Hanson-Auld, Robert Clark- Husson President, Thomas Moody, Paul Jans, Elizabeth Hull, Courtney Radeka, Ben Morrison, Sage McClain, Catherine Kropp- WA teacher, and Frank Hubbard- Husson Dean of Science and Humanities.
Arts & Music Center
$1,475,000*
The new 10,720 squ A re foo T Arts & Music Center is anchored to the existing Gardner Gymnasium. Instructional spaces created for specific purposes — from music rehearsals to fiber arts — will transform the experience of deserving students and teachers.
n Art studio classroom
n 4 additional classroom spaces
n Student center
n Music room
n Individual music practice room
n Instrument storage space
n Music composition computer lab
A new lobby connects the existing gymnasium with the new addition. Student artwork, donor recognition, and trophies will all be displayed in this high traffic area.
The new music space will also double as a summer lecture/arts presentation space for special programs for seasonal and year round communities.
* The $1.215 million which has already been raised for the Arts and Music Center and the Health and Wellness Center demonstrates the generosity of our school family. The campaign seeks a remaining $285,000 to fully fund the Arts and Music Center and Health and Wellness Center phase of this campaign.
h ealth & w ellness Center
$75,000*
The w ellness Cen T er features weight training, cardio, and aerobic workout centers as well as offices, and a training room. Though relatively modest in cost, the new Wellness Center provides a much-needed place for students to stay fit.
n Personalized fitness, nutrition, and weightmanagement programs, complimenting the comprehensive health curriculum
n Training to assist athletes with the prevention and care of athletic injuries
n Local community use
w hy we choose to give
We feel privileged to be part of Washington Academy, as alumni, as teachers, and now as the Co-Chairs of the Academy’s first capital campaign. Each of us have long appreciated the positive influence this wonderful school has had on at question was offering our financial support to WA. We hope you, too, will consider a sizeable gift to the Academy.
fields, TrAils & CourTs: $325,000
Tennis Courts
Tod A y, Tennis is A T hriving competitive sport at Washington Academy despite the fact that the school has no tennis court of its own. To practice, 20+ students are shuttled to public courts in Machias where they must schedule time around existing community programs.
Tn Ability to host tournaments
n Open to over 15 elementary schools in Washington County
n Local community use
Cross Country
Tod A y, T he Cross- C oun T ry T e AM whether practicing, competing, or hosting a meet must plan a course on the local roads and contend with traffic. The new trail will be available for community use at all times.
n Increase safety
n Allow WA to host DAC meets
n Multipurpose venue for mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and running-lifetime sports
Baseball & s occer f ields
Tod A y, The BA se BA ll field is not regulation size, creating a disadvantage when athletes play away from the Academy’s home field. The baseball and soccer fields overlap with soccer being played on the baseball diamond’s dirt infield, creating overuse and constant maintenance. There is little or no space for the many parents and members of the community who come out to support the teams and watch the games.
n Team will be able to practice and play on a regulation-sized field
n Cost savings due to less soccer field maintenance
n Fans will be able to watch outdoor ballgames in comfort
$100,000 and above
Machias Savings Bank
$25,000 to $49,999
Donald and Terri Brown*
Cherryfield Foods, Inc.
Coca Cola
Gaddis Brothers
Nick and Belinda Lemieux
Katherine Y. Look, M.D.*
R.H. Foster Energy LLC
David Rockefeller
$10,000 to $24,999
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust*
Jeffory and Elizabeth Begin
Brian and Wanda Cates
Coca Cola - Northern New England
Sharon E. Crane
Dr. John F. Gaddis
Richard and Margaret Gardner
Clinton and Mary Gardner
Stephen Jones
Aziz Massaad and Rita Ten
Judson and Paula McBrine
Anonymous*
Ricky and Katharine Ramsdell
Mary C. Rea
Traci L. Sanborn*
Francis and Heide Schumann
Machias Motor Inn
$5,000 to $9,999
Coastal Maine General Contracting, Inc.
Dean and Susan Crosman*
Sandra S. Davis
David and Donna Eldridge
Thomas and Gail Finlay
Gerald L. Wood & Son, LLC
Joyce Bryant Goodine
Peter and Dolores Hanson
Hospice Education Institute
J. L. Huntley Plumbing & Heating
Bill and Marcia Jackson
Chen Zhen and Li Hsueh Jia
Northwestern Mutual Foundation
Pineo Hardware, Inc.
Robert and Suzanne Plaisted
Blair and Susan West
Richard and Cecile Young
$2,500 to $4,999
Atlantic Enterprises, Inc.
Dr. Harold W. and Carey Crosby, Jr.*
Michael and Rebecca Hennessey
Capital Campaign d onors
Gifts and pledges received between January 1, 2006 and July 12, 2011, for Washington Academy’s capital campaign, Tomorrow Begins Today, currently total more than $1.568 million against our goal of $1.875 million. The Washington Academy Board of Trustees, faculty and staff wish to extend their sincere thanks and deepest gratitude to the donors listed below who have demonstrated exceptional generosity to enhance the educational programs and facilities at Washington Academy through their capital campaign gifts. Gifts received after July 12, 2011, will be published in the spring 2012 edition of the WA Today. For alumni we will also publish a list of giving by classes – help your class be the top class in the percentage of classmates who participate in the capital campaign by making a gift today.
Learning Trust of America
Dean McGuire
Philippe and Robin Gautier
James and Hope Prout
Tim and Heidi Reynolds
$1,000 to $2,499
Jay and Dottie Brennan*
Bettina Pettegrow Davis*
William and MaryEllen Day
Dr. Charles and Wendy Dorr
Erin Flannery and Andi Flannery
Arthur and Alice Gardner
The Gardner Family*
David and Gloria Hitchings*
Anonymous
Tony and Kate Jans
Wan Hee Kim and Ki Jin
Dennis Mahar
Wayne and Gail Peters
Edwin and Evelyn Randall
Tim and Amy Sheehan
Al Small
Chang-Young Son and Sunhwa Son
Donald and Sherrie Sprangers
Valerie Smith Stimpson
James Vose
$500 to $999
David and Julie Barker/The Inn at Schoppee Farm
Chad and Emily Fitzsimmons*
Se Hwan Han and Hae Soon Kim
Malcolm and Cindy Holmes
Anonymous*
Verlan and Maxine Porter
Terry, Lisa Marie, and Jeremy Pratt
Chi Thanh Truong and Phan My Linh
Jim and Linda Varney
Daniel and Mylissa Welch
u p to $499
ADA Fence Company, Inc.*
Glenn and Felicia Avery
Ted and Terry Bellows
Nancy Benn*
William and Delia Bess*
William and Linda Beverly*
Michele Bortell*
Robert and Joan Carter*
Mary Cary and Gregory Frosberg
Stephen and Pauline Cates*
Bernard Cheney*
Greg and Marcia Coffin
Fred and Linda Conley*
Bill and Judy Corbett*
Guy R. Cox*
Hartley and Linnie Crane*
Clarence “Cici” and Joan Dennison*
Marjorie M. Devine*
Malcolm and Marilyn Doble*
Esther Downie and Family*
Gerald and Barbara Dwelley
Merry Ellen Eason and Jim Keeler*
Dick and Brenda Ellsmore*
The Finn Family
Fort Fairfield Athletic Boosters Club*
Frank L. Foster, Jr.*
James and Lori Frost*
George and Mary Beth Gaddis*
Gordon Ganong*
Marilyn Gardner*
Karen M. Grant
Alvin and Pat Hall*
Hannaford Helps Schools Program
Michael and Mary Hawkins*
Charles and Charlene Henderson*
Darrell Hinerman II
Bill and Judy Holmes*
Connie Look Holmes*
Shirley Hornketh*
Ronald and Carrie Horton*
Sarah Hostetter and Sam Hostetter
Bruce and Martha Klipec*
Joann Kostacopoulos*
Jack and Rena LaPointe
Richard and Elsie Larson*
Bo Leighton and Family*
Ruth Leubecker*
Deborah Look*
Richard and Esther Lyford*
Machias Memorial High School’s Class of 1958*
Jane Macomber*
Paula Maker
Bill and Linda Mallar*
James and Geraldine Newnum*
Karen Nielsen*
Charles Norton*
Dale and Beth Pettegrow
Karl and Elizabeth Pingree
John and Jean Plummer
Deane and Kathryn Richmond*
Larry and Kathy Rizor*
Cynthia Rae Rowell
Ellis and Wenona Small*
Donald and Lynn Smith
Martha Stilwell*
Julie Strieff-Hancock*
Jacob and Amber Sturtevant
Chris and Britta Sunde
Stuart and Cathy Jo Swain
John Tubergen*
Carlton and Marlene Wood, Jr.
Gerald and Judy Wood* h ow Can i Join o thers?
If you have not made a gift to WA’s Capital Campaign we invite you join others in helping to meet the educational needs of current and future WA students. This edition of the WA Today contains a contribution envelope you may use. Gifts/Pledges may be made as a pledge over 3-5 years to maximize the size of your gift. Alumni your participation at any giving level will help project your class to the top participating class which will be recognized at the 2012 Alumni Banquet.
Cutler l obstermen i ssue Challenge
Cutler Lobstermen Nick Lemieux, Dean Crosman, Stephen Cates and Brian Cates have made gifts to WA’s CC totaling more than $50,000, payable over 5 years. These four lobstermen will be challenging other Cutler lobstermen to match their giving by collectively pledging additional gifts payable over multiple years with the hope of having WA’s new tennis court complex named in recognition of the Cutler lobstermen’s. The naming opportunity for the new tennis court complex has a $150,000 gift level.
* Denotes memorial gifts. These names will be printed in our next issue in our completed donor list.
Sports News
Girls Volleyball Wins 2010 Class b state Championship
The WA Varsity Girls Volleyball team has steadily become more competitive having only five regular season losses in four seasons. After last year’s disappointing 2009 State Championship loss, this year’s team wanted redemption and they got it. They won the 2010 Class B State Championship in October! They were presented with a gold volleyball during a home basketball game.
WA Junior Wins class c State Wrestling championship
Zachary Ragot, a WA junior, won the 215-pound title at the Class C State Wrestling Championship. He was the first wrestler from WA to record his 100th victory.
Girls basketball Wins 2010 Class C eastern maine Championship
The Varsity Girls Basketball team won the 2011 Class C Eastern Maine Championship against Orono High School played at the Alfond Arena at the University of Maine. It was the first ever high school basketball tournament game to be played at the Alfond, due to being previously postponed for a snow storm.
Taylor Seeley Reaches 1,000 Points
Senior Taylor Seeley reached her 1,000 points on February 9, 2011 at a home basketball game against Sumner. She is pictured here with her parents, Stephen and Stephanie Seeley from Jonesboro. Taylor is also one of five high school scholar-athletes, selected from over 150 Maine high schools. She was awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the Maine Sports Hall of Fame to the college or university of her choice.
Alumni News & Notes
‘88
Tracy (Hall) Parker graduated from Northern Maine Community College in 2009 with a degree in nursing and recently accepted a Director of Nursing Services position at OceanView Nursing Home in Lubec, Maine. She married Brandon Parker in April 2006, and she has two children, Britney (22) and Timothy (16). They currently reside in Jonesboro, Maine
’93,’95
Matthew Mahar ’93 and Amy (Mather) Mahar ’95 married on October 7, 2006 and now have three little girls, Esther, age 3, Ruth, age 3, and Leah, 7 months (as of 11.1.10), and live in Maryland.
’95
Sam Bradshaw is enrolled in a MBA program at Drexel University, Sacramento.
’97
Sara Bradshaw is a candidate for a Master’s Degree in International Education at The School of International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont.
’99
Bryan Gardner took the position of executive chef at Hotel de la Paix in Siem Reap, Cambodia in July 2010. Hotel de la Paix was named as one of the ‘101 Best Hotels In The World’ in UK’s Tatler Travel Guide (Jan 2011 issue). Bryan attended University of Southern Maine, and then continued his studies at New England Culinary Institute in Vermont where he received his culinary arts degree.
‘00 Sharon (Dow) Davis and her mother Lucille Bragg both graduated together on May 14 from St. Joseph’s College in Standish. Sharon received her Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Lucille received her Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on banking.
‘01
Jessie Downes is engaged to Christopher Hawkes and they had their first child, a girl named Ryanne Autumn Abigail Hawkes, on July 24, 2010. Congratulations!
‘02 Congratulations to Bobby Richardson and Katie Cates who were married on July 9, 2011! On September 9, 2010, they welcomed their third child, Loretta Elizabeth Richardson, into the world. She joins her two brothers, Robert W. Richardson III (4) and Dallas E. Richardson (2).
‘08Hannah Hudson, daughter of Thomas and Cheri Hudson of Columbia Falls, has been selected for membership in the All Maine Women Honor Society. Hannah has maintained a strong academic record while being involved with University of Maine Student Government, Inc. as the Vice President of Student Organizations, The Black Bear Mentors, The 2012 Class Council Public Relations Chair and the Central American Service Association. She will serve as the President of AMW. Hannah will be a senior in the fall at the University of Maine and is majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in Spanish. Presently, she is the assistant director of Bangor YMCA Camp Jordan on Branch Lake, Ellsworth Maine. After graduation, Hannah plans to pursue her master’s degree in Higher Education.
‘10
Ben Teer accepted a full scholarship to University of Alaska Fairbanks, a Division II school, in Fairbanks, Alaska. Their basketball program competes in the GNAC (Great Northwest Athletic Conference). Ben said that he felt comfortable when he went on his official visit, and that it felt perfect. He said, “Attending Washington Academy and being able to be a part of very successful athletic programs has given me the confidence to achieve, and the background of being able to succeed. The academics and knowledge I attained there has not only helped me get to where I am today, but with having so many teachers including the Headmaster asking and reaching out to me on my progress with school and basketball, they have made me feel very honored to have attended WA. By keeping up with me, it has made me feel like I’m a part of not only their community, but a family. I try and better myself every day academically, personally, and athletically to make them proud. They are a core reason of who I am today.”
‘10
Lance Cpl. Tim Carter has left for Camp Pendleton in California for three months of pre-deployment drills, and then will be going to Afghanistan on his first leg of deployment for seven months. Tim is the youngest member of the Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines and he is a freshman criminal-justice major at Thomas College in Waterville.
CallinG all alUmni
Alumni news and notes is the most read section of the newsletter! However it is only as good as the information provided. The editors rely on personal submissions to keep alumni and friends informed. Please write to us about your jobs, chil dren, vacations, and other current events. No information is too trivial! Please use the attached envelope or email your update to alumni@washingtonacademy.org.
The Mayer family
Loretta Elizabeth Richardson
Postcard from Somaliland
TBy Sophia Guida ‘06
he bell rings for class. Students file into my classroom and take their seats. The boys sit on one side of the class and the girls on the other, as is appropriate in this culture. I write a few things on the board and turn and face my class. Showtime!
I am spending the year teaching English at Abaarso Tech, a premier English-language high school in Somaliland, a breakaway region in northern Somalia seeking independence. The school was started by an American ex-Wall Street executive who wanted to make a contribution to the region’s education and youth. Started just two years ago, the school has grown to serve one hundred of Somaliland’s best and brightest young men and women. All of our students are accepted on the grounds of academic achievement and merit. Most of them receive full financial aid and scholarships. They come from a real mix of backgrounds: some are the children of government ministers, and some are from nomadic families and have never seen a computer or a toilet before they enrolled here.
I spend my days with these bright-eyed youngsters, discussing the various English tenses, prepositional phrases, and various other grammatical treats. All of the classes at AT are taught in English, and we hope that someday these kids will be able to attend college in the United States or other English-speaking countries, an incredible dream for many of these kids. Seeing them work and improve, I can’t help by think that the dream will come true. When many of them first arrived here, they could not speak a word of English, but after a few weeks, they could speak and even mouth off a little--just like normal high school students!
Though the students have to adjust to speaking English, I also have the experience of adjusting to a new culture. Because Somaliland is a conservative Muslim country, I have to follow a very strict dress code, including a long loose dress and a headscarf. If I see a boy and girl talking, I have to give them detention because it is improper for unmarried boys and girls to talk to each other in this culture. It is truly a departure from what I remember of my high school times!
Yet I can’t help thinking of my time at WA. Now when I hear my students whine about their homework, it sounds exactly like how I used to whine about calculus class. And of course, everyone turns out for the sports games! Though basketball was a new sport for out students, they sure love it now!
It goes to show: high school isn’t really that different over here.
For more information about Abaarso Tech, or if you are interested in sponsoring an AT student, please visit www.abaarsotech.org
Saving this World
Alex Foster ’10, is following his “greatest dream ever”. He wants to do everything in his power to save this world. In July, Alex will begin his trek to the West Coast, via an unusual mode of transportation. He will be traveling on a solar powered “Trike” that he built. He will be documenting through various forms of mediaSkype, Facebook, and a blog. This “Trike” has absolutely no carbon output. One of Alex’s messages that he will be spreading along his route is that if each of us reduced our personal carbon output, we as individuals can make a difference, globally. Alex says, “This is our time, we are in the midst of the greatest revolution of human thought ever to occur, this is the turning point, the tipping point, the beginning of something and the end of something, and it is my greatest dream to help bring this forth, to wake the world”.
Alumni Travels
WA Alumnus Visits School to Present Antarctica Trip
Washington Academy recently hosted Dominic Winski, a 2005 graduate, to present his ice-core research in Antarctica, data collection and analysis, and links to climate systems to the WA science classes. Dominic attended Dartmouth College for his undergraduate study and received a B.A. in Environmental Earth Science and a B.A. in Geography. He is currently working as a Master’s student for the Climate Change Institute at the University of Maine. He was in Antarctica from November to February working to drill and ice core at a site called the West Antarctic Ice Sheet Divide, where they study climate, ice sheet history and cryobiology (the study of life at low temperatures). He has also done research related to glaciers, snow and climate change in Wyoming, Montana, Alberta, Alaska, New England, Slovakia and Poland. Dominic said that he had a great time coming in to Washington Academy and hopes that the students enjoyed hearing about his trip. More information on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet Divide can be found online at www.waisdivide.unh.edu.
at http://www.facebook.com/pages/We-the-World/160053374052267.
You can follow Alex’s progress on via Facebook
Sophia and one her of grade 10 students, Sihaam Abdilaahi and the school where Sophia teaches in northern Somalia.
Meet ‘n Greet in Florida
At the annual Alumni Meet ’n Greet in Florida this March, Richard Young ’55 was presented an award by WA Trustee Dr. John Gaddis ’65 for his outstanding leadership and support while serving as Capital Campaign chair for the state of Florida.
If you would like to help organize an Alumni Meet & Greet in your area, we’d love to hear from you! Please call the WA Development Office at 207-255-8301 ex. 208 or email us at alumni@washingtonacademy.org.
In Memoriam
Louise (Pettegrow) Farrington ’37 09/10/2010
June (Albee) Snow ’37 01/08/2011
Annette (Colbeth) Dennison ’40 04/09/2011
Marjorie (Hill) Hoar ’42 03/08/2011
Mary (Ashley) Mattatall ’44 03/04/2011
Mattie (Willigar) Flynn ’45 04/08/2011
Carroll Kennedy ’46 11/28/2010
Darrell L. Clark ’47 06/15/2010
Mary Ann (Cates) Fleming ’53 08/11/2010
Charles Kennedy ’53 03/24/2011
Victor W. Berry ’67 12/05/2010
Linda (Albee) Daigle ’71 04/05/2011
Joseph Berry ’76 07/05/2010
Darrell Douglas Johnson ’97 06/04/2011
Ian Parker ’02 02/28/2011
Joseph F. McBrine 04/16/2011 Former Faculty Member and father of Judson McBrine, Head of School
Future WA Raiders
Let us know when your baby is born and we will send you a Future WA Raider tee! Send us a photo and we’ll include it in the next issue!
1941 Class Agent: Millard Cole
1951 Class Agent: Eleanor (Ingalls) Fochesato
1961 Class Agent: One needed!
1971 Class Agent: One needed!
1981 Class Agent: Traci (Prout) Sanborn
1986 Class Agent: Paula (Norton) McBrine
1991 Class Agent: Beckie (Verburgt) Pennell
2001 Class Agent: One needed!
Hannah Colbeth, daughter of Brent Colbeth ’01 and Kailee (Wagner) Colbeth ‘06
Josie Irene Ingrish, daughter of George Ingrish ’89 and Crystal (Berry) Ingrish ‘00
Aubrey Jo Wood, daughter of Nick ’06 and Laureta Wood, born November 13, 2010.
Annual campaign News
Washington academy would like to thank these donors for their generous support of our annual Fund 2009-2010.
Douglas M. Holmes ‘60
Ronald Holmes ‘73
David and Sarah Hostetter
Kerry ‘66 and Christine ‘67 Huckins
Robert S. Huntley ‘56
Newell S. Huntley ‘85
Allan Huntley ‘79/Allan W. Huntley
Plumbing & Heating
John T. Cyr & Sons, Inc.
John S. Johnson ‘53
1792 Founder’s s ociety$1,000+
Clinton ‘49 and Mary Gardner
Bodo and Irmela Kraft
Katherine Y. Look, M.D.
In memory of Adien L. Look ‘47
Machias Savings Bank
Aziz Massaad and Rita Ten
Valerie Smith Stimpson ‘47
Heritage s ociety$750-$999
Bob Bergeron ‘65
cornerstone s ociety -
$500-$749
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust
Border Electric, Inc.
Brian ‘72 and Wanda Cates
Hartley and Linnie ‘37 Crane
Jack ‘79 and Kathy Gardner/ Archibald’s One Stop
Richard ‘58 and Margaret ‘62 Gardner
Friends o F Wa - $250-$499
Dean ‘75 and Susan ‘75 Crosman
Sandra S. Davis ‘53
Tom and Gail Finlay
Nancy E. Forrester ‘73
Dr. John F. Gaddis ‘65
Hannaford Helps Schools Program
Michael and Rebecca ‘90 Hennessey
Arthur W. Hoar ‘37
Adien L. Look ‘47
Judson and Paula ‘86 McBrine
Dean McGuire ‘99
Northwestern Mutual Foundation
Robert and Suzanne Plaisted P’11, P’13
Traci L. Sanborn ‘81
WALZ/WQDY
Blair and Susan ‘71 West
Maroon & W H ite c lub-
$50-$249
Roger ‘63 and Beverly ‘65 Ackley
Theodore C. Ackley ‘54
Ann Cannizzaro and Jonathan Aretakis P’13
Auger Hill Farm
James and Joanne Ausprey
Larry and Terri ‘90 Barker/
Machias Motor Inn
Tara Bartko ‘88
Sarah Begin
Jeffory and Elizabeth Begin
Victor ‘67 and Peggy Berry
Larry L. Bryant ‘63
Audrey R. Buchanan-Swan ‘52
Calais Screen Printing Plus
Robert and Joan Carter
Mary Cary and Gregory Frosberg
Joshua ‘98 and Laurie ‘97 Cates
Hazel L. Clay ‘66
Coastal Auto Repair
Sharon E. Crane ‘62
Bettina L. Davis ‘60
Kendall ‘81 and Terry Davis
William ‘87 and MaryEllen ‘87 Day
Clarence E. “Cici” Dennison ‘56
Glen Dinsmore ‘49
David and Carol Dowley
Linda Eldridge ‘60
Betsy Fitzgerald ‘66
Eleanor Ingalls Fochesato ‘51
Frank L. Foster, Jr. ‘38
Arthur W. ‘38 and Alice H. ‘38 Gardner
Frank A. Gatcomb ‘63
In memory of Lawrence Gatcomb
Patricia Hall Gibson ‘54
Mary Jane Good, Esq.
Arlene Gatcomb Greenlaw ‘41
In memory of Lewis Gatcomb
Peter and Dolores ‘55 Hanson
Darrell Hinerman ‘87
David and Gloria Hitchings
Bruce and Amy Hodgdon P’12, P’14
Cathy Johnson
Richard and Lisa Jung
Anonymous
Becca Larson ‘01
Stephen and Junia Lehman/West
Quoddy Gifts
Harry and Judy Lingley
Scott A. Lyford ‘01
Machias Dental, P.A.
James and Pamela ‘60 Marsh
Stanley ‘41 and Mary ‘44 Mattatall
Annie Dowling Mawhinney ‘37
Mark ‘75 and Mary Lou ‘80 McGuire, Sr.
In memory of Sarah Ridlon Gardner ‘57 and Dean B. McGuire ‘74
David McMahon ‘75
Philippe and Robin Gautier
Pamela J. Mugnai ‘70
Douglas Norton/Norton Electric
Ohiopyle Prints, Inc.
Margaret Peacock
Wayne and Gail Peters
Tina Pond
Verlan ‘53 and Maxine ‘58 Porter
Matthew ‘92 and Donna Renshaw
Robert and Vivian Reynolds
In honor of Dolores Hanson
Catherine Robinson ‘87
Al Small ‘54
Brian and Joyce Smith
Jerry Smith ‘63
Alan Wayne Sprague ‘87
Barbara Sutherland ‘43
Cathy Jo Swain
Sadio Toure
Gwen S. Tupper ‘47
In memory of Clifford Tupper
Unum Matching Gifts Program
Michael and Joanne Webb
Ed and Anne White
Dawn Miller Woodbrey ‘49
Richard ‘55 and Cecile Young
Clyde Young ‘60
r aider c lub - up to $49
Robert ‘68 and Jane Bell
Clyde and Marcia ‘57 Bernhardt
Anonymous
Elvin J. Bryant
David ‘67 and Donna Burns
Anonymous
Douglas G. ‘55 and Betty Coffin
Merle and Allie ‘51 Cousins
Valarie Day ‘65
Wayne R. Dennison ‘42
Peter Diehl
Louise M. Farrington ‘37
John S. Farris ‘43
Mona Ackley Fitzhenry ‘48
Sally A. Fitzsimmons ‘70
Harland ’45 and Mattie ‘45 Flynn
Anonymous
Dorothy Gaddis
In memory of Ralph T. Gaddis
Daniel and Jill ‘73 Gardner
Joan Gatcomb ‘50
Matthew and Christine Grillo
Karen ‘01 and Matthew Gurney
Fay B. Hawkins ‘44
Sarah Holsapple
Hazel “Jo” Huckins ‘36
Dianne Huntley ‘48
Bobby Ingalls ‘67
Greg ‘85 and Kim Johnson
Leonard W. Johnson ‘67
Lee and Kate ‘94 Keeton
Kris Larson
Samuel Leavitt
Dawn (Olsen) Martini ‘85
Robert S. Mawhinney ‘75
John and Alison ‘78 Maxell
Steve Padilla ‘88
Ann Fickett Radtke ‘61
Edwin ‘67 and Evelyn Randall
Mara Cates Rebhan ‘35
Ellen Reynolds ‘75
Ruth E. Rich ‘41
Jean and Alison Savard P’02, P’03
Christine G. Small ‘53
In memory of Donald Small
Chris and Britta Sunde
Barry and Mathy Terrill
Mary B. Thompson ‘07
Allison Tibbetts ‘81
Pauline Tyson ‘59
Joan Richardson Waite ‘62
In memory of Stephen Richardson
Kimberly Walker
Shelby Weems ‘76
There’s s T ill T ime lef T T o donaT e!
Outfitting the 21st Century Classroom means combining the latest technologies with strategies that have been proven successful here at WA. This year’s Annual Fund supports outfitting five new classrooms with white boards, smart boards, LCD projectors, tables, and desks and chairs. Your gift can help complete this plan. Visit our website to donate online at www.washingtonacademy.org/support-wa.
