Class Notes Summer 2017
July 24, 2017
Written and compiled by Sarah Gaines
Class Notes Summer 2017
Welcome to Bridgton Academy Class Notes, an exclusively digital addendum to the biannual publication of our print newsletter, Bridgton Academy Today!
We invite you to read on to see what some of your fellow Bridgton alumni and friends have been up to.
Don’t see your name?
Re-connect with your Academy so that we may celebrate your achievements since your graduation from Bridgton Academy.
You may also share your story with us directly by calling (207) 647-3322 (ext. 1213) / alumni@bridgtonlocal.com
We hope to see your story listed below in our next edition!
1940’s
1947
Dorothy Campbell
Dorothy reports that she and her husband now split their time between Fort Myers, Florida and New York. Dorothy sends her best to all of her ’47 classmates who may be attending their reunion this year during Homecoming Weekend. And, although it has been seventy years since her graduation from Bridgton Academy, Dorothy is quick to point out that she still “loves to party and golf!†We couldn’t be happier to hear this, Dorothy! Have fun!
1950’s
1951
Janet Bodwell
We were happy to hear from Janet, who reports that she recently purchased the remaining shares in L.W. and V.A. Marston Farm in the nearby Waterford/Norway region of Maine. This farm will be put into a conservation easement so that it remains a single entity for farming and ecology purposes. Janet was also named as an Honorary Member of the University of Maine Foundation in Orono. Congratulations, Janet!
1954
R. Sharley Reutter
We always enjoy hearing from Sharley, who reports that she is enjoying working on a number of genealogy projects. Good luck, and have fun, Sharley!
1957
Garabed Garabedian
We hear that Garabed is busy enjoying a well-deserved retirement and taking the time to travel. Enjoy, and safe travels, Garabed!
1960’s
1961
Charles “Chic†Spilman
Chic reports that he and his wife now live full time in Fort Myers, Florida—maybe he will run into fellow Wolverine, Dorothy Campbell ’47! Best wishes for much fun in the Sunshine State, Chic!
1963
Richard “Dick†DeFeo
We were happy to hear from Dick, who reports that he is now retired. He and his wife now reside in Wakefield, MA where they are enjoying spending time with their four children (Rick, Scott, Chris, and Stacey), and nine grandchildren. Congratulations on your retirement, Dick, and have fun!
1964
Bill Humphreys
Bill reports that he returned to school (UMass Amherst) at age fifty, earning his bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. After working in the corporate world for a while, Bill switched gears and is now driving a 18-wheeler! He is currently working on his second book; his first book, The Jersey Project, was published in 2011. We look forward to your newest publication, Bill, and welcoming your son, Ian, as a member of the BA Class of 2018!
1965
Jeff Craw
He is at it again! We were thrilled to hear from Jeff, who reports that he recently published another book, Like Licking Honey Off a Thorn. When he is not writing, Jeff can be found traveling the country as a driver for Joyce Van Lines, based in Connecticut. Congratulations, Jeff, and safe travels!
1970’s
1973
Mark Lauretti
These are extra-exciting times for Mark, who reports that he will be running on the 2018 ballot for governor of Connecticut. Mark is currently the mayor of Shelton, CT and the longest-serving mayor in Fairfield County’s history. Best of luck, Mark!
1979
Tim Morris
On May 25th, Tim Morris’s 33-year career as an educator and football coach at his alma mater, Melrose High School, in Massachusetts, culminated in his being honored as the 2017 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Football Coach of the Year. Congratulations, Tim!
1980’s
1983
Dan Egan
It’s been an exciting year for Dan Egan, who was inducted into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum earlier this year. A pioneer of action sports, Dan has appeared in twelve ski films directed by Warren Miller, an American ski and snowboarding filmmaker. Dan and his brother, John (also inducted), are known for skiing some of the most remote regions on our planet, and their international ski adventures have been featured on a number of major networks. Notable maneuvers include Dan and his brother jumping off of the Berlin Wall with skis in 1990 and pioneering helicopter skiing in Greenland. Dan went on to create his own Wild World of Winter television series, which aired for over fifteen years and reached an estimated 75 million + homes annually. Dan’s production and marketing company, Degan Media, also earned the “Harold S. Hirsch Award for Excellence in Snowsports Journalism” in the video category this past fall. Judges of the competition commended Dan on the wide range of locations, various topics, detail, and first-person experience and reporting that can be seen in his work. Congratulations, Dan!
1988
Jason Connolly
Jason reports that he is now part owner of The American Lobster Mart Restaurant in Bourne, MA (Cape Cod). Congratulations, Jason!
1990’s
1993
Lance Meader
We were excited to learn that Lance and his wife, Amy, recently opened the newest location of their sports pub and grill, Rivalries, in Falmouth. This is in addition to the popular restaurant’s other location in Portland. Congratulations, Lance, and best wishes for continued success!
1995
Daren Meader
We were excited to hear that Daren and Jen Banks became engaged on Christmas Day, 2016. Congratulations to you and your families!
Kevin McGurn
Exciting news for Kevin, who we hear is now the Chief Sales Officer of popular music video service, Vevo. Prior to assuming his new role at Vevo, Kevin worked as Shazam’s Chief Revenue Officer and Senior Vice President of Sales at Hulu. Kevin will be working out of Vevo’s New York office. Congratulations, Kevin, and best of luck in your new role!
2000’s
2000
Griffin Jaggard
We are very proud of Griffin who, along with his brother, Hunter, invented FireDisc®, an expert-tested and proven portable propane cooker geared toward outdoor enthusiasts looking for a solution that finally meets all of their outdoor cooking needs. With their innovative cooker, Griffin and his brother launched a very successful business of the same name. Along with proving themselves as entrepreneurs, the brothers have also proven themselves as humanitarians. Before the launch of their company, Griffin and Hunter formed the non-profit, the “Carney Men,†to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis. Theirs is the first non-corporate team to raise $1 million for the South Central Chapter of the National MS Society, which earned them the society’s “Circle of Distinction†award. Well done, gentlemen! Best wishes for continued success!
2001
Jon Lounsbury
Congratulations to Jon, who is one of the core group of coaches to lead the Eastern Hockey League (EHL). Jon is currently the Junior/Midget General Manager of the Walpole Express and the Head Coach of Junior EHL Premier. In addition, we recently learned that Jon will be inducted into the University of Southern Maine’s Hall of Fame in September. Well done, Jon, and congratulations!
2002
Glenn Wilken
Great news for Glenn, who reports that he and his wife welcomed their first child this spring. Congratulations on your growing family, Glenn!
2003
Eric Rehfield
We were happy to hear from Eric, who reports that he still working in New York City as a management consultant at Accenture. Eric and his wife, Christine, have a dog named Dempsey.
2008
Ian Bamford
It was great to hear from Ian, who informs that he is in the midst of applying to officer’s training school with the Coast Guard. This is wonderful news, Ian—best of luck, and thank you for your service!
2009
Barrett Elliott
Barrett reports that he currently resides in California, where he works as a producer. Keep up the good work, Barrett!
2012
Amir Garrett
If you are a fan of Cincinnati Reds baseball, then you likely already know that it has been a life-changing year for former Wolverine and St. John’s University basketball player (yes, basketball), Amir Garrett. This spring, Amir made his Major League Baseball debut as the starting pitcher on opening day when the Reds took on the St. Louis Cardinals, pitching six shutout innings that resulted in a 2-0 win for the Reds. Congratulations on this phenomenal accomplishment, Amir, and best wishes for continued success!
2013
Evan Brown
Along with earning his degree in finance from Manhattan College, Evan Brown proved himself as a force to be reckoned with as a student-athlete (baseball) for the Jaspers. Described as “one of the top power bats in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC),†Evan is also credited with helping to clinch the MAAC tournament by making a diving shoestring catch, which resulted in the team’s series victory in the MAAC Tournament finale. Well done, Evan, and best of luck for continued success!
Kevin Doherty
Congratulations to Kevin, who graduated from Colby College this spring with a degree in economics! While at Colby, Kevin played hockey for the Mules, where he was considered as one of their strongest players. During his time at Colby, Kevin also worked as an intern for National Grid. Well done, Kevin, and best of luck for what we are sure will be a bright future!
Will Jennings
After his graduation from Bridgton, Will went on to study at Endicott College, where he played as an attack for the Gulls lacrosse team and earned his degree in studio art. Well done, Will!
Jarrod Neumann
In the six years since he first took up the sport of lacrosse, Jarrod has earned a reputation as a leader in the sport. This spring, Jarrod graduated from Providence College, officially closing his chapter as a collegiate student-athlete. As the saying goes, though, when one door closes, another opens. This is certainly the case for Jarrod who was named Big East Defensive Player of the Year, Inside Lacrosse Third-Team All-American, and USILA/Nike Second-Team All-American. Jarrod also earned NEILA All-New England First-Team honors as well as All-Big East First-Team and Big East All-Tournament Team recognition. These tremendous accolades were followed by Jarrod being the seventh pick in the third round of the Major League Lacrosse Draft, when the Florida Launch chose him as the 25th overall selection.
Maxwell Senechal
Congraulations to Max, who graduated from Colby College this spring! Well done, and best of luck in your future endeavors!
Kamahl Walker
Congratulations to Kamahl Walker who, along with graduating from Endicott College this spring, also holds the school’s program record for most career score points earned (1,894)! This remarkable accolade, however, is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of Kamahl’s accomplishments during his four years as a collegiate student-athlete. Kamahl is a member of the winningest class in the history of Endicott men’s basketball and started all 31 games as a senior. He led the team in scoring for three seasons in a row, resulting in a tie for the second-most points in a single season all-time in the program’s history. Kamahl was also Endicott’s 2015-16 Co-Male Athlete of the Year as well as the 2014-15 CCC Co-Player of the Year and a two-time first-team All-CCC selection. He was also named co-MVP of the Salem State Holiday Classic this past winter. A Sports Management major, Kamahl has translated his success off the court as well through various internship positions, including with the YMCA and the Maine Red Claws; he is also a coach and volunteer for the Special Olympics. Congratulations on all of these fantastic accomplishments, Kamahl, and best of luck for the continued success we know you will find!
2014
Tanner Hyland
Tanner continued to impress teammates and fans alike during his junior year at Le Moyne College, where he is a guard for the Dolphins’ basketball team. During this most recent season, Tanner was credited with helping to lead the team to victory on numerous occasions. During one notable exhibition game against Syracuse University, Tanner landed six three-point shots (!), leading ‘Cuse fans in the student section to root for an opposing player—something unheard of in Syracuse’s famed Carrier Dome. Great job, Tanner, and best of luck as you prepare for your senior season at Le Moyne!
Jonah Normandeau
This spring, Jonah joined the roster for a second season pitching for the collegiate summer baseball team and NECB member, the Sanford Mainers. Jonah is currently attending the University of Maine where he plays baseball for the Black Bears. Have fun out there, Jonah!
J.T. Pittman
J.T. remains a standout on the baseball field at Le Moyne College, where he is an outfielder and pitcher for the Dolphins. Best of luck as you embark on your senior season, J.T!
2015
Adam Tibbetts*
Adam is currently an athlete with the North Shore Generals, part of the New England Football League, with whom he has served as the team’s captain for two years. Adam is also working as an electrician’s apprentice. Well done, Adam, and keep up the great work!
Jason Tibbetts*
We were excited to hear an update on Jason, who we learned has adapted well to his role as a collegiate student-athlete, currently studying and playing football at Missouri Valley College. Great job, Jason, and best wishes for a successful season ahead!
*Adam and Jason are the sons of Jeff Tibbetts, Bridgton Academy Class of 1977.
Chris Sharpe
It has certainly been an action-packed summer for Chris! Earlier this summer, Chris was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fourteenth round of the Major League Baseball draft. Days later, he made the selection official when he signed the paperwork that will eventually lead to his first step as a pro ball player: playing for either the Short-Season A West Virginia Black Bears (New York Penn League) or the Advanced A Bradenton. Congratulations on this phenomenal news, Chris, and best wishes for your continued success!
2016
Lars Lauersen
Job well done to Lars Lauersen, who finished off his freshman year as a Dean’s List student at St. Michael’s College in Vermont. Lars will be entering his sophomore year at the school as a business administration major. Congratulations, Lars, and keep up the good work!
Andrew Mortarelli
We were happy to hear an update about Andrew, who we understand is now a student at the University of Kentucky, where he is studying in the Honors Pathways program, a highly selective honors program for incoming freshmen, which complements the undergraduate business major of the student’s choosing. Andrew is also currently pursuing a minor in pre-law. Excellent new, Andrew—keep up the great work!
Robert “Bubba†Shkliew
After suffering a hamstring injury that resulted in the loss of his season at Pima Junior College in Tucson, Arizona, Bubba announced earlier this year that he committed to Merrimack College, where he will be a student-athlete for the Warriors’ football team. Congratulations, Bubba, and best wishes for a successful college career both on and off the gridiron!
We congratulate all of our Bridgton Academy alumni who graduated from college this spring and send our best wishes to each of them as they embark on their newest adventure! Good luck, gentlemen!
Did you graduate from Bridgton in a year ending in a 7 or a 2? If so, then your class will be celebrating a milestone reunion this year! Please contact Sarah Gaines in Bridgton’s Office of Institutional Advancement to learn more about how you can help your class celebrate this extra-special occasion!
Friends:
Congratulations are in order for former Bridgton Academy English instructor, football coach, and dorm parent, Matt Burke (1998-2000), who was promoted to defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins (NFL) in January. Prior to assuming this role, Matt served as a linebackers coach for the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals. Well done, Matt, and good luck for the upcoming season!
Interesting to Know
We were excited to learn that Wayne Gretzky mentioned Bridgton Academy in his book 99: Stories of the Game. Though misidentified as “East Bridgton Academy†(Bridgton Academy is—and always has been—the one and only!), we still think this is pretty cool! The Great One’s reference can be found on pages 309-10, where he also mentions Adam Kostis ’08.
Snapshots
Retired headmaster, Grady Vigneau, P ’12, was excited to catch up with Adrian Huang ’14/’15, in Colorado this past winter. Adrian is currently a student at the Denver, Colorado campus of Johnson and Wales University.
During his trip to Colorado this past winter, retired headmaster, Grady Vigneau, attended the annual “Ski for DeSo†event sponsored by The DeSo Foundation (http://desofoundation.org/), created to honor the memory of Justin DeSorrento ’96, who was tragically killed in a car crash in the summer of 1997. Pictured here, from left to right, are Justin’s father, James DeSorrento; his mother, Karen DeSorrento; Grady Vigneau, P ’12, and his sister, Suraya DeSorrento.
Lookin’ good, gentlemen! From left to right, Tony Chinappi ’65, Harry Damelin ’65, and Alex Moschella ’65 take time out to pose for a photo during a recent visit to nearby Portland. During their get-together, Harry shared a picture of his grandsons, Max and Ben Irish—we must say that we are stunned by how much these boys look like their grandfather! Wow!
We were excited to receive a surprise visit from Monte Marroco ’09, who reports that he is now living in Portland, Maine where he works with disabled children. Here, Monte caught up with fellow ’09 alumnus, Matt Gallery, who is currently the Manager of Bridgton Ambassadors and an assistant football coach at Bridgton Academy.
Bridgton Academy’s 2017 Hall of Fame Class:
On Sunday, April 30th, Bridgton Academy was honored to induct its newest Hall of Fame Class:
Class of 2017 Inductees
- Rachel Rice Deans ’39
- The Hancock Family:
- –K. David Hancock – Trustee 1984-1996 (posthumous)
- –Carol J. Hancock
- –Kevin D. Hancock – Faculty and Coach 1989-1991, Trustee 2001-2011
- David R. Higgins III ’76 – Parent ’08, ’10, ’12
- Douglas P. Hoak ’72
- Capt. Claude L. “Duke” Hough III ’54 (posthumous)
- Terence W. McDonough ’85
- LT. Commander Mitchell D. McGuffie ’99
- Christopher S. Whitney ’82
To learn more about these individuals and their remarkable accomplishments, please click HERE.
IN MEMORIAM
We are saddened to report the passing of the following Bridgton Academy alumni:
Thomas Castanha ’13, Koray Celik ’08, Peter Dodier ’80, Paul Gerencser ’94, Kevin Giblin ’70, K. Michael Johnson ’70, Richard Marcella ’70, Peter Marcuri ’59, Marian Morse ’44, Jeremiah Mulcahy ’71, Joseph Saldiveri ’68, Wilfred Sasseville ’52, Virginia Taylor ’45, Roberta Young ’43
