Class Notes Fall 2016

February 10, 2017

Written and compiled by Sarah Gaines

Class Notes 2016

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

‘49

Alice Colby-Hall

The tremendously impressive list of Alice’s accomplishments continues to grow!  This spring, Alice was honored with a Festschrift—a collection of writings that are published in honor of a scholar.  The volume contains a bibliography of Alice’s publications as well as articles written by her colleagues around the globe—some of whom even studied under Alice during her tenure as a French Literature professor at Cornell University!  Prior to being honored with a Festschrift, Alice traveled to Avignon, France, where she delivered a lecture (en français, of course!) to the Académie de Vaucluse.  The Academy is a learned society of which Alice is a member.  The subject of the lecture included a summary of Alice’s findings resulting from her research on Guillaume d’Orange—a first cousin to Charlemagne.

Now “officially” retired, Alice continues to teach courses on medieval French literature and direct research in this subject at Cornell University.  After graduating from Bridgton, Alice went on to earn her Ph.D. from Columbia University.  In 1997, Alice was named a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Minister of Culture.

1950’s

‘57

Nancy Armstrong

We were excited to hear an update from Nancy, living in Missouri, who reports that she is enjoying a long and well-earned retirement after a career in teaching.  In fact, some of her time has been spent having phone chats with fellow alumnus, Charlie Knight ’57!  It is certainly special to hear that BA friendships have endured for six decades.  Nancy also mentions that her late brother, Captain Claude “Duke” Hough ’54, would have welcomed his fourth great grandchild this past fall. Thank you for these updates, Nancy, and best wishes as you enjoy your retirement!

1960’s

‘65

Jeff Craw

“Freeman Whitney would be amazed!”  These are the words expressed by Jeff upon sharing the exciting news that his book, written under an assumed name and titled: The Forest through the Trees: Church? Wow! Now There’s a Concept! was recently published and is available on Amazon in both e-book and paperback formats. Congratulations, Jeff!

Larry DeSantos

While he reports that he doesn’t have too much news to share, we are excited to hear that Larry is now retired and enjoying his grandchildren – the number of whom he describes as “a bunch of”!  Congratulations, Larry!

‘66

Dr. Arthur P. Ciaramicoli

Arthur, an accomplished clinical psychologist and author of several books, reports that his latest publication was released this past summer and has already received interest nationally and internationally.  Titled The Stress Solution: Using Empathy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Reduce Anxiety and Develop Resilience Arthur’s newest book can be found on Amazon as well as on his website: www.balanceyoursuccess.com. Congratulations on all of these fantastic accomplishments, Arthur!

‘68

Don Lewis

Thank you for visiting, Don! After serving for twenty-six years with the US Army (six as an active duty serviceman and twenty as a Reservist), Don eventually retired as a Lt Colonel. He also worked in materials handling at Mary Hitchcock Hospital-Dartmouth College and at Maine Medical Center, from which he retired in 2011.  These days, you may have to look up to catch a glimpse of Don, a licensed private pilot, as he enjoys traveling the skies in his retirement!

1970’s

‘72

Doug Hoak

Congratulations to Doug Hoak, one of Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School’s Hall of Fame inaugural inductees! During the school’s first-ever induction ceremony in November, Doug was honored as a both a player (Hamilton-Wenham Class of 1971) and coach. In 1988, Doug led Hamilton-Wenham’s baseball team to a Division II state title. In 2015, the boys’ basketball team went undefeated and won the Division IV state title under Doug’s leadership. Well done, Doug!

Peter Suneson

We were thrilled to welcome Peter back to campus this past summer—his first visit in two decades! After a culinary career in Reno, Nevada, followed by a teaching career, Peter reports that he has recently retired and splits his time between Taunton, Massachusetts and Fort Pierce, Florida. Have fun, Peter, and please keep in touch!

‘78

Jeffrey Price

We were excited to hear an update from Jeffrey, who reports that he and his wife, Jacqueline, married in 1984, have two sons, aged twenty-seven and thirty.  The eldest son married in 2014, and both boys have earned their master’s degrees in education, including their daughter-in-law.  Jacqueline is a controller for a large resort, and Jeffrey is an account manager for a company based out of California which sells high cavitation injection molds for plastic products.  Congratulations to Jeffrey and his family for all of their accomplishments, and best wishes for continued success!

1980’s

‘82

Jeff Schanley

It was great to have a surprise visit from Jeff this past summer!  After his graduation from Bridgton, we learned that Jeff went on to earn his degree from, the University of New Hampshire. Shortly after his recent visit to campus, Jeff headed out west to begin working for Halliburton Oil in Denver, Colorado. Thank you for visiting, Jeff, and best of luck in your new role!

‘83

Dan Egan

Considered a pioneer of action sports, Dan Egan was recently chosen for induction into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum, an accolade which has followed numerous before it. Dan and his brother, John, 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, including the Discovery Channel, ESPN, and ABC. Their combined accomplishments have been credited with the growth of action sports, bringing the word “extreme” into everyday vernacular in the sports world. 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 plus homes annually. In another nod to his incredibly impressive career to date, Dan and his production and marketing company, Degan Media, also earned the “Harold S. Hirsch Award for Excellence in Snowsports Journalism” in the video category earlier this 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. Dan’s list of extraordinary accomplishments seemingly knows no bounds, and we are proud to count him among our distinguished alumni.  Way to go, Dan!

‘87

John Avery

Now living in Rochester, NY, John reports that he works as a Retail Digital Specialist for Shift Digital, an opportunity which allows him to visit his home state of Maine.  John also proudly shares news that his daughter, who graduated from high school this past spring, is now a student at SUNY Oswego.  Congratulations, John!

‘88

Karl Francis

After achieving great success spearheading Maine’s first virtual public charter school, Maine Connections Academy, Karl accepted the position of principal at York High School (Maine) this past summer. His newest role as principal of York High School adds to an already impressive resume that includes more than a decade of service as a counselor in the Westbrook School Department (Maine). Karl earned his master’s degree in counseling and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Maine.  Congratulations, Karl, and good luck in your newest role!

‘89

Kirk Douglas

After his graduation from Bridgton, Kirk went on to play lacrosse at Elmira College in New York. He currently resides in Marshfield, Massachusetts, where he still plays in a men’s lacrosse league. In addition to coaching youth lacrosse in his town, Kirk is also the current eighth grade coach for an area club called the “Boston Kings.” Best of luck for the upcoming season, Kirk!

1990’s

‘90

Spencer Peavey

Congratulations to Spencer who, in 2016, was appointed Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs at Alfred State – SUNY College of Technology.  In his new role, Spencer oversees student engagement, health and wellness, civic engagement, career development, and new student orientation.  Spencer joined Alfred in 2006 as the Director of Student Activities and Orientation, becoming the Senior Director of Student Engagement in 2012. Well done, Spencer, and best wishes for continued success!

Robert Ryan

We commend Rob on his fantastic accomplishment of resurrecting the Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School boys’ hockey program. After the high school lost the program several years ago, the team had to play in a cooperative program with a nearby district. Under Rob’s guidance, however, the boys’ hockey team officially gained varsity status earlier this year and will play a varsity schedule this season for the first time in nearly a decade. Rob, who was a standout hockey player at Bridgton, went on to compete at Saint Michael’s College after his graduation from the Academy.  Congratulations, Rob, and good luck this season!

‘93

James Lynch

We hear that James is busy working at his family’s business, the Family Pet and Garden Center in Pembroke, Massachusetts, which he plans to take over in the future.  The company, which recently celebrated its fortieth year in business (wow!) sells a variety of products, from wood pellets and perennials, to garden supplies and animal feed.

‘94

Jamie Volpicelli

We were excited to hear an update about Jamie, who we learned is now married with two children and resides in Connecticut, where he is a Product Marketing Manager with Poland Springs (a Nestlé Waters Company).  Keep up the good work, Jamie!

‘95

Justin Peterson

Now a Strategic Account Manager with Landscape Depot in Framingham, Massachusetts, we hear that one of Justin and his team’s latest projects will be featured on the classic PBS home improvement show, This Old House.  Congratulations, Justin!

‘96

David Lynch

David has been proudly serving his country as an active duty member of the Coast Guard for thirteen years and is currently on a duty assignment in the Persian Gulf.  Thank you, David, for your loyal and dedicated service to our country!

 

2000’s

‘01

William Hathaway

William, who now lives in Los Angeles, is currently the director of Night Gallery, a contemporary art gallery in Los Angeles. Congratulations, William, and best wishes for your continued success!

Patrick Pingicer 

We were happy to hear an update from Pat, who reports that he and his wife, Karla, welcomed their second child this past summer.  Congratulations to you and your wife on your growing family, Pat!

‘02

Patrick Shairs

After teaching English at Bridgton Academy for four years, Patrick moved on to Nashville to become a teacher and coach at Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tennessee, where he teaches literature and philosophy. Most recently, Patrick embarked on a solo journey through the Appalachian Trail, starting at the trailhead in Georgia. This enormous undertaking was motivated by Patrick’s desire to raise funds for a much-needed service dog for his brother, Eric, who suffered a spinal cord injury eleven years ago.  To read more about Patrick’s journey, please click HERE.  You continue to make us proud, Patrick!

‘03

Peter Clifford

After his graduation from Bridgton Academy, Peter went on to become a student-athlete at Michigan State, where he was named second-team All-Big Ten during his senior year.  Shortly after the 2008 NFL draft, Peter was signed by the Arizona Cardinals. Prior to his retirement as a player, Peter played for the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, and the Hartford Colonials (United Football League). Congratulations on these many impressive accomplishments, Peter!

‘04

Hylton Early

We were happy to hear from Hylton, who reports that he graduated from Kenyon College in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in political science.  While at Kenyon, Hylton was a four-year varsity lacrosse player.  He and his wife, Shannon Jennings, married in December 2014 and currently reside in Park City, Utah with their dog, Charlie.  After working in political consulting and campaign management, Hylton went on to accept a position with Merrill Lynch in 2015 as a Financial Advisor.  Hylton also works part-time as a member of the ski patrol at Deer Valley Resort.  Congratulations on all of your accomplishments this far, Hylton, and keep up the great work!

‘06

Spencer Wims

A big congratulations to Spencer Wims, who was named as the head coach of the men’s lacrosse team (http://erauathletics.com/news/2016/10/9/wims-selected-to-lead-mens-lacrosse-program.aspx) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERU).  The announcement of Spencer’s appointment to lead ERU’s lacrosse team comes after a long search that spanned the nation. Prior to assuming this newest role, Spencer served as the University of Indianapolis’s first assistant lacrosse coach, helping to lead that squad to a number four seed in the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament and a number nineteen ranking in the USILA/Nike Coaches Poll during the program’s first-ever season in 2016. After his graduation from Bridgton Academy, Spencer went on to earn accolades as a two-time United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association All-American during his time as a student-athlete at Limestone College. He earned first-time recognition in both 2009 and 2011.  Spencer also served as captain of his team at Limestone for two years, helping to lead his squad to four appearances in the NCAA national semifinals and three Conference Carolina championships. Upon his graduation from Limestone, from which he earned his bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, Spencer signed on with the Charlotte Hounds during the eighteenth round of the Major League Lacrosse draft.  With the Hounds, he played three seasons of pro lacrosse before joining the Charlotte Copperheads’ professional indoor squad for one season.

‘07

Paris Horne

After his graduation from Bridgton, Paris went on to make his mark as a star basketball player with St. John’s University.  Since then, Paris’s impressive basketball career has only continued to soar.  A player for Finnish professional basketball team, Kouvot (a team that competes in the top league of basketball in Finland), Paris is also a member of Overseas Elite, an American basketball team that participates in “The Basketball Tournament” (TBT).  With Kouvot, Paris helped his team win the national championship earlier this year.  As a point guard for the two-time championship team, Overseas Elite, Paris has helped the team claim victory in TBT for two years in a row now, resulting in a $1 million prize in 2015, followed by a whopping $2 million dollar prize just this past summer—wow! Well done, Paris, and best wishes for continued success!

‘08

Ian Bamford

We heard an exciting update about Ian, who went on to live and work in Norway after his graduation from college.  While in Norway, Ian served as a guide for kayak tours through the country’s famed fjords.  Ian has since made the decision to join the US Coast Guard.  He is currently stationed in Seattle, Washington, where he oversees a deck crew and was recently named as a member of the Boarding Team.  Ian is now setting his sights toward becoming a member of the Coast Guard’s Search and Rescue Team.  Well done, Ian, thank you for your service, and keep up the great work!

Cervante Burrell

Since his graduation from Bridgton, Cervante has been busy making a name for himself as the founder of The Unforeseen (http://theunforeseen.org/), a day-altering experience created for less fortunate, high-achieving high school students from all races and ethnicities. The Unforeseen also highlights student achievement and integrity through adversity.  Selected students receive mentors, resources, and scholarships that will support four to six years of a student’s college experience. Along with spearheading this life-changing program, Cervante is also the Dean of Students for ninth graders at Sacramento Charter High School in Sacramento, California and an assistant basketball coach. After his graduation from Bridgton, Cervante attended Seattle University as a student-athlete (basketball).  Upon earning his degree in sociology, Cervante was drafted into the NBA D League with which he traveled across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.  Congratulations on all of your many accomplishments thus far, Cervante!  We can’t wait to hear what’s in store next!

2011

Ian Farley

The Marist College Red Foxes welcomed Ian as the newest coach to their lacrosse program earlier this year.  After earning his bachelor’s degree in sports management from Sacred Heart University in 2015, Ian went on to serve as the assistant men’s lacrosse coach at John Carroll University (JCU) in Ohio.  While at JCU, Ian helped lead the team to its first-ever Ohio Athletic Conference championship.  Ian has been commended by colleagues for his exceptional work ethic and talent in developing successful student-athletes.  Congratulations, Ian, and good luck in your new role!

2012

Chris Nabors

We were excited to welcome Chris back to campus this past summer!  After his graduation from Bridgton, Chris went on to attend Hobart and William Smith Colleges as a student-athlete (football).  A back injury early on in his collegiate athletic career, however, prompted Chris to dedicate his full attention to academics as an art history major. Always a lover of nature, Chris has channeled this passion for the outdoors into a business venture. He is the founder and CEO of Rugged Retriever (http://ruggedretriever.com/)—an adventure-lifestyle brand which officially launched in late spring 2015. Chris, an Orvis-endorsed and Pennsylvania-licensed fly fishing guide and avid hunter (inspired by shooting a gun for the first time as part of Bridgton’s Outing Club!) recognizes the shifting demographic in these sports.  This recognition inspired Chris to create a brand of apparel and gear that addresses a need, is socially conscious (a percentage of all profits goes to conservation efforts and dog rescue efforts!), and is sustainable.  Rugged Retriever apparel is American made and its sportsman workbenches are constructed out of 100 percent repurposed wood. Congratulations on your growing business, Chris, and best wishes for continued success!

Matt Pagano

Congratulations to Matt, who graduated cum laude from Marist College this past spring.  Matt returned to Marist this fall to work on his MBA and continue to play baseball for the Red Foxes.  Well done, Matt, and keep up the good work!

2013

Conor Daley

Now in his senior year at the University of Hartford, Conor has proven himself as a star athlete on the men’s lacrosse team there.  This past season, Conor helped lead his team to victory in the “America East Men’s Lacrosse Championship Conference.” The team was honored a few months later during a ring ceremony this past fall. Conor is majoring in architectural engineering, and boasted a 3.3 GPA at the close of his junior year. Well done, Conor, and keep up your incredible work!

2014

Joel Berroa

Now in his junior year at Stonehill College, we are excited to report that Joel has been making his mark as a forward for the Skyhawks’ basketball team.  Keep up the great work, Joel!

Chris Mullins

A big congratulations to Chris, currently a student-athlete at Nichols College, who was named to the 26^th Annual Steve “Merc” Morris All-Star Team (selected by the Worcester Area Football Association), along with ten of his teammates. Chris and his teammates were selected for this honor by the Worcester Area Football Association.  Chris was also named “Offensive Player of the Year” and is credited for his single-season marks for passing yards (3,016), touchdowns (20), a 256 yard rush, and nine touchdowns.  Chris also led the conference in total offense (327.2 yards/game) and passing yards (301.6 yards/game).  He ranked fourth in touchdown passes at the end of last season, which he finished with three consecutive 400-yard passing games.  Chris was also an NEFC Second Team pick after he earned two NEFC Offensive Player of the Week accolades and one NEFC Rookie of the Week honor during his freshman season.  Excellent job, Chris!

Tanner Hyland

Now in his junior year at Le Moyne College, Tanner has continued his momentum as one of the leading offensive players for the Dolphins.  With the basketball season in its early stages, we are sure to have more reports of Tanner’s continued success as the season continues.  Great job, Tanner, and keep up the good work!

Zachary Lydon

We were excited to hear an update about Zach, who reports that he has been gaining a wealth of professional experience these days organizing a basketball team for his younger brother in New York’s Hudson Valley area.  The team has done very well, and has even seem some tournament play!  We are proud of Zach’s accomplishments thus far and look forward to hearing about his continued success!

Troy Pelletier

Now in his junior year at Lehigh University, Troy continues to prove himself as a standout force to be reckoned with on the gridiron. By being named a third team All-American by the Associated Press this season, Troy also broke a three-year dry spell for Lehigh players recognized by the major FCS All-America teams. A wide receiver, Troy also a selection for the first team All-Patriot League as well as an ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) All-Star.  In addition to these remarkable accolades, Troy was also considered as a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, which recognizes an outstanding offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). His receptions for the 2016 season—96—resulted in the second-highest single season total in Lehigh University’s history.  He is currently ranked sixth in the school’s history for receiving yards (1,278).  Troy led the Patriot League in both receptions and receiving yards and helped his Lehigh Mountain Hawks win their eleventh Patriot League football championship. Troy is studying Sociology and Anthropology at Lehigh.

2015

Dennis Ashley

Now a sophomore, Dennis will be entering this basketball season with the University of Maine Black Bears as a combo guard. Known for his excellent shooting, the buzz in the Maine Black Bears world is that Dennis is expected to have a tremendous impact on the upcoming season.  In particular, it is projected that he will be used in spot situations, notably to help set plays that create an open outside shot.  Good luck this season, Dennis!

 

Liam Daley

We hear that Liam is enjoying his time as a student-athlete at the University of Rhode Island, where he is a member of the Rams soccer team.  In fact, Liam was one of only five players (and a freshman, at the time!) to appear in all twenty games with the team, seventeen of which were starts.  Liam is an Environmental Science and Management major with plans to pursue career opportunities in sustainable design and consulting. Keep up the great work, Liam!

Max Schwartz

It was a busy 2016 for Max!  We are excited to report that Max earned his New Jersey real estate license last year and also began classes at Roger Williams University this past fall.  Congratulations, Max, and good luck at RWU!

2016

Corey Moses

We wish the best of luck to Corey who excitedly reports that he started his journey at the John Molson School of Business in Montréal this past year.  Corey is working toward earning his bachelor of commerce degree in marketing.  Good for you, Corey!

We congratulate all of our Bridgton Academy alumni who graduated from college this past December and send our best wishes to each of them as they embark on their newest adventure!  Good luck, gentlemen!

Snapshots

As a wise person once said: “Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.” Perhaps there is no better testament to this than a friendship that has lasted over nine decades!  Here, Madelyn Buck ’37 and Rachel Rice Deans ’39 take a moment to catch up on life and reminisce on their days at Bridgton. postscript: We were saddened to learn of Madelyn’s passing only a few months after this photo was taken.

 

 

A squad of its own!  The Pace University football team took to the gridiron this past season with a small army of Wolverines.  From left to right: Phyllip Thomas ’16, Stephen Main ’14, Michael English ’14, Jhalen Bien-Aime ’14, and Bryson Pacocha ’16.  Go Wolverines! Er … Go Pace, that is!

 

 

During a recent trip out west, Chris Webb, Chief Enrollment and Advancement Officer, enjoyed quality time—and some delicious-looking nachos—with Jake Bricklin ’11, who lives in Long Beach, California.

 

 

Robert Lundberg ’09 and his father, Derek, enjoy a pleasant evening near their home in Vista, California during a recent visit with Chris Webb.

 

 

Bridgton Headmaster, Grady Vigneau, had the chance to catch up with Bridgton Academy and Le Moyne College graduate, Matt Janetos ’10 during a UNH game against Lehigh University.

 

 

We were excited to hear from Brian Macdonald ’87 who shared a snapshot taken with BA classmate, Trevor King ’87, who stopped to visit with Brian during a recent trip through Charleston, South Carolina.  Brian and his wife reside in South Carolina with their two children.

 

 

We were honored to welcome a number of area alumni to the shores of Crystal Lake in nearby Harrison, Maine for the thirty-third annual Alumni Picnic. Guests this year included: seated, from left to right: Gordon Knight ’48, Virginia Knight ’49, daughter of Olive (Knight) Shane ’48, Olive (Knight) Shane ’48, and Barbara Dalgaard ’48; standing, from left to right: Richard Knight (son of Gordon and Virginia), Headmaster Grady Vigneau, Jim Dalgaard, Phil Denison ’48, Shirley Crowe, Reverend John Crowe, Paul Flahive ’60, and Will Groves ’12.

 

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!

In Memoriam:

We are saddened to report the passing of the following Bridgton Academy alumni:

 

Madelyn Buck ’37, Barbara Cousins ’50, Richard Ernst ’57, Ryan Fader ’07, CDR Harold “Bob” Freeman ’65, Ralph Gardner ’47, Dean Harrington ’64, Jean Higgins ’42, Kenneth Jolly ’79, L Col Thomas Rollins ’68, Gregory Soder ’66, Ryan Stewart ’08.