Honoring the Class of 2020
O
n Saturday, May 9th, 2020, campus would have been a beehive of activity. Members of the Class of 2020, a little sleep-deprived from their last night on campus, would have made their way up the hill in suits that had hung in closets all year for just this occasion. Faculty would be waiting on the Goldsmith Dining Hall porch, ready to affix a flower and an alumni pin on each student as he made his way upstairs to grab coffee or a quick bite to eat. “What time did you get to bed?” faculty members would ask while other staff members would help adjust ties; scissors would even be on hand to cut vent stitches on new blazers. Trustees would arrive, shaking hands with students and sharing a memory or two from their own Bridgton Commencement. Soon, the Class of 2020 would have gathered on the hill, taking a final group picture before they officially transitioned to alumni status. A straggler—perhaps one of the young men who would have been among the brave few to take a late-night dip in Long Lake’s icy waters—would be running up the hill, desperate not to miss the picture while his classmates cheered him on. At long last, the photographer would bellow, “We’ve got everybody?! Okay, on three!” The Class of 2020 would then have lined up alongside Chalmers Ice Arena. The Academy’s bagpiper would play a few notes, and both excitement and sadness would fill the air as the final moments to celebrate achievements and say goodbyes arrived. Soon cars would be packed, tears would be shed, horns would honk, and students would yell, signaling the end of one journey and the exciting beginning of another. The day would have been one of equal parts joy and bittersweet endings. For the Class of 2020, reality was much different. On Saturday, May 9th, campus sat quiet. Dorm rooms remained untouched, frozen in time the way our students had left them back in March. From remote offices across campus, however, Head of School Martin Mooney and several members of the Academy’s leadership team were busy at work, trying to prepare for Bridgton’s first-ever virtual commencement celebration. The class was recognized during this event, which aired via Facebook Live, on Thursday, May 14th. And while it was certainly not the same as a “real deal” Bridgton graduation, it gave the students and staff a moment to celebrate, a moment to say, “It’s official—you have completed what you set out to do.” As a way to further recognize this class, whose Bridgton journey ended so differently, we have chosen to include a Commencement special feature in this edition of Bridgton Academy Today to honor each member of the graduating Class of 2020. We want these young men to know that they are recognized and celebrated for their many accomplishments this year. Without any further ado, please join us in congratulating our newest alumni, the Bridgton Academy Class of 2020! BA
6 bridgton academy today
roy alexander
Advisor: Ryan McLellan Sport: Football Dorm: Holt Hall College: University at Albany, SUNY Faculty Reflection: We’ll remember going to the Portland Museum of Art and grabbing burgers at Nosh in Portland.
michael anazodo Advisor: David Rosen Sport: Football Dorm: Holt Hall College: Colby College Commencement Award: Alexander D. Harry Jr. ’58 Memorial Commencement Award Which faculty member impacted you the most and why?: Ms. Chagrasulis— she always challenged me and put out too much work.
bryson andrews Advisor: Whit Lesure Sport: Basketball Dorm: Jillson Hall College: Nichols College Faculty Reflection: Bryson was a “quality guy” on and off the court and throughout campus. His personality and confidence were contagious to those around him.
