bridgton academy today summer 2022
A Legend Retires
contents
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From the Head of School
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Wolverine Tracks
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Leaving it All On the Field
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You Can’t Beat the Best
11 Journey to the NFL 14 Creativity Blasts Full STEAM Ahead
16 The Countdown to Commencement
18 214th Commencement Exercises 19 Honoring the Class of 2022
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from the head of school
The following is an excerpt from Mr. Mooney’s remarks at this year’s graduation ceremony: n his commencement address at American University in 1963, President John F. Kennedy spoke about what he called “the most important topic on earth: peace” and going on to say: “I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, and the kind that enables men and nations to grow, and to hope, and build a better life for their children—not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women, not merely peace in our time but peace in all time.” Peace is not just the absence of war and conflict; instead it is more like a verb, peace is about doing. Peace is about understanding, it’s learning the struggles of someone else and imagining yourself in their place, it’s listening, it’s putting aside your own fears in order to get to a better place. Peace is not a political process; it is not something that someone else does. You can’t look at the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, or the president, or the UN and say, “well that’s their job.” It’s not. It’s our job.
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We live in a divided nation and a divided world. Over the years, at this point in many graduation speeches, I have heard people my age telling the graduates something along the lines of “and it’s up to your generation to solve these problems.” Isn’t THAT something. How wildly unfair. It’s a reality, but it doesn’t have to be the only reality. You all came here from all kinds of different places, parts of the world, with different experiences, opinions, and beliefs. We built this thing called “The Bridgton Academy Class of 2022” from nothing, except yourselves and the folks in this room. We made something unique. It was not easy. We did not always agree, we did not always understand each other, we did not always listen to each other, and sometimes we just didn’t want to be in the same room together. But our bonds of community and friendship were–and are–stronger than any obstacle life would throw at us. Pakistani writer Uzla Aslam Khan said “the opposite of peace is not war; the opposite of peace is inertia.” That is, doing nothing; remaining unchanged. How often did we work through our differences and disagreements through active and deliberate work? How often did we speak with our teachers, coaches, teammates, and others to solve problems, to work things out? For ourselves, our friends, and our community. It would be difficult, I believe, to go through one day at Bridgton and do nothing–and remain unchanged; over the course of a year, it would be impossible. The mission of Bridgton Academy is to prepare young men for the rigors of college “AND BEYOND.” While many of you are thinking about college and the next immediate steps, the fact is that the great majority of your lives will take place “AND BEYOND.” In that “beyond,” I pray that you will find the same support and belief in who you are and what you are capable of as you found here. I know that you will take the lessons you have learned here to do your parts, both large and small, to make a better and more peaceful world.
Bridgton Academy summer 2022
Molly Barker Michelle Cross Ben Custer Martin J. Mooney Jessica Priola
contributors Arizona Cardinals Ben Custer Dan Egan Jesse Logan Syracuse University
photography Dianne Lewis
design
Jessica Priola
director of institutional advancement Martin J. Mooney
head of school
Bridgton Academy Today is produced biannually as the official publication of Bridgton Academy and is distributed to alumni, parents of alumni, and friends of the Academy. We welcome your feedback and encourage you to reach out to us at alumni@bridgtonacademy.org.
bridgton academy Martin J. Mooney Head of School
today
11 academy lane north bridgton, me 04057 207.647.3322 alumni@bridgtonacademy.org
wolverine tracks
IMPROVING CHALMERS ICE ARENA
Chalmers Ice Arena is pleased to announce that it has received a significant grant from the Kendal C. and Anna Ham Charitable Foundation. The grant is supporting exciting upgrades, including a new state-of-the-art skate sharpener and locker room bathroom renovation, ensuring that the arena remains a resource for the Lakes Region and Bridgton Academy communities. Once the rehabilitation is completed, we hope to welcome more local skaters and as many hockey events as possible to the arena.
FACULTY AND STAFF UPDATES We’re pleased to share some exciting faculty and staff news! The Academy has recently filled three integral positions: Head Football Coach, Academic Dean, and Assistant Head of School.
Following a nationwide search, Matthew Dugan has been named Bridgton’s next head football coach. Matt brings an impressive breadth of experience to North Bridgton, as a position coach, recruiter, and offensive coordinator at Colby College, where he spent seven seasons. A four-year player at Springfield College, Matt was named an Empire 8 All-Conference Honorable Mention selection on the offensive line. He would go on to earn his master’s degree and coach as a graduate assistant for the Pride. Prior to his time at Colby, Dugan also held coaching positions at Springfield College and Maine Maritime Academy. In addition to his deep expertise in the coaching realm, Matt has
a keen eye for spotting talent and has recruited players from across the country. Bridgton has a new Dean of Academics, Jamie Izaryk. Jamie’s tenure with the Academy has spanned 10 years, first as a college counselor, and most recently as Director of College Counseling. In 2020, she was honored with the Andrew F. Staub ’04 Faculty Professional Development Award in recognition of caring and committed work in advising students. Head of School Martin Mooney remarked of her appointment, “Throughout her time at Bridgton, Jamie has been a model of steadfast, empathetic leadership; she is guided by her keen sense of what is right and what is in the best educational and developmental interests of our young men.” While Jamie will now direct all aspects of Bridgton’s academic programming, she will also continue her oversight of the College Counseling Depart-
ment and will work with a small group of students in that capacity this year. Dave Lepage has been appointed Assistant Head of School. In this role, he will provide oversight of student life, strategic initiatives, professional development, and all operational aspects at Bridgton. Dave will also work closely with the Dean of Academics on programming and student needs. He has been with the Academy since 1997, serving in a variety of key roles: STEM teacher, assistant hockey coach, dorm parent, and as Director of Technology. He is also the proud parent of two Bridgton alumni: Nick Lepage ’17 and Cameron Lepage ’21. From 2019-2022, Dave also served as the James “Jake” Laferriere Chair for Excellence in Teaching in recognition of his ability to inspire students, exceptional leadership skills, commitment to pedagogical innovation, strong sense of justice, and his reverence for learning. Mr. Mooney expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, “Dave’s willingness to innovate and embrace change, coupled with his approachability and connections with colleagues will go a
long way toward helping this community move forward in the post-COVID era.”
Update us!
Do you have a new address or updated contact information? Have you gotten married or welcomed a new addition to your family? Maybe you are celebrating a professional achievement, a new job, or retirement? Whatever your news is, the Alumni Office at Bridgton Academy would like to know! Submit your latest update through our website form, or email alumni@ bridgtonacademy.org. Any updates received between now and the next edition of Bridgton Academy Today will be entered into a drawing for some new Bridgton gear! summer 2022
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wolverine tracks FACULTY RECOGNIZED AT 214TH COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
From left to right: Sam Bonder, Ryan Peters, Max Toscani
CHAPEL SPEAKERS
As the fourth quarter drew to a close, three students volunteered to address the class in Chapel: Sam Bonder, Ryan Peters, and Max Toscani. While the topics were varied, all of these students’ stories shared common themes: resilience, bravery, and strength. Sam Bonder gave the first remarkable speech on the importance of mental health advocacy among men and checking on your friends. He took the opportunity to urge anyone in the community who is having dark or depressive thoughts to reach out, be it to a friend, teacher, or staff member. He ended the speech by offering to be a safe person to talk to for anyone who may be struggling or feeling alone. Ryan Peters was the next student to take the podium, addressing his peers about the importance of perseverance, which brought him to Bridgton and will take him to Curry College in the fall. Since coming to Bridgton, Ryan has done a bit of self-reflection and offered encouragement to his fellow Wolverines, “No matter what
you have, a physical difference or a mental disorder, you are not bound to any diagnosis or anyone else’s thoughts. If you persevere and never give up, you are capable of anything. You are so much greater than you think you are, so much stronger than you know.” Max Toscani spoke on “appreciation and why you should appreciate those who care about you before they’re gone.” At four years of age, he was adopted by Lisa, a single mother who would raise him alone. Tragically, she passed away from lung cancer in 2019. Max noted that he deeply regrets comparing her to other mothers who didn’t have to work as much, rather than just appreciating who she was. In closing he remarked, “Comparison is the thief of happiness, and it stole all the happiness I could have had with her. I try to appreciate everything I have; I recommend you guys do as well. You never truly know someone’s worth until they are gone for good. Accept rather than expect because expectations are easily disappointed.”
From left to right: A. Soehren ’22, E. Mestieri ’71, J. Stevens ’05, N. Clark ’96, M. Burgess ’88
SOEHREN ’22 HONORED BY NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION On May 22, Atticus Soehren ’22 was honored by the Howard Vandersea Maine Chapter of the National Football Foundation (NFF) with one of their 2022 Scholar-Athlete awards. The NFF recognizes student-athletes who embody excellence and integrity on the field, in the classroom, 4 bridgton academy today
and in the community. Atticus’s performance as a Wolverine distinguished him as a worthy honoree, earning the Faculty Award and the Dr. William Holt Award for Mathematics at this year’s Commencement in addition to this honor from the NFF. Congratulations Atticus!
The Academy was pleased to celebrate the outstanding contributions of our faculty and staff during Commencement. The Cole-Dyer Award was created to honor the legacies of longtime Bridgton employees Betty Dyer and Sue Dyer Cole. It is given to two employees (one member of the teaching faculty and one in an administrative role) who consistently display a high degree of professionalism, passion for their work, desire for excellence, loyalty to the school, and a personal and professional commitment to those with whom they worked. This year’s winners were Paris Horne ’07 and Joe Hemmings. Paris’s influence is felt all across campus as a Focused Academic Coach, Dorm Director, and assistant basketball coach. Joe’s work as Director of Enrollment Management ensures that the Academy maintains a robust student body of exceptional young men. The Ray T. McDonald Jr. Award is presented annually by the Board of Trustees in recognition for distinguished service by a trustee or Academy employee. This year, the honor was presented by retired Bridgton legend Peter Gately to his long-time colleague Head Football Coach Rick Marcella who is stepping down from his position after more than three decades of tireless service to the school. The Andrew F. Staub ’04 Faculty Professional Development Award goes to a faculty member and an advisor or coach who embody the mission of Bridgton Academy, including, but not limited to, the mastering of his or her discipline, fostering and developing academic courage in his or her students, and a genuine concern for the well-being of the young men entrusted to his or her care. The winners are selected from a pool of student-nominated candidates. This year’s recipients are English teacher Jon Day ’10 and Athletic Trainer Mia Bergmann. Jon and Mia form deep bonds with the students under their care and the support they provide on a daily basis is invaluable. The James “Jake” Laferriere
Matt Burgess (left) and Dave Lepage (right) Chair for Excellence in Teaching is awarded on a triennial basis to a faculty member who embodies the very qualities that Jake possessed as a faculty leader at Bridgton Academy. The Laferriere Chair is given to a faculty member whose classroom teaching consistently demonstrates excellence, the ability to inspire students, exceptional leadership skills, a commitment to pedagogical innovation, a strong sense of justice, and a reverence for learning. Dave Lepage, the outgoing Laferriere Chair, presented the award to Matt Burgess ’88. As an alumnus and longtime science teacher, Matt shows unwavering dedication to his craft and to Bridgton’s students and we are all excited to see him take the reins as our next James “Jake” Laferriere Chair for Excellence in Teaching. In addition to Bridgton’s awards, this year had a twist: Bridgton’s Director of Operations, Joe Daley ’77, was stunned to be called up to the stage by Dr. Anthony D’Onofrio ’89 during Tuesday’s award ceremony to be given the Endicott College Graduate Sport Leadership Award. Joe was selected for this honor in recognition of his dedication to promoting ethical behavior in the realm of sport management as a guest lecturer in Dr. D’Onofrio’s classes.
Attention Readers:
Is there a story you’d like to read in an upcoming edition of Bridgton Academy Today? Or perhaps, you’d like to write a feature for us? If so, please email mbarker@ bridgtonacdemy.org with your ideas.
Leaving it All on the Field: A Lesson in Leadership By Molly Barker
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ikhail Gorbachev had just announced two major reforms in the Soviet Union: Glasnost and Perestroika; Hands Across America brought millions together from across the country; Top Gun ruled at the box office; Oprah made her national debut; and “That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder topped the music charts. The year was 1986, and in August, Rick Marcella rolled onto Bridgton Academy’s campus as an assistant football coach and Cleaves Hall dorm parent. While much has changed in the world and on campus since then, one thing has remained constant: Rick’s passion for helping young men become the best possible versions of themselves. Rick discovered Bridgton Academy while serving as an assistant football coach at Central Connecticut University. At one point, he had a handful of Academy alumni on his roster and realized there was something special about them. “They were more mature and better prepared for
Coach Marcella’s Impact on Bridgton positions held:
• Assistant Football Coach • Head Track Coach •
Assistant Baseball Coach
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Head Baseball Coach
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Dorm Parent
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Math Teacher
•
Head Football Coach
traditions established: • Corey Smith 3-on-3 Memorial Basketball Tournament • Springfest
awards and campus landmarks: • Ray T. MacDonald Award (Recipient)
• Cole-Dyer Award
(Recipient) • Richard R. Marcella Award (established in 2003) • Marcella-Sands Lecture Hall (dedicated in 2006)
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faculty spotlight
Coach Marcella’s Tenure By the Numbers:
competition and academic rigor than the others on the team,” he reflected. Once he noticed how much of an asset these former students were, Rick began actively recruiting from Bridgton and established a friendship with then-Head Football Coach Tom Austin. When an opportunity to join the football coaching staff at Bridgton emerged, Rick seized upon it. Excited to get started and immerse himself in all things at the Academy, he arrived on campus a full week before his official start date. Rather than spending his first days at Bridgton on the field, Rick picked up a paintbrush to help put the finishing touches on Bridgton’s new weight room alongside Athletic Director Doug Avery. During those initial days in North Bridgton, he also spent time exploring his new home and forming relationships with colleagues and neighbors, further intertwining himself into the fabric of the community. In 1990, Rick was appointed as the new head coach for the Wolverines. But it wasn’t
the new title that kept him at Bridgton; it was the ability to help the Academy fulfill its mission. “I was intrigued by the hands-on approach here. In addition to coaching, I was also teaching, and living with 40 young men in Cleaves Hall. I quickly became entrenched in both the Academy and broader Bridgton communities. I’m proud of the many relationships I’ve forged here,” he noted. Rick just may have learned as much from his time at the Academy as our students learned from him. As it relates to the students, he offers, “It’s never too late to take advantage of your time at Bridgton. Sometimes, BA looks best in the rearview mirror, when there’s time to reflect on how transformational this experience truly was.” He also sang the praises of our faculty and staff, “Our faculty are truly dedicated to serving our young men. They simply refuse to give up on our students. Many of our young men are used to being given up on, but here they learn that they’re deeply cared for here—possibly more than they have been
“It’s fostering relationships with the kids and when you see them start to ‘get it.’ Not just here, but as college students and beyond,” he stated. “It’s seeing the young men, the family men, the professionals, the fathers, and the husbands they become. It’s great to be a part of that.” —Rick Marcella
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1,612
Players coached
19,468
Hours on the field
18,414
Practicing
1,054
Playing
310
Games played
145,824 Miles traveled
“Even outside of football, you are a man I try to emulate whenever possible and carry myself in similar fashion—to be passionate, enthusiastic, and never afraid to be a voice for what’s right.” —patrick daley ‘09
Corey Smith 3-on-3 Memorial Basketball Tournament Shortly before Commencement in 1988, tragedy struck campus; Corey Smith’s life was lost as a result of a car crash just days before graduation. A popular basketball player, his loss was felt acutely on campus. Not long after the news broke, Rick Marcella decided to take action and established the Corey Smith Three-onThree Memorial Basketball Tournament. Initially, the tournament was conceived as a fundraiser to help support Corey’s family with medical costs, as well as to honor and perpetuate his memory. More than three decades later, while no longer a fundraiser, the tournament has become a beloved graduation week tradition. The tournament has proven to be a fantastic way for students to unwind and showcase their competitive spirits and stellar sportsmanship.
Fun Facts Married his wife Liz in the Twitchell Memorial Chapel; wedding reception was held in the Goldsmith Dining Hall All three sons are alumni: Michael ‘00, Nick ‘10, Anthony ‘12 Is an automobile enthusiast
anywhere else. This dedication translates into the growth in self-confidence in our students.” When asked to give incoming Wolverines his best piece of advice, Rick offered, “You have to buy into this experience, no one else can do that for you. And if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. Finding a good balance between academics and athletics will be the key to your year at Bridgton.” Despite retiring from his coaching job, Rick will remain a fixture on campus. He’s excited to become a utility player at the Academy, standing by ready to support our mission in any way possible—from helping the operations crew maintain and improve campus to leveraging his myriad relationships to advance Bridgton’s goals.
We’re delighted he’ll be in our “bullpen” and to have the opportunity to continue benefiting from his many talents. As a coach, teacher, mentor, colleague, and a rallying force in our community, Rick has touched thousands of lives during his time at Bridgton. When he announced his retirement, stories from alumni about the influence Rick had on them came flooding in. We could dedicate the next few editions of Bridgton Academy Today to these stories and would still not have enough space to publish all of them. Rick’s legacy of service to the Academy will certainly live on among future generations of students. Coach: On behalf of Wolverines everywhere, thank you for leaving it all on the field. BA
Is an avid gardener
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alumni spotlight
1983-1984 Wolverine Soccer
West Ham United team photo, circa 1972 1974-1975 Wolverine Soccer
The Hon. Dr. Ernest Peets ‘88 Minister of Youth, Culture, and Sport Bermuda Government
The Hon. Dennis Lister, JP, MP, ‘76 Speaker of the Assembly of the Bermudian Parliament
Dan Egan ‘83
Jerry Best ‘83
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You Can’t Beat the Best By Ben Custer
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arly in the 1970-71 season, West Ham United Football Club’s star striker, Clyde Best, received a chilling piece of mail. An anonymous letter threatened to throw acid in his eyes if he dared play in the next day’s game. Clyde was West Ham’s first Black player in the top flight of English football1 and his incredible success brought with it racial abuse from white fans, none as harrowing as that day’s threat. But Clyde was never one to make a fuss. He brought the letter to his manager, Ron Greenwood, played the full ninety minutes the following day and did not tell a soul about the incident for the next forty years. In 1974, Dennis Lister ’76 arrived in North Bridgton, a world away from his home in the small island nation of Bermuda. He arrived with several other Bermudians who contributed to a run of dominant Bridgton teams that won the Maine Prep Cup for five years running. Lister spent two years at Bridgton and he recalls speaking with his classmates about another Bermudian footballer: one he compared to Jackie Robinson, one who had the ability to change the racial dynamics of the game for generations to come. His name was Clyde Best, and in 1968, he left the isolated island of Bermuda for East London and West Ham United Football Club. Only seventeen years old, Best brought a rare combination of size and skill and over the course of eight years at West Ham, he changed the perception of Black players in English football forever. For Lister, who grew up in the same neighborhood as Best, Clyde was a hometown super star, a hero for young men to follow. In 1982, Clyde’s nephew, Jerry Best ’83, also arrived at the Academy where he met Dan Egan ’83 and a connection between the island nation isolated in the North Atlantic and the Academy isolated in the hills of Maine was beginning to take shape. Now, decades later, this dedicated group of Wolverines is working to bring Clyde’s amazing story to the rest of the world. It’s a story familiar to Bermudians and to the die-hard fans of English football, but one with the potential to inspire so many more. At only seventeen years old, the same age at which many of our students leave
Pictured above: Momentos from Clyde Best’s time with West Ham United home for the first time to spend a year in the wilds of western Maine, Clyde Best boarded a flight from his home country to London where he would begin his professional career with West Ham United. Clyde, quite reasonably, expected a club representative to meet him when he landed, but after waiting an hour in the airport, he realized he would have to make his own way in the settling evening. His problem was compounded when, after navigating the famous London Underground to the stop called “West Ham,” a stranger on the
street informed him that the club actually played some distance away in Upton Park and, being a Sunday, the grounds would be closed anyway. Fortunately for Clyde, that stranger knew that the mother of two West Ham players happened to live close by and when he knocked on her door and explained Clyde’s situation, she welcomed the young Bermudian with open arms.2 Clyde went on to score 58 goals in 221 appearances at West Ham between 1968 and 1976. While he was not the first Black player in England, he was the first Black striker to take the league by storm. At that time, West Ham was one of England’s most successful clubs. England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team was famously led by three West Ham players: Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, and Martin Peters. In addition to these living legends were players like Billy Bonds, Harry Redknapp, and Frank Lampard Sr. whose names still echo around the pubs of East London. All of that to say, Clyde was a seventeen year-old boy stepping into a grown man’s game. While there may have been some initial skepticism from the fans about this young Black Bermudian pulling on their famous claret and blue shirt, Clyde’s goal-scoring ability won the working class East Enders over immediately.3 Fans of other clubs were less welcoming and it was during away games that Clyde faced racist abuse from the stands. While no other incident compared to the “acid test” described earlier, he faced routine verbal abuse from racial slurs to animal noises when he took the pitch. His response was always the same: to let his game do the talking. Best approached his role with remarkable perspective. He rightly saw himself in a historical context, playing not just for himself, but for all the Black players who would follow after him. Despite the abuse he received from the stands, Best never lost his cool, fearing that if he lost his temper, it would be held against not only him, but future players as well. He finished his career without ever receiving a red card,4 a remarkable feat for a player who played as long as Clyde. By 1975, a lot had changed at West summer 2022
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Ham and Clyde decided to move to the United States and become one of the pioneering Black players in the emerging world of professional “soccer.” Over an eight-year span, Clyde played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Portland Timbers, Toronto Blizzard, and Los Angeles Lazers.5 The game was growing in America, with Tampa Bay’s rival, the New York Cosmos, attracting world-renowned stars like Pelé and Franz Beckenbauer. During this time, Clyde proved himself adaptable to both the indoor and outdoor variants that were being played. After hanging up his cleats in 1984, Clyde remained in Irvine, California until 1996, when he was offered the role of technical director at the Bermuda Football Association. He has remained home in Bermuda ever since. In some ways, Clyde’s virtues may be responsible for his lack of recognition: there is no salacious twist, no out-ofcharacter outburst, no terrible flaw exposed by his success. He remains a humble, gentle professional who worked hard and responded to racism with the casual contempt it deserves. But his is a story worth hearing and a small group of Wolverines want to be sure it’s heard. When Dan Egan ’83 went to Bermuda for two years to work on the 2017 America’s Cup, he reached out to his old friend from Bridgton, Jerry Best, and learned that Clyde had just released his autobiography, The Acid Test. Over the following months, Dan spent many nights speaking with Clyde about his life. Egan left Bermuda when his work on the America’s Cup finished, but Clyde’s story continued to circle in his mind. Just over a year ago, Egan, whose accomplished career has focused around media production, proposed to Clyde that they turn his life story into a documentary. With Clyde soon on board, Egan (on the advice of Peter Gately) reached out to Dennis Lister, now the Speaker of the Assembly in the Bermudian Parliament. A partnership with ties back to Bridgton and built on a passion for football was soon underway, and Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story was born. With decades of experience producing sports documentaries and a lifelong love of soccer, Dan was perfectly situated to bring Clyde’s story to the screen. While Lister idolized Clyde as a child, he realized that he could now help to give back to Clyde by opening doors in Bermuda and helping to ensure that this documentary truly captures all that Clyde means to Bermuda and its people. As if the Bridgton connections were not yet thick enough, Egan discovered in an early Zoom meeting that Bermuda’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Sport, Dr. Ernest Peets Jr. ’88, is also a Wolverine, one who was anxious to lend a helping hand with this important cultural project. Lister and Dr. Peets add invaluable connections across 10 bridgton academy today
From left to right: Speaker Dennis Lister ‘76, Clyde Best, and Dan Egan ‘83.
“We are really excited about the Clyde Best documentary, and we are pleased the preproduction phase has been successful. As a member of the Bridgton Academy Class of 1988, it is a unique opportunity to join two other Bridgton Academy alumni on this project.” —dr. ernest peets jr. ‘88
Dan Egan with the Premier of Bermuda, David Burt, at the film’s opening press announcement on March 29, 2022 Bermuda and knowledge of the island to the production team, ensuring that the project moves forward quickly while remaining true to Clyde’s Bermudian roots. Dr. Peets explains, “We are really excited about the Clyde Best documentary, and we are pleased the preproduction phase has been
successful. As a member of the Bridgton Academy Class of 1988, it is a unique opportunity to join two other Bridgton Academy alumni on this project.” As of now, the documentary is IDArecognized and under production with hopes to be released in time for the 2024 film festival circuit. Excitement about the project is palpable. Lister says he “doesn’t go a week in Bermuda without speaking to someone who is excited to finally see Clyde get his due.” The film’s teaser (available at clydebest.com) spread through West Ham social media like wildfire. Clyde exemplifies many of the qualities Bridgton has always sought to instill in its students: integrity, perseverance, compassion, sportsmanship. It feels quite fitting that a band of Wolverines will be responsible for bringing the Clyde Best story to a wider audience. There is an echo between Bridgton and Bermuda. As Lister puts it, “that little place up North is the key to all of this.” BA
1 English football is divided into tiers. While the top league is currently known as the “Premier League,” the term “top flight” is used to specify the highest league in English football over eras in which it had different names. In the case of West Ham United, their first ever Black players were brothers John and Clive Charles, but their appearances did not come in the top flight. 2 This was the mother of John and Clive Charles and Clyde’s relationship with the Charles family continues to this day. 3 There was a real family atmosphere about the Club at that time and Clyde bonded with the hard-working folk that reminded him of the Bermudians he’d left behind. In The Acid Test, Clyde recalls a recent trip back to London in which a supporter casually approached him and asked “Hey Clyde, where you been all these years? On vacation?” He still considers East London a second home. 4 A red card is issued to remove a player from the match. They are earned by accumulating two yellow card offenses or a single egregious offense. Avoiding red cards for an entire career requires extraordinary discipline, especially for a player of Clyde’s size and power. 5 His stints in both Portland and Los Angeles reunited Clyde with Clive Charles, the West Ham trailblazer who helped Clyde feel so at home in London.
alumni spotlight
“It’s so important to remember that it takes time to become successful at something. You have to put this work in before you can feel free and comfortable to do things on your own without the training wheels.”
syracuse university
Journey to the NFL
Taking a Scenic Route with Nolan Cooney ’16 By Jessica Priola
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any Bridgton students come to the Academy with athletic aspirations. While these aspirations certainly vary, frequently plans look a little something like this: 1. Attend Bridgton Academy, 2. Earn D1 “scolly,” 3. Begin freshman year as a starting player, 4. Achieve glory as an All-American, 5. Get drafted to play professional sports. Reality is, for most, quite a bit different. That said, while “objects in real life” may appear different, it does not mean that goals aren’t achievable, as clearly evidenced by the career to date of one young Wolverine, Nolan Cooney. Nolan arrived at Bridgton Academy in the fall of 2015 with aspirations to play as a punter on the football team. While he was an accomplished three-sport athlete in high school back in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, not one of his sports happened to be football. During his junior year, Nolan’s athletic pursuits were unexpectedly sidelined after receiving a cancer diagnosis that turned much of his life upside down. Nolan lost out on most of that year as he went through his personal battle with
cancer. It was during Nolan’s recovery that his curiosity about punting was born, primarily stemming from time spent watching YouTube videos. When Nolan was well enough to return to school and sports, he began to gain real life experience kicking the football. In August of 2015, Nolan joined his first-ever football team: the Bridgton Academy Wolverines. After a successful academic and athletic year at Bridgton, Nolan aspired to continue his pursuit of punting at the collegiate level and set his sights on Division I Syracuse University. He had not been recruited by the Orange, nor did he have scholarship papers in hand. As was the case with much in Nolan’s life to date, he was driven by his own motivation. “I remember reaching out to the team about walking on and they basically said ‘show up at this date and time,’ and that’s what I did.” For the first four years of Nolan’s collegiate experience, he never once saw the game field as a punter. “I had only kicked for one year at Bridgton prior to walking on at Syracuse. I was nowhere near ready to play in a college football game at that level. I needed time,
experience, and reps. I got this during my first four years. It’s so important to remember that it takes time to become successful at something. You have to put this work in before you can feel free and comfortable to do things on your own without the training wheels. I had four years of opportunity to watch and learn from a really good player.” While serving as a backup may have been frustrating for some, for Nolan it provided opportunity for growth, learning, and the chance to hone his craft. When the pandemic hit and students had extended athletic eligibility, Nolan accepted a scholarship offer from Syracuse to return for a fifth year of play as a punter, holder, and kickoff specialist. “Getting my chance to start in my fifth year was amazing, but a little weird,” Nolan reflects. “There were no fans in the stands, so you had to kind of build your own motivation. I went out and just went for it. I built a baseline. I made improvements and adjustments and worked to get better. When I got the opportunity to play that year, I really had to look in the mirror and ask myself ‘Am I doing everything in my power to perform to the best of my ability? Am I practicing at the highest level? Am I working hard in the weight room?’ It’s important to evaluate all of this and make sure you aren’t short selling yourself.” Nolan certainly did not sell himself short as a senior starter, earning All-America and All-ACC honors, ranking as one of the top college punters in the nation, and even being recognized with the 2020 Brian Piccolo Award. With his master’s degree almost complete and his college playing career nearing an end, Nolan began to think about what might be next. “For me, I didn’t have this end-all be-all plan to play in the NFL. I am a firm believer summer 2022
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alumni spotlight
Brian Piccolo Award Given annually since 1970, the Brian Piccolo Award recognizes the most courageous football player in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Nolan was the first Syracuse student-athlete to ever be honored with this award.
of letting things happen as they go. I was the punter who didn’t play in my first four years of college. I was a holder for those years, but unfortunately, they don’t take guys in the NFL just for holding the football. As things progressed in my fifth year though, and I started to see some success, a few people began to talk to me about maybe continuing to do this. I started to think about whether punting might be a viable option for me in the future.” Nolan’s opportunity came with an invitation to rookie camp with the New Orleans Saints in 2021. For the recent college graduate, it was, for some time at least, a dream come true. Then, when the fall season approached, Nolan was released by the team. “The biggest thing that I took away from my time with the Saints was learning about this business, and about 12 bridgton academy today
myself. The business of professional football is incredibly cutthroat. If you don’t exceed the team’s expectations, you’ll be moving along. It’s not personal, it’s just how the business works. The people in the front office are humans, too, and their job is to select the best people that they think will win football games. Add to that, being a punter is a perfectionist role. We maybe only get five opportunities per game to perform to the best of our ability.” Just as he didn’t nurture frustration during his time as a collegiate backup, Nolan didn’t let being cut turn into anything less than a positive experience on his trajectory. “It’s really common to get cut. Just about every player experiences this. I took it as a chance to retool, to learn more about my technique and performance, and to reflect and gain confidence.” During his brief time away from football, Nolan worked internships, planned for his future, and continued to master his trade. “I wasn’t prepared to give up on the opportunity to play,” Cooney shared. “I want to keep playing this game as long as I can.” In the spring of 2022, workout opportunities again began to come Nolan’s way. Soon thereafter, Nolan signed a futures contract with the Arizona Cardinals, and was packing his bags to move west. Since April, Nolan has been training with the Cardinals at their facility in Tempe, adjusting to the Arizona heat, and continuing to pursue his
passion for the game. “Our summer schedule started with OTAs (Organized Team Activities), rookie camp, and now training camp. There is an intent for everything that the organization is doing right now, whether you are learning the playbook or meeting the personnel. The summer is for building the baseline so you can be ready when it’s time to play.” Nolan has enjoyed getting to know the other players and coaches, making friends along the way, and continuing to develop his specialized skill set. And, while he has found that the business of professional football can be challenging, he is loving every minute of it. “One of the biggest takeaways I have had so far in the NFL is to not look too far ahead. When you start running dates and numbers, you overthink things, and you can lose sight of what you are trying to do.” Nolan is focused on his game, his work, and continuing with the competitive drive that has brought him so far. “I don’t think that I will ever find a job that is better than this. For me, maybe for everyone who signs a contract saying that they get to play football for a job, I absolutely love it.” BA Nolan Cooney ’16 is a native of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, and currently resides in Chandler, AZ. When not on the field, he can be found watching the Red Sox, playing golf in the Arizona heat, and enjoying all things sports.
Pointers from the Punter
arizona cardinals
Does character matter in the NFL, or just talent? I think character does matter and plays a role in what teams are looking for. You don’t want someone who is going to create distractions. There are absolutely positive ways players can distinguish themselves off the field in every sport at every level. How do you know if you have what it takes? It’s important to understand what your ability is and get an honest evaluation of where you are. This is a powerful tool. Be realistic about where you can fit within an organization. Don’t get too far ahead of yourself. Focus on how you can practice at your highest level and be the best teammate. How does a punter train? It’s kind of like being a baseball pitcher. You only kick so much a week. You need to keep your legs healthy and strong – quality over quantity. The best evaluation when you punt is the feel, film is a great tool, but it all comes down to how things feel and keeping ultimate focus every time you swing your leg. How do you maintain your mental health in this sport? Make sure you take time to enjoy the things you like. I like watching baseball at the end of the night. Don’t let yourself get in the deep trap of over-criticizing every performance. Each kick is an individual thing that is then behind you. Do you have big-game superstitions? I do everything in my power to avoid all of this. I try to do the opposite of any pregame superstition or routine. Some people say things like “I’ve got to put on my left shoe first,” I totally mix it up and stay unpredictable. What is your playbook like? For me, the playbook is as small as it gets. I have a couple of plays to learn, punt left, punt right, etc. That said, there is a hyper focus on those few plays.
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Creativity Blasts Full STEAM Ahead By Molly Barker Poetry. Renowned author, Margaret Atwood, once remarked of poetry: “The genesis of a poem for me is usually a cluster of words. The only good metaphor I can think of is a scientific one: dipping a thread into a supersaturated solution to induce crystal formation.” With that in mind, we are delighted to share Craddock Bridge’s gem entitled, “willow boy.” willow boy There is a boy somewhere whose always untied shoelaces grew too fond of the earth He stands in a backyard with a treehouse, red and white sneakers stuck in the dirt Bleached hair flying truce to an unseen army, arms waving and bending with the wind Voice riding the warm breeze He calls for help sometimes, but mostly he asks Questions Questions that hang too long in the air and only droop down into view when smothered by Spanish moss Questions that draw in the curious, not for want of an Answer, but for the thrill of the Think The Thinkers climb among his branches and rest in his eaves Some for hours, and some for days But the ones who stay the longest never leave, they know the Answers They climb to the green heavens and weep, their triumphs of curiosity fill the air and the world grows silent —craddock bridge
“Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.” —leonardo da vinci
Putting the “A” into STEAM at Bridgton Creative Opportunities in the Classroom: Mass Communication Intro to Film Intro to Theater Music Production Digital Media Graphic Design
Other Creative Outlets:
• Multimedia studio in Hamlin • Twitchell Memorial Chapel - Studio space available to students on select weekends
- Kiln allows access to explore pottery and sculpture
• Speechwriting/public speaking • Faculty-led jam sessions • Trips to cultural events, such as theater performances
• Lee and Carol Noble Fine Arts Award
courtesy of sean feeney ‘22
on the opposite page before from top left to bottom right: photography by Sean Feeney ‘22 and multimedia by Tolga Yagiz ‘22
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hat comes to mind when hearing “Bridgton Academy”? For many, it is academics, athletics, or student life. While the arts have long been a part of Academy life, this part of our curriculum, along with other creative outlets available to students, are often a well-kept secret at Bridgton. There is something akin to an artistic awakening transpiring up on the hill. This year, students were given myriad chances to let their creative sides shine— in the classroom and through various opportunities offered by faculty and the Office of Student Life. The Class of 2022 boasted a number of talented artists, and while it is yet to be seen if any of them will join the ranks of our alumni in the creative field, we are excited to showcase their work here. We hope you will enjoy this selection of their artistic endeavors as much as we did. Photography. While the world may be rife with change, some things remain fairly constant. The beauty found within campus boundaries has inspired generations of photographers, and the newest members of our alumni community have certainly followed in their footsteps. Two-dimensional Multimedia. Childhood experiences, the love of basketball, and urban life served as the catalysts for Tolga Yagiz’s multimedia pieces. Comprised of handmade collages and photos captured by the artist, these submissions marry whimsy, nostalgia, and a sense of wonder.
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commencement 2022
The Countdown to Commencement By Michelle Cross The Final Weekend he final full weekend before Commencement is always an “Academy Weekend,” meaning students are expected to stay on campus rather than being able to travel home as is the case for the majority of the year. With the entire class staying here in North Bridgton, a variety of fun activities offered abundant opportunities for them to strengthen the bonds they have formed throughout the year. Low-key events consisted of a bonfire and outdoor movie, watching the baseball team’s doubleheader game, enjoying Saturday evening’s barbecue in the center of lower campus, and even sipping espresso brewed up by our own Mr. Custer. For those who desired a bit more action, there was a trip to a nearby shooting range, paintball in the woods behind the Academy’s athletic fields, and the giant inflatables that were set up Sunday afternoon. One particularly memorable experience was the 302 Ice Cream Challenge, which consisted of students sampling a small-sized frozen treat at every one of the six ice cream establishments on Route 302 from Bridgton to Windham. That’s 25 miles of ice cream enjoyment and not an event for those whose stomachs fill up quickly! After a burgereating tiebreaker, Ryan Peters was declared the champion in this year’s challenge. Students and faculty alike participated in the Black and Grey 5K Race on Sunday morning. Although the course was
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described as rather grueling, many chose to run in support of the Kennedy Park Football Club, a Portland-based organization that empowers its players and provides aspiring prospects with opportunities to play pick-up soccer. It was definitely a weekend to remember! College Counseling Celebration n the final day of classes this year, students were invited to wear a sweatshirt or tee from their favorite college, which for most, was where they will be attending in the fall. Faculty took part in showing off their favorite university apparel as well. A College Counseling Celebration topped the day off, complete with a visit from the ice cream truck to provide a sweet treat to mark the end of a successful year.
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Awards Assembly s the academic year comes to a close each May, it is rewarding to learn about the outstanding work that takes place in the classrooms. The day before final exams began, students and faculty gathered in Chalmers Ice Arena for the Second Semester Awards Assembly. Awards were given in each class to a student who had excelled in that particular subject, whether through the highest grade, the best work ethic, or even in some cases to a young man who demonstrated the most improvement. In addition to students who were honored for their academic excellence
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during the assembly, some of the Commencement Awards were also given at this time. That portion of the assembly was live-streamed, allowing families of the soonto-be graduates to be part of it from afar. A job well done to all of the young men who received recognition for their achievements! Sylvester Spelling Bee fter a two-year hiatus, it was great fun to have the annual Sylvester Spelling Bee, hosted by Coach Whit Lesure, in the line-up of the week’s events. The riveting
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spelldown opened with Coach’s very own rhyming rap-style poem as eight contestants took the stage, each hoping to be crowned the victor. It did not take long before only two students remained; however, Craddock Bridge proved that no one could compete with his superb spelling ability. After correctly spelling his opponent’s misspelled word, Craddock quickly rattled off “obsequious” and was pronounced the winner of the 2022 Spelling Bee. Brown Public Speaking Contest lthough only two brave Wolverines entered the Brown Public Speaking Contest, deciding who gave the best speech was not an easy task for the judges. Both Sebastian Soltes and Sam Bonder wowed the audience with their oratories, each presented in their own unique style. As there could only be one winner, Sam Bonder took home the prize for the Brown Public Speaking Contest this spring. Brown Essay Contest he Brown Essay Contest offers the chance for students to present themselves in written format, often sharing stories or insights about themselves that
during the Commencement ceremony, and our congratulations goes to Evan Reed for his outstanding work!
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Corey Smith 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament he Corey Smith 3-on-3 continued to be a commencement week favorite. This year’s single-elimination tournament was composed of 32 teams, a total of 96 participants. Aaron Izaryk, Director of Athletics, shares, “It is always impressive to see the athleticism that is on display, and the Class of 2022 showed up and showed up often to watch.” While it’s not “a tradition unlike any other,” the Corey Smith 3-on-3 Tournament is a cornerstone of the end of year events that Bridgton Academy students not only look forward to, but look back on as alumni. Izaryk further reflects, “Watching the tournament run that is held in honor of Corey Smith ’88 is an incredible experience, along with the camaraderie that it creates.” The team that called themselves “The High Steppers,” comprised of Coach Paris Horne ‘07, Melvin Kolenovic, Mateo Esmeraldo, and Elynn Houston walked away with the trophy this year. BA
perhaps would not otherwise be revealed. For those who chose to enter the contest, they were provided with this writing prompt, “When faced with a moment of unexpected change, how did you respond? How has it influenced your approach to uncertainty?” After a full year of instruction from teachers who challenged them, the students who entered truly rose to the occasion of presenting their responses. The graduate who penned the winning response in the Brown Essay Contest was announced
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commencement 2022
214th Commencement Exercises
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Honoring the Class of 2022
Muntasir Ahmed
Hometown: Portland, ME Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Soccer Plans after Bridgton: West Virginia Wesleyan College Commencement Award(s): Richard R. Marcella Award, Mission Achievement Book Scholarship
Keaton Aliberti
Hometown: Edgartown, MA Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: Gettysburg College
Kosi Anazodo
Brett Baker
Jonah Austin
Alexander Barnhill IV
Hometown: Greenlawn, NY Dormitory: Holt Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Colby College
Hometown: Wellesley, MA Dormitory: Holt Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: Boston University
Hometown: Chelmsford, MA Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: University of MassachusettsDartmouth
Hometown: Schenectady, NY Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Basketball Plans after Bridgton: Mohawk Valley Community College Commencement Award(s): Lee & Carol Noble Fine Arts Award, Mission Achievement Book Scholarship summer 2022
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Samuel Bonder
Hometown: Tiburon, CA Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Indiana UniversityBloomington Commencement Award(s): Edward F. Brown Fund Public Speaking Prize
Timothy Boston
Hometown: Brewster, MA Dormitory: Holt Team: Hockey Plans next year: Bridgton Academy
Ryan Bartlett
Hometown: Oswego, NY Dormitory: Holt Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: Nazareth College
Ethan Belvin
Hometown: Claremont, NH Dormitory: Walker Team: Baseball Plans next year: Bridgton Academy
Timothy Blanch Hometown: Duxbury, MA Dormitory: Walker Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: Young Harris College
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Aiden Blouin
Hometown: Barre, VT Dormitory: Holt Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: The College of Saint Rose
Maddix Bogunia -Bright Hometown: Elkhart, IN Dormitory: Holt Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: College of William and Mary
Hayden Bond
Hometown: Lynnfield, MA Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: Merrimack College
Craddock Bridge
Hometown: Celina, OH Dormitory: Walker Team: Soccer Plans after Bridgton: Wright State University Commencement Award(s): Lee & Carol Noble Fine Arts Award, Faculty Award, Sylvester Spelling Prize
Nathan Brinkman
Hometown: Trumbull, CT Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Basketball Plans after Bridgton: Wentworth Institute of Technology
Luke Britton
Hometown: Greenfield Center, NY Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Basketball Plans after Bridgton: Bentley University
Maxon Brochu
Hometown: Bath, ME Dormitory: Holt Team: Soccer Plans after Bridgton: Dean College
Maxwell Brown
Hometown: Melrose, MA Dormitory: Holt Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: Sacred Heart University
Drew Buckley
Hometown: Fairfield, CT Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Ithaca College
Raymond C heung
Hometown: South Burlington, VT Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: Anna Maria College
Hudson Cisneros
Jeffrey Coleman
Hometown: Hartford, CT Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: American International College
Parker Coleman
Hometown: Westlake, OH Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Bridgewater State University
Hometown: Albany, NH Dormitory: Walker Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: Bentley University Commencement Award(s): Howe Award
Cole Clarke
Caleb Constance
Hometown: Lake George, NY Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Stonehill College
Hometown: Brentwood, NH Dormitory: Walker Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: Saint Peter’s University
John Caramanico
Hometown: Raleigh, NC Dormitory: Walker Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Georgetown University
Thomas C hase
Hometown: Framingham, MA Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: University of New Hampshire
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Brady Cormier
Hometown: Waterboro, ME Dormitory: Walker Team: Soccer Plans after Bridgton: Ohio Wesleyan University Commencement Award(s): Dr. William Holt Award, Social Science
Jacob Costello Hometown: Berwick, ME Dormitory: Walker Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: Southern New Hampshire University
Reece Curran
Hometown: Millis, MA Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: Emmanuel College
Ayme Daguilh
Hometown: West Boylston, MA Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Basketball Plans after Bridgton: Keene State College
Michael Darasz Graham Cotthaus
Hometown: Glastonbury, CT Dormitory: Holt Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: Workforce
William Cronin Hometown: Kingston, MA Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: Quinnipiac University
Hometown: Gorham, ME Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Soccer Plans after Bridgton: Regis College
Jonathan Davis
Hometown: Waitsfield, VT Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: Colby College
Logan Davis Ahmad Crowell Hometown: Great Neck, NY Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Hobart William Smith Colleges
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Hometown: Naples, ME Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Soccer Plans after Bridgton: Saint Joseph’s College of Maine Commencement Award(s): Ski Team Award
Caden Delnickas
Hometown: Kingston, MA Dormitory: Jillson Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: Sacred Heart University
C hase DeLoach
Hometown: Atlanta, GA Dormitory: Jillson Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: Undecided Commencement Award(s): Russell A. Pitnof ‘34 Award
Stone Devlin
Hometown: West Falmouth, MA Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: Junior Hockey
Amadou Diallo
Hometown: Jamaica, NY Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Basketball Plans after Bridgton: Undecided
James Dillon
Hometown: Dorchester, MA Dormitory: Holt Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: Sacred Heart University
Carmine DiPietrantonio
Hometown: Boxford, MA Dormitory: Holt Team: Soccer Plans after Bridgton: Endicott College
Ornel Djomo
Hometown: Worcester, MA Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Soccer Plans after Bridgton: Howard University
Darren Earley
Hometown: Hopkinton, NH Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Saint Anselm College
Mateo Esmeraldo
Robert Graustein II
Sean Feeney
Thomas Haggerty
Hometown: Monroe, CT Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Basketball Plans after Bridgton: Longwood University Commencement Award(s): Corey Smith ‘88 Memorial Basketball Award Hometown: Squantum, MA Dormitory: Jillson Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: Sacred Heart University Commencement Award(s): Lee & Carol Noble Fine Arts Award
Nicolas Fish
Hometown: Ashland, MA Dormitory: Jillson Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: Junior Hockey
Hometown: North Conway, NH Dormitory: Holt Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Castleton University Commencement Award(s): Alexander D. Harry Jr. ‘58 Memorial Commencement Award
Hometown: Rockville Centre, NY Dormitory: Walker Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: Johnson & Wales University
Emmett Hamilton
Hometown: Falmouth, ME Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Basketball Plans after Bridgton: Clark University
Ryan Eaton
Hometown: Williston, VT Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: Manhattan College Commencement Award(s): Douglas R. Avery Baseball Award
Andrew Heiden Tristan Gilbert
Hometown: Watertown, NY Dormitory: Jillson Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: Junior Hockey
Nathan Eldredge
Hometown: Carver, MA Dormitory: Holt Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Springfield College
Jett Gorman
Hometown: Wareham, MA Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Basketball Plans after Bridgton: New England Institute of Technology
Hometown: Vienna, VA Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Basketball Plans after Bridgton: Stony Brook University
Caesar Hendricks
Hometown: Mashpee, MA Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: University of MassachusettsBoston
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Harry Hennessy
Hometown: East Falmouth, MA Dormitory: Jillson Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: High Point University
Hilts HousenBerglind
Kai Johnson
Hometown: Sun Prairie, WI Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: Monmouth College Commencement Award(s): David DeFelice ‘67 English Improvement Award
Todd Jones
Hometown: Lebanon, CT Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Soccer Plans after Bridgton: Fairleigh Dickinson University
Hometown: Duxbury, MA Dormitory: Holt Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Elynn Houston
Brandon Jorgensen
Hometown: Hampton, NH Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: American International College Commencement Award(s): Dr. Christopher Blanch ‘89 Award, Mission Achievement Book Scholarship
Dylan Igram
Hometown: Fairfield, CT Dormitory: Walker Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Southern Connecticut State University
Theodore Jacobs
Hometown: Hingham, MA Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: Junior Hockey
Hometown: Beacon, NY Dormitory: Jillson Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Stony Brook University
Nathan Keilen
Hometown: Sudbury, MA Dormitory: Holt Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Ithaca College
Eric Kelly
Hometown: Stamford, CT Dormitory: Walker Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: Montclair State University Commencement Award(s): Phyllis B. Wakefield Class of ‘46 & ‘10 Award, Mission Achievement Book Scholarship
Malik Kemp
Hometown: Plantation, FL Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: Lynn University 24 bridgton academy today
Michael Kennedy Jr.
Hometown: Westford, MA Dormitory: Holt Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: University of New Hampshire
Melvin Kolenovic
Hometown: Shelton, CT Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Basketball Plans after Bridgton: Pace University Commencement Award(s): Charles H. Gould Award
Hadyn Kornusky
Hometown: Topsfield, MA Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Golf Plans after Bridgton: Bentley University Commencement Award(s): Golf Improvement Award
John Kosakowski
Hometown: Westport, CT Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: Elizabethtown College
Robert Kouloungis
Hometown: Chelmsford, MA Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Bryant University
C hristopher Kourtelidis
Mason Leonard
Kofo L aditanAdebiyi
John Marcille
Hometown: Ashland, MA Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Soccer Plans after Bridgton: Curry College
Hometown: Manchester, Great Britain Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Soccer Plans after Bridgton: Fisk University Commencement Award(s): Dianne C. Fabello Memorial Award; Dr. William Holt Award, Computer Science
Matthew L averty
Hometown: Centerville, MA Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: University of MassachusettsBoston
Matthew L awlor
Hometown: Marshfield, MA Dormitory: Jillson Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: Merrimack College
Hometown: Marshfield, MA Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Assumption University
Hometown: Rehoboth, MA Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Basketball Plans after Bridgton: University of MassachusettsDartmouth
Hometown: Woburn, MA Dormitory: Jillson Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Stonehill College
Hometown: Cranberry Township, PA Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: Junior Hockey
Baden McL aughlin
Hometown: Yarmouth, ME Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Soccer Plans after Bridgton: Wheaton College Massachusetts
Derek McLean Luke Martinho
Hometown: Lynnfield, MA Dormitory: Jillson Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: University of Southern Maine
Hometown: Franklin, MA Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: University of Hartford
Hunter Meader Donovan Mawhinney
Hometown: Westford, MA Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: Curry College
C harles McDonald Randall Leavitt
Patrick McGoey
Hometown: Madison, WI Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Basketball Plans after Bridgton: Washington State University Commencement Award(s): Headmaster’s Award
Hometown: Vineyard Haven, MA Dormitory: Jillson Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: Junior Hockey
Zachary Mitchell
Hometown: Weymouth, MA Dormitory: Holt Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Southern Utah University
Gavin Moss
Hometown: Brentwood, NH Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: University of MassachusettsAmherst
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Cameron Mulvaney
Hometown: Hopkinton, MA Dormitory: Holt Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Washington & Jefferson College
Jaden Murphy
Hometown: Nashua, NH Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: Southern New Hampshire University
Joseph Norris
Hometown: Plymouth, MA Dormitory: Walker Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: Saint Leo University
Luke Pasquariello
Hometown: North Smithfield, RI Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: Coastal Carolina University
Alexander Oakleaf
Hayes PearsonWoodruff
Zackary Pacheco
Joshua Penn
Hometown: Westford, MA Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Basketball Plans after Bridgton: Salve Regina University
Hometown: Hopkinton, MA Dormitory: Walker Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Stonehill College
Sean Murray
Hometown: Milford, MA Dormitory: Holt Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Westfield State University Commencement Award(s): Tom C. Austin Football Award
Leandro Naous Hometown: Lewiston, ME Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Soccer Plans after Bridgton: Bentley University
Hometown: Cranston, RI Dormitory: Walker Team: Soccer Plans after Bridgton: Franklin Pierce University
Anthony Papa
Hometown: Billerica, MA Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: Junior Hockey
Hometown: East Hampton, CT Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: Syracuse University
Alex Perez Ruiz
Hometown: Milton, MA Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: University of New Haven
Nathanial Needle
Hometown: Scarborough, ME Dormitory: Walker Team: Soccer Plans next year: Bridgton Academy
Leao Nelson
Hometown: Mount Desert, ME Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Soccer Plans after Bridgton: Wheaton College Massachusetts Commencement Award(s): Alumni Award, Justin A. DeSorrento ‘96 Award 26 bridgton academy today
William Parr
Hometown: Dedham, MA Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: University of New Hampshire Commencement Award(s): Captain Claude “Duke” Hough ‘54 Award, John T. Fabello ‘34 Hockey Award
Anthony Perez
Hometown: Wellesley, MA Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: University of MassachusettsDartmouth
Ryan Peters
Hometown: Upper Saddle River, NJ Dormitory: Holt Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Curry College Commencement Award(s): Alumni Award, Mission Achievement Book Scholarship
Augustino Pirazzi
Hometown: Long Beach, CA Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: Chapman University
Aidan Robinson
Hometown: Cranston, RI Dormitory: Mass Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: Southern New Hampshire University Commencement Award(s): John D. Powers ‘91 Memorial Lacrosse Coaches’ Award
Aiden Robinson Hometown: Woburn, MA Dormitory: Jillson Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: Franklin Pierce University
Carter Ruhm
Hometown: Apalachin, NY Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: Robert Morris University
William Ryder
Hometown: Atkinson, NH Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: Montclair State University
Trace Salton Tahj Purter
Hometown: Salem, MA Dormitory: Holt Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Nichols College
Giovanni Rodriguez
Hometown: Newton, MA Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Bridgewater State University
Kevin Salvatore
Jeffrey Reda
Hometown: Larchmont, NY Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: Junior Hockey
AJ Rourke
Hometown: Medford, MA Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: University of MassachusettsDartmouth
Evan Reed
Hometown: Fair Haven, VT Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Hamilton College Commencement Award(s): Addie M. Chadbourne Award, Edward F. Brown Fund Essay Prize
Hometown: Portland, OR Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Basketball Plans after Bridgton: Marist College Commencement Award(s): Sportsmanship Award
Brady Roux
Hometown: Salem, NH Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: Junior Hockey
Hometown: Stamford, CT Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Plymouth State University
Daniel Sarmiento
Hometown: Exeter, NH Dormitory: Jillson Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: Azusa Pacific University
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Nicholas Sasso
Dylan Sellinger
Symon Sathler
Quadir Shabazz
Hometown: Revere, MA Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: High Point University
Hometown: Woburn, MA Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: University of Maine Commencement Award(s): Mission Achievement Book Scholarship
John Scarpelli
Hometown: Medford, MA Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Soccer Plans after Bridgton: Merrimack College
Hometown: Auburn, ME Dormitory: Walker Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: Southern Maine Community College
Hometown: South River, NJ Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: University of New Haven
C hase Shallow
Hometown: Sudbury, MA Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Sacred Heart University Commencement Award(s): Dr. William Holt Award, English
Alexander Scavone
Aaron Siegal
William Schermerhorn
Garrett Smith
Hometown: Ridgefield, CT Dormitory: Walker Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Bates College
Hometown: Reston, VA Dormitory: Holt Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: Salisbury University
Hometown: Abington, MA Dormitory: Jillson Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: Worcester State University Commencement Award(s): Faculty Award Hometown: Gorham, ME Dormitory: Jillson Team: Soccer Plans after Bridgton: Bryant University
Atticus Soehren
Hometown: Otisfield, ME Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: University of Pennsylvania Commencement Award(s): Faculty Award; Dr. William Holt Award, Mathematics
Sebastian Soltes
Hometown: Calgary, AB Canada Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Mount Royal University Commencement Award(s): Edwin V. Spooner Memorial Award
Ian Spiro
Hometown: Boxford, MA Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Soccer Plans next year: Bridgton Academy
David Splaine
Hometown: Rochdale, MA Dormitory: Jillson Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: Norwich University
Joshua Stein
Hometown: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: University of Oregon
Henry Stonehouse
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Hometown: Belmont, MA Dormitory: Holt Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: Salem State University
Hayes Sweeney
Hometown: Hollis, ME Dormitory: Mass Hall Team: Soccer Plans after Bridgton: Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Benjamin Sykes
Hometown: Lynnfield, MA Dormitory: Holt Team: Soccer Plans after Bridgton: Elon University Commencement Award(s): Electra H. Fickett Outstanding Citizenship Award
Trent Thomas
Hometown: Freeport, Bahamas Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: Lynn University
Nolan Tomaszycki
Hometown: Taunton, MA Dormitory: Holt Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Southern Connecticut State University Commencement Award(s): Dr. William Holt Award, Physical Science
Maximillian Toscani
Hometown: Phoenixville, PA Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Basketball Plans after Bridgton: University of Dayton
Evan Willey
Hometown: Casco, ME Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Basketball Plans after Bridgton: Franklin Pierce University Commencement Award(s): Dennis O’Brien ‘67 Award
Bryce Williston Hometown: Redding, CT Dormitory: Jillson Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: Ithaca College Commencement Award(s): Leland S. Buck Jr. ‘42 Award, Arthur P. Stebbins Jr. ‘67 Award
Connor Treybig
Michael Wolf
Hometown: Fryeburg, ME Dormitory: Jillson Team: Hockey Plans after Bridgton: Husson University Commencement Award(s): Annie R., Horace A. Jr., and Martha B. Flint ‘52 Improvement Award
Nicholas Valerio
T yler Wright
Hometown: Pelham, NH Dormitory: Jillson Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: Anna Maria College
Hometown: Westborough, MA Dormitory: Holt Team: Soccer Plans after Bridgton: University of Arizona
Kevin Tiernan
Bryson Werntz
Drew Wyman
Hometown: Bartonville, TX Dormitory: Holt Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: United States Military Academy
Hometown: Hampton, NH Dormitory: Jillson Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: Bentley University
Connor White
Tolga Yagiz
Edward Thurston
Hometown: West Hartford, CT Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Football Plans after Bridgton: Ithaca College
Congratulations Class of 2022!
Hometown: Bow, NH Dormitory: Walker Team: Baseball Plans after Bridgton: The University of Texas at Dallas
Hometown: Queensbury, NY Dormitory: Holt Team: Lacrosse Plans after Bridgton: Manhattan College
Hometown: Greenwood Village, CO Dormitory: Sylvester Team: Basketball Plans after Bridgton: Xavier University
Hometown: Genthod, Geneva Dormitory: Cleaves Team: Basketball Plans after Bridgton: Sarah Lawrence College
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bridgton academy
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DON’T MISS
Homecoming on the Hill AT BRIDGTON ACADEMY
Homecoming on the Hill is Friday, September
30 – Sunday, October 2! North Bridgton is a beautiful place to visit in the fall, so what better time to come back to campus? It will be a full weekend of wonderful events for alumni, parents (both current and past), and friends of Bridgton Academy, with schedule details being updated throughout the summer. Highlights of the weekend will include a Nine-Hole Golf Scramble at nearby Bridgton Highlands Country Club, the Hall of Fame Induction, great meals under the Homecoming tent, an Alumni and Parent Reception, and of course, Wolverine athletic contests throughout the weekend. Alumni celebrating milestone reunion years (ending in “2” or “7”) will be especially recognized, though all alumni are invited to come and reconnect with their Bridgton classmates. We’ll have an Alumni VIP tent set up near the athletic field just for you! Parents of the Class of 2023 can see their sons settling into life at Bridgton and will have the chance to meet with teachers during the weekend. It’s truly a special time to come and visit, so we hope your fall plans will include Homecoming on the Hill!
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