4 minute read
Wolverine Tracks
COLLEGES ON CAMPUS: BRIDGTON COLLEGE FAIR RETURNS
Bridgton hosted its sixth Annual College Fair on September 29. Students and representatives from 49 colleges gathered in the Memorial Gymnasium to discuss academic programs, admission requirements, and potential futures. The event provided the Class of 2022 with a firsthand opportunity to interact with college admissions officers and learn about a wide variety of schools from across the country. Jamie Izaryk, Director of College Counseling, reflects, “There was a particular excitement this year, felt by all, to be able to provide this opportunity to our students. The Class of 2022 really did an outstanding job representing both themselves and Bridgton Academy. The College Fair is always a highlight of the year for the College Counseling Office and this year it was a little extra sweet!”
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ALUMNUS SHARES VALUE OF HARD WORK AND OTHER WORDS TO REMEMBER
Bridgton Academy was happy to welcome Bob Bogan ’83 back to campus this November for a talk in Twitchell Memorial Chapel. Bob, who served for many years as president of the Bridgton Academy Board of Trustees, has remained steadily involved in the work and mission of Bridgton since his time as a student. During his presentation, Bob shared his belief in the value of hard work, a foundational element in his philosophy about living a positive life. Bob also challenged the students to consider one word that they might be remembered for. Whether that word was integrity, kindness, dependability, or many other options, Bob encouraged the young men to consider carefully how they navigate the world and to choose their particular word well. A BRIDGTON LEGEND RETURNS TO THE CLASSROOM
This October, some lucky Wolverines arrived at their classes to find a sight familiar to countless Bridgton alumni—legendary teacher Peter Gately returned to the classroom! When a faculty member had to take a week away from school, Gater was happy to step up to the plate once again. “I really enjoyed getting back on campus and into the classroom. Stepping back into Room 15 where it all started for me was special. Even more so was the energy I felt being back with such a great faculty and staff and seeing the young men fully engaged in BA life; we have a very special place here in North Bridgton!” It was great to have this Bridgton legend back on campus helping to make the difference for the Class of 2022!
On November 7, Bridgton Academy Head Baseball Coach Aaron Izaryk was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame. Since arriving in the state as a player for the University of Maine in 2001, Aaron has made a positive impact from a variety of roles on the way to his current position as the Director of Athletics and Head Baseball Coach at Bridgton.
Under his leadership, Bridgton has become a force in New England prep school baseball. More importantly, Coach Izaryk has been a teacher, mentor, and role model for hundreds of Wolverines on and off the field. His “Be Better” mantra has shaped the baseball program and his tenure at the Academy. “Aaron Izaryk has been the most influential mentor throughout my baseball career, even before I stepped on Bridgton’s campus,” shares alumnus Spencer Hill ’20, “I would absolutely not be where I am today without his professionalism. He displays every characteristic of a great leader, which is why he has earned everyone’s respect.”
When asked about the experience, Coach Izaryk explained, “Being inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame has given me a chance to reflect on how many great people I’ve been able to meet and how many outstanding opportunities I’ve had. There are many distinguished people already in the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame, it’s incredible to be considered a part of that group.” BRIDGTON FOOTBALL SHOWCASES ITS TALENT
On December 8, the Bridgton Academy football team traveled down to Marlborough, Massachusetts for the annual Black and Grey Showcase. The event provides our football student-athletes with the opportunity to perform in front of a large audience of college coaches from a diverse range of schools representing all divisions of play.
After a team warm-up, the Wolverines went through a series of individual drills to highlight their agility, speed, and strength. Next, there were one-on-ones for skill position players and linemen tested each other in two-on-two blocking drills. After some situational seven-on-seven play, the team scrimmaged to assess their performance during in-game situations. Finally, Wolverines got the chance to spend an hour speaking with the attending coaches and considering which programs could fit their futures. Congratulations to the football team on their fantastic finale!
EQUALITYMAINE SHARES MESSAGE OF SUPPORT AND LOVE
Bridgton Academy’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee recently hosted a presentation for the student body as part of the Academy’s effort to encourage focus, compassion, and action related to these important topics.
This year’s DEI programming began with a presentation by Ms. Gia Drew of EqualityMaine, Maine’s oldest and largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group. Gia spoke about her own personal story of becoming one of the first transgender public school teachers in Maine, and the first openly trans high school athletic coach in the country. Gia also shared messaging with our student body about how to be an ally, how to support at risk populations in their communities, and how to, ultimately, be true to oneself.
