Summer 2019 Volume No. 1
Our Inaugural On-Line Only Issue!
A SEMI-ANNUAL ELECTRONIC PUBLICATION OF FOXCROFT ACADEMY FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
Congrats FA Class of 2019 - Our 196th Graduating Class!
Hello Alumni & Friends! Happy summer! Welcome to our latest reincarnation of the The Pony Express. Many of you may remember your old school newspaper which used the same moniker. For the past few years, the Alumni Office has sent you emails under the name Pony Express. Now as we move to a more digital world, we bring you the first of what we hope will be many editions of our online only magazine, you guessed it, The Pony Express. For years, twenty-eight to be exact, we have published The Foxcroft, a semi-annual hard copy alumni magazine, filled with news stories, pictures, class notes and more. We will be printing a larger and improved edition of The Foxcroft annually in October. But since we don’t want to lose touch, we will be emailing a “mini-magazine”twice a year, The Pony Express, one in the fall and another in the spring. It will include news about school events, clubs, organizations, sports, student spirit days and weeks, class notes about alumni, donor reports, and news about regional reunions and networking gatherings, as well as Alumni Weekend schedules. This is just another way we want to keep you, our alumni and friends, informed and involved with the latest news and happenings of the Herd. Whether it’s printed publications, e-magazines, social media, or e-mail, we hope we have something for everybody. As always, we want to hear from you. Please send any questions, comments, or news to me, toby.nelson@foxcroftacademy.org. We at Foxcroft Academy would love to hear from you. You can also visit our website at www.foxcroftacademy.org to submit your news and important life events or make nominations for the alumni awards or Academic Hall of Fame directly to Cathy Hall, Director of Alumni Affairs. Enjoy the following news and updates about Foxcroft Academy. We hope The Pony Express is something you will enjoy reading over and over.
Ride on Ponies!
Toby Nelson FA Director of Communications 2
Spooner Named New PCIA Director of Operations Matthew Spooner of Dover-Foxcroft has been hired as the Director of Operations for the soon to be completed Piscataquis County Ice Arena. He will start the new position on July 1, as the arena is on target to open in September. “I’m excited for the opportunity to get this building off the ground,” said Spooner. “The Libra Foundation has provided some awesome opportunities for Piscataquis County. It’s now our job to ensure area residents of the surrounding communities reap the benefits by participating, not only in programming, but ultimately in PCIA’s growth.” Spooner is no stranger to the Dover-Foxcroft community or to ice sports. For years, he was the manager of Gunn’s Sport Shop in Brewer, serving several area hockey teams and players. He worked with local hockey facilities and was on several hockey boards of directors, which now includes the newly formed Penquis Youth Hockey Association. More recently, Spooner was a sales representative for Dave’s World in Dover-Foxcroft. “Growing this building is all about relationships,” said Spooner. “We will continue to build those with people we know, and we will foster strong partnerships with people we are just meeting. It’s all new to the community and we intend on making this another reason Piscataquis County is making a strong comeback economically. I can’t wait to start and see what we can be.” For the full article, and to read more about the Piscataquis County Ice Arena, visit our website.
Foxcroft Academy Marching Band Takes on Walt Disney World This past May, the Foxcroft Academy marching band finally had the chance to perform at Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, after four years of practice and preparation. The 2015 marching band began the tradition of auditioning to play at Walt Disney World years prior. Since that initial performance, students, parents, and supporters have organized fundraisers and events to help raise money to make this possible for a second time. After a tiring thirty-hour journey by bus, the students and chaperons arrived at Disney’s “All-Star Sports Resort” to settle in. The students enjoyed swimming in the resorts pools, playing ping-pong and corn hole, and enjoying the food and arcade inside. The day before their performance at the Magic Kingdom, students visited Disney’s Epcot Center. Band director Joshua Guthrie said before the event, “We’re going to be braving the heat. We’re used to marching in 30-degree weather, not 90-degree weather.” In the audition tape shot months before, the band marched in the street around piles of snow: they were used to the cold. However, Guthrie did not seem too worried. “The band should sound great,” he said, “they’re well prepared.” For a video of their Disney World performance, go to Foxcroft Academy’s Official Youtube channel. For pictures of the FA Marching Band’s trip to Disney World, go to our Official FA Flickr Page, and for more of this article, visit our website.
The Marching Band would like to thank our wonderful alumni and friends who supported them on this year-long fundraising journey. This trip would not have been possible without their generosity. Thank you! 3
An Old Tradition: The Rose Award Ceremony Knowledge is Power On May 1st, a special assembly was held to announce the Class of 2019’s outstanding scholars at its annual Rose Award ceremony. This year, the recipients were: Aida Abdykashova, Brigid Casey, Yeojeong “Liz” Choi, Lauren Cooper, Nicolas Daneman, Abigail Henderson, Keying “Chloe” Huang (Salutatorian), Spencer Ireland (Valedictorian), Rylie Kleikamp, Yifan “Frances” Li, Gavyn Moreshead, Mariah Poulin, Cailin Seavey, Dustin Simmons, Matthew Spooner, and Hannah Sprecher. The Rose Awards were established in 1931 when Mr. Frank Stone was the Head of Foxcroft Academy. Rose Award recipients have accumulated a grade point average that places them in the top 15 percent of the permanent students in their class. For the 34th consecutive year, a medallion like the one pictured here, is presented to the recipients in addition to the traditional rose. Mrs. Priscilla White, former FA English teacher and librarian who retired after 36 years of service, and Mr. Robert Beek, who taught mathematics at FA for 33 years, conceived the idea for this permanent award, and contributed funds to have the die cast for the medallion, which has now become a permanent part of the annual ceremony.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
Six Foxcroft Academy Alumni Inducted into Academic Hall of Fame Six Foxcroft Academy alumni were inducted
into the Academic Hall of Fame at a ceremony held on May 3rd. In order to link outstanding students of the present with those of the past, the 2019 Academic Hall of Fame Induction ceremony is held in conjunction with the presentation of medallions to the Class of 2019’s Rose Award recipients.
2019 inductees Jenifer Ambler ’79 (Top Right) Kelly Larson-Brunner ’91 (Middle Left) Radford Tam ’95 (Bottom Right) Dwight “Tom” Campbell ’97 Dana Frasz ’01 Patrick Lizotte ’02 lecturing some science scholars in the classroom For full bios of all the 2019 Academic Hall of Fame inductees, go to this link. 4
Another Successful FA Spring Sports Season Comes to an End Our spring sports season is now officially over. Baseball lost a tough 4-3 game to Brewer in the play-in round, and softball fell to Belfast 4-0, but both teams still had a double-digit win season. Baseball finished the season 10-7, and softball was 14-3. The girls' tennis team finished 7-5 on the season, good enough for #6 in Northern Maine Class B. The Ponies defeated #11 Brewer in the play-in round, 3-2, and lost to #3 Erskine Academy, 4-1 in the quarterfinal round. Junior Olivia Wesley competed in the 2019 MPA State Individual Tennis meet in Portland. She won two qualifying matches before falling in the round of 48. She competed very well against some really strong competition. The team is young and will be bringing back an active nucleus next year looking to build on the success they saw this year. The boys' tennis team finished the season with a 3-9 record. Sadly, they did not qualify for the playoffs. They lost five seniors, including their #1 player, Botai Zhou. Track & Field had another exceptional season, but the weather never cooperated. The two scheduled home meets were canceled due to the rainy spring. Foxcroft had several team members qualify for the state meet (held at Brewer High School) including Hyatt Smith, who took 2nd in the triple jump and third in the high jump, Cailin Seavey, finishing 6th in javelin, and the boys’ 4x100 meter team (Dustin Simmons, Cody Tetlow, Logan Martin, and Hunter Clarke) took 6th place. FA had many others go to the PVC meets (varsity, JV, and freshmen) and do well. All in all, it was a good spring season. We will do it all over again starting on Monday, August 19th, when the fall sports season officially starts.
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#fadayofgiving19 nets $8K Class of ’64 Wins Pizza Party at Pat’s Pizza for the most number of donors! Party will be held on Friday night, August 2, from 6-8 PM at Pat’s Pizza, downtown Dover-Foxcroft. For the third annual Day of Giving here at Foxcroft Academy, alumni and friends had 1,823 minutes to give in support of FA, with many donations being designated to a specific department or area of study. One might ask why 1,823 minutes to give? Just ask anyone here at FA about the significance of that number and they will tell you proudly: the Academy was founded in 1823. This year’s Day of Giving was a great success, as the school raised $8,000 with the help of 65 generous donors. The oldest person to donate this year was Martha Green Rollins ’37, who will turn 100 very soon. The youngest person to give was a member of the Class of 2019: Dustin Simmons, son of John and Colette Bearce Simmons ’82 ’86. The class with the most donations this year—who won the Pizza Party as a thank you from the school—was the Class of 1964. They will be celebrating their 55th reunion this summer. Tied for second in the most donations were Classes of 1977 and 1995. Over three years, our Days of Giving have brought in an amazing total of $42,734.99. These monies help us to enhance our educational programming as well as co-curricular activities. Some examples include: a complete renovation of our science lab, the purchase of new welding equipment, helping to send the drama program to their competitions, as well as the purchase of new band shoes for the trip to Disney! “On behalf of the students at Foxcroft Academy, Oakie and I would like to offer our heartfelt thanks for all who help to keep our school great,” said Headmaster Shorey. Click on these smiling faces to watch how our kids say thank you!
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO GIVE A GIFT IN SUPPORT OF YOUR SCHOOL Ways to Give Text-to-Give: text Ponies to 207.994.8151 Click here to give online: www.foxcroftacademy.org Maroon & White Recurring Gift Club Become a member of our Legacy Circle, which recognizes, honors, and thanks alumni, parents, and friends who have made direct provisions for Foxcroft Academy in their will. OR you can always contact Cathy Hall directly at 207.564.6542
How about joining our Maroon & White Recurring Gift Club?
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Do you want to have your gift to FA have an even greater impact? The Maroon & White Club is a group of sustainers (donors) whose monthly support provides a steady influx of dollars to the Academy. Automatic giving through EFT or credit card debit is secure, easy and convenient. It saves us on postage and printing and allows us to put even more revenue into our educational programming. PLEASE THINK ABOUT IT!
Herd Reunions Happening 2019 ’59
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’74 Saturday Night 5:00 - 10:00
Bear Point Marina, Bowerbank Live Music from 6-9 Campsites available. Call (207) 564-3135 to reserve Munchies will be provided Meals available at on-site restaurant Contacts: Carol Andrews Conner 207.564.8446 Joyce Nason Mazerolle 207.660.2432 mazer242@roadrunner.com
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Saturday - Parade @10:00 AM
Since the parade was rained out last year, the class will ride in a decorated bus this year. Alumni Banquet at FA @ 5:30
Sunday - 8:00 AM
Breakfast by donation at FA
Monday 10:30 AM
Brunch at the Bear’s Den 7
ALUMNI WEEKEND SCHEDULE 2019 August 2nd – August 4th, 2019 Friday, August 2, 2019 5:00PM – 7:00 PM 1967: The Perfect Pony Football Season Come to the Commons at Central Hall and
help commemorate the 50th anniversary of the undefeated 1967 State Championship Football Team. Join Coach Walt Beaulieu and his staff, along with teammates, cheerleaders and fans to relive the glory days of that great season. Be sure and bring any old photos or news clippings to share!
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Pony Party: The Commons at Central Hall Come enjoy the rock ’n roll sounds of the
Doughty Hill Band, featuring Sid Stutzman, Brian Smith ’77 and Dan Sharrow ’89. Enjoy our traditional fare of grilled skewers of chicken and beef with vegetables, as well as skewered fresh fruit, will be offered. A beer/wine cash bar will be available. Cost to attend is $10.
Saturday, August 3, 2019 Highlights of the Day: Pony Pride 5K Race, Tennis Tournament, Alumni Basketball, Alumni Soccer, Community Parade, Homecoming Golf Scramble, School Tours, the Alumni Banquet, and fireworks at Sebec Lake! Also offered will be tours of the new Piscataquis County Ice Arena. Sunday, August 4, 2019
2019 Alumni Award Winners Mrs. Doreen Emerson Dr. Wendy Love ’75
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Alumni Breakfast at Foxcroft Academy Cost to attend is by donation only but reservations are requested. Located in the Pride Student Center.
Alumni Hockey Game - date to be determined but will be played in the new Piscataquis County Ice Arena. If you have questions, please contact Cathy Hall in our Alumni Office at cathy.hall@foxcroftacademy.org (207) 564-6542
Check our website for updates and the full listing of events. If you plan on attending the Alumni Banquet, please register so you will be able to sit with your class. https://www.foxcroftacademy.org/alumni/events-and-reunions/
Central Hall is now “The Commons” If your class is looking to rent an elegant venue for your class reunion, here’s a peek at what the newly renovated Central Hall looks like! This is where our “Lawn” Pony party will be held on Friday night, August 3. Rental charges are negotiable. Email info@centralhallcommons.org or call 207.343.3018 for information.
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