Spring - Foxcroft Academy

Volume No. XXXII Spring/Summer 2007
APPLIC ATIONS
NOW BEING
AC C E P T E D
F O R T H E FA L L
2 0 07 T E R M
Discover and Attend
Discover
FOXCROFT ACADEMY
Look where
Foxcroft Academy
can take
your child...
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Colby College
Cornell University
Dartmouth
•
•
•
•
College Preparatory Courses in all Academic Areas
29 Honors Courses and 7 Advanced Placement Courses
Latin, French, and Spanish
Engaging ESL programming for international
boarding students
• Weekend excursions for all boarding students
• Students from 12 Maine communities and 7 countries
• Accreditation: New England Association of
Independent Schools and Colleges
Michigan State University
Middlebury College
Northeastern University
Purdue University
SUNY- Binghamton
University of Maine
Worcester Polytechnic
Institute
Please call our Admissions Office at 207-564-8351 or e-mail us at
[email protected]
w w w. f o x c ro f t a c a d e m y. o rg
Foxcroft Academy
975 West Main Street
Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426
Change Service Requested
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Bangor
ME
Permit No. 46
See pages 8 & 9
A PUBLIC ATION OF FOXCROFT AC ADEMY for ALUMNI & FRIENDS
Take note...
Dear Foxcroft Alumni & Friends,
t 2007 ni
e
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Alumn ecommended for theer. ARegistration is
Class of 1986 Held 20th Reunion
Last Summer
institutions approaching their bicentennial anniversary, Foxcroft Academy has experienced periods of
growth, challenge and opportunity since its charter by the State of Maine in 1823. The foresight of its
founders and support of the local community helped establish an independent school to serve the students of surrounding towns
and offer preparation for both those who aspire to attend college and those seeking preparation for work and life beyond the
walls of the Academy. Our current Mission Statement reflects this tradition and the growth of the Academy in the past decade:
Like all
Founded in 1823, Foxcroft Academy is an independent secondary school offering comprehensive college
preparatory courses, technical education programs, and support services for day and boarding students.
The school is committed to developing responsible and informed citizens, critical thinkers, and collaborative
leaders. Foxcroft Academy is a community promoting the development of integrity, character, and skills
necessary for life-long learning.
SEND US YOUR NEWS
All Alumni: If you have news or photos, we'd love to pass them along (photos will be returned if requested).
Send information to: Foxcroft Alumni Office, 975 West Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426
OR you may call: (207)564-8664 E-Mail address: [email protected] All digital photos e-mailed should be a
minimum size of 700KB
Fax: (207)564-8394 Alumni E-Mail Directory on our website: http://www.foxcroftacademy.org
Alumni in College: Send school addresses. After graduation, let us know where you are.
Retired Alumni: Be sure to send both your winter/summer addresses.
Parents: Help us keep track of alumni; notify us of address changes.
Name:
Ê
The Academy’s tradition has been sustained by generations of dedicated faculty and school leaders as well as the
generosity of its alumni and friends both in and out of the State of Maine. This combination has created a student centered environment, diverse in
its programs and well-anchored to its community and its mission. Over the past ten years the school has attracted a growing number of residential
students to our campus who have not only brought a taste of the world to our local students and the community, but who have contributed positively
to the academic and cultural life of the school. Their presence has made us a better school and our school has helped create ambassadors for our
state and the community in which they live while attending Foxcroft. Their success is our success!
Since 1997 the number of residential students has grown from three to 37 during the current academic year. These students hail from Asia,
Latin America and Europe and in the recent past this mix has included students from Maine. A successful and vibrant future for Foxcroft’s boarding
program will continue to include families from around the globe, though our clear intention is to build a program attractive to families in Maine as
well as the greater Northeast. Ideally, our growth would cap at approximately 60 students in the next three to four years and would include the
building of student residences on campus. Combining campus living with our current housing in school leased houses and “host” families will lay
the groundwork for a more complete residential program that can tie easily into the existing school facilities. Such facilities are critical for us to
grow in an increasingly competitive boarding environment. Constructing on-campus residences would also make it possible to offer five-day
programs to Maine families, increase the amount of interaction with our day students and augment the number of adults who supervise and care for
our boarding students. Economically, the non-tax dollars brought to the campus from our residential families help the Academy maintain and grow
its programs by offsetting the decline in school age population in our area. Moreover, recent national figures estimate that in addition to the tuition
dollars brought to a school, each boarding student spends on average $2000-$3000 additional in the local community per year.
As many of you may know, Governor Baldacci and the Maine Department of Education recently proposed a comprehensive reorganization of
public education in Maine. Although it appears at the time of writing that this plan is unlikely to go forward in its current form, the initiative did, as
a state senator mentioned to me, kick the chicken coop. It is unclear what will happen when the feathers settle, though the discussion that surfaced
over the past three months has helped bring a wide scope of interests into the debate on how we can both improve education in Maine and be
mindful of costs. Throughout this process we have been working with our state representatives and within the Maine Association of Independent
Schools to make sure that Town Academies like Foxcroft will continue to serve the kids of Maine through whatever reforms surface in the months
and years ahead. The compelling case for Foxcroft and other Town Academies centers on the success of our programs, our ability to prepare our
graduates and an objective case that can be made for the efficiency of how we use our resources. Foxcroft, like all Town Academies in Maine, does
not receive public support for renovations, new construction, or improvements to existing facilities. All such funds must be found in our operating
budgets or though efforts to raise funds through our alumni, parents and friends.
As the discussion unfolds in the state legislature in the months ahead, we will keep our voice in the debate and promote both our historical
service to the families of Maine and our ability, largely as the result of our independence, to adapt and build programs that effectively prepare
students for further education and service to their communities. Your voice in support of Foxcroft and the preservation of access for public school
families to Town Academies is important as the debate moves forward.
I mentioned in an earlier part of this message that the population trends in Central Maine ( to some degree the entire Northeast) suggest that
over the next decade or so, the number of high school age students will continue to decline. For Foxcroft and other Town Academies who welcome
publicly funded students, this decline will impact operating funds and create both opportunities and challenges. We will need to be the best stewards
possible of our resources, ask hard questions about programs and do our best to seek support of our alumni and friends. Our story is a compelling
one, our historical foundation a solid one and our educational mission a critical one for our community, our state and our region. I am convinced
that with good planning, collaborative efforts and the support of the greater Foxcroft community we will continue to prepare young people for
success well past the projected demographic dip in enrollment. Our past is a proud one, our present a challenging one and our future a bright one!
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Kristie Ellis McLeod and Renae Ireland Tash
would like to
thank everyone for coming to the class’
20th reunion held
last summer. It began on Friday night at
Jerry Engstrom’s
and he and his wife Wanda were wonderfu
l hosts. Allison
Huntington Wakeland, Paul Flanders and
Paul Fowles had
the rest of the group in stitches most of
the night. Not
many participated in the parade, but Rana
e, Marnie and
Kristie had a blast seeing many of you on
the sidewalks of
town. The same girls and significant othe
rs enjoyed the
Alumni Banquet on Saturday night follo
wed by some
regaling of tales of old at Abel Blood’s Pub
Restaurant.
Though not many classmates attended, a
great time was
had by all and they look forward to the
25th in 2011!
Sincerely,
Maiden Name:
Class:
Address:
Telephone:
Spouse’s Name:
Children’s Names and Ages:
E-Mail Address:
NEWS/COMMENTS (names of children, grandchildren, where you work, hobbies, travel adventures, births, deaths, marriages,
accomplishments, awards etc.):
Do you plan on attending the Alumni Banquet? Yes
Guest(s) Name
No
Amount Enclosed $
(Checks for the Alumni Banquet may be made payable to Foxcroft Academy.)
Raymond P. Webb, Ph.D.
Head of School
Nomination for Dr. Mary Chandler Lowell Award (outstanding accomplished alumnus)
Nomination for Tillson D.Thomas Award (outstanding retired faculty member)
“It was an honor and privilege to have been named the recipient of the Tillson D. Thomas Award”, says last year’s winner Mr. Bob Beek.
EDUCATION
was in the late 1940’s that the last
boarding students were admitted to
Foxcroft Academy, that was up until 1997
when Foxcroft Academy re-initiated its
boarding program with an added
international dimension...but why?
Certainly changing demographics in
central Maine have been a factor, but the
benefits of a boarding program go way
beyond the positive economic impact a
boarding program can provide a school and
community. Today American students are
faced with living in a global community, but
here in Maine less than 4% of the population
is represented by minority groups. In
central Maine that number is less than 1%.
It
Education:
the
B oarding Factor
“This is a great place to meet people
from different cultures, try different foods, and get to know about
cultures other than your own.”
Jerod Rideout ’08
Mary Ann Plouff and Hae-Jin Lee work together in an Advanced Placement Chemistry Lab.
Boarding students along with day students from
the French, Latin and Spanish Club join together
in the Academy's Annual International Food Night.
Today as the result of the boarding
program, American day students at FA get
to know students from a wide variety of
different countries. Whether an American
or international student, each student’s
individual traits, their cultural perspective,
interests, and heritage are all considered
valuable assets that enhance and strengthen
the overall educational community.
In a history class students learn firsthand from Korean students what it is like to
live in South Korea with the potential
nuclear threat of North Korea. In math class
American students are challenged in their
knowledge and use of the metric system by
students from Japan. In music class students
are introduced to a variety of stringed
instruments rarely seen in America. In
biology and health class American students
help boarding students with a whole new
set of unique vocabulary words. In physics
class boarding students show American
students how to figure problems out “in
their head” without using a calculator,
while American students show boarding
students how to write analytically.
The educational experience at Foxcroft
Academy is dynamic for both day and
boarding students. It refuses to limit learning
to the classroom or the conventional
academic day. For example, international
boarding students improve their English
“The name ‘Foxcroft Academy’
makes me think of lots of fun and
teachers who really care about
students. Before coming to
Foxcroft Academy, I had never
seen teachers and students
forming strong friendships. I
appreciate everything about this
school and no matter where I
travel in the world I can proudly
say that I graduated from Foxcroft
Academy. It will always remain a
special place for me.”
Myo Chan Kim ’07
skills both in the classroom and the
community, while American students have
the opportunity to enroll in an afterschool
Korean language class taught by Korean
students, Myo Chan Kim and You Jin Choi.
While it is challenging to integrate boarding students into the life of a school, the educational programs for all students at Foxcroft
Academy continue to be positively strengthened as a result of the “boarding factor.”
SPRING 2007
1
EDUCATION
Taking Education
O utside theWalls ofFA
Scholarships have
since 1992 been providing underclassmen with some very
special learning opportunities outside the
walls of Foxcroft Academy. Over the past
14 years, 123 students have benefited from
almost $100,000 in scholarship funds
provided by alumni, parents and friends of
the Academy, through the Annual Giving
Campaign, helping them to pursue summer
studies. Among last year’s recipients of a
Horizon Scholarship were Amber Oldfield ’07
and Amelia McDermott ’08 who both attended leadership conferences last summer.
Here are brief summations written in their
own words describing their experiences.
Amber writes: “I attended the Lead
America program, specifically their
Medicine and Healthcare Congressional
Leadership Conference, whose mission is to
‘transform our world’s next generation of
young leaders by inspiring, educating and
instilling in them ethical and principled
leadership values, attitudes and skills.’ ”
“The conference lasted ten days and
took place at Bentley College. The schedule
was rigorous and meant to resemble that
of an undergraduate program with students
from all over the world attending. After a
day of lectures and small group activities,
all students would meet in the lecture hall
and each group would share the obstacles
they had overcome, what they had learned,
and how it applied to life.”
“From this conference I learned stress
and time management, having to work all day
and late into the night in a classroom atmosphere, then return to a dorm and look over
the day’s notes. I also learned to compromise and accept others’ opinions without
trying to argue or enforce mine upon them.
For all these things I am grateful and would
Horizon
2
FOXCROFT ACADEMY ALUMNUS
Amelia in front of the museum in Bratislava, Slovakia.
like to thank Foxcroft Academy and those
who contribute to the Annual Giving Campaign for helping to make this trip possible.”
Amelia says of her Horizon experience:
“This past summer I attended the Global
Young Leadership Conference in Austria,
Hungary, and the Czech Republic. When
the groups arrived in Vienna from all over
the world, we were divided into small
groups representing different nations, mine
being Australia.”
“Once we got through customs we
spent the morning exploring famous landmarks and doing some shopping in the city.
In the days to come, we would visit museums
and listen to fascinating speakers including
Austrian Secretary of State and two members from the Austrian Parliament who
spoke on the expansion of the European
Union (EU). After four days in Vienna we
moved east to Budapest. The bus ride to
Hungary passed us by miles and miles of
beautiful sunflower fields. It was a very
different culture from Vienna, with their
language having no cognate words with
English. We stayed in Budapest for three days
and went to Prague from there. En route to
Prague we stopped in Bratislava, Slovakia
for the morning to sightsee. My favorite
landmark was the astrological clock on the
side of their Town Hall in Old Town Square.”
“On the way back to Vienna we made a
stop that changed my life, a stop that I will
never forget as long as I live. We visited a
concentration camp in Austria called
Mauthausen. The most poignant memory I
have of the camp was the crematorium: an
image that will always be with me as a
reminder of the inexcusable behavior of
some human beings. That afternoon, I grew
as a person. It changed me.”
“It is hard to find words to express my
sincere thanks to the Trustees and donors
to the Academy who support the Horizon
Scholarship program. This program taught
me about cultural differences, language barriers and the importance of knowing history,
as well as lessons that I will use in life.”
DRAMA
Molly Cyr ’09 and Eliza Templet ’07 along with cast members in a scene from The Wiz.
Fall Musical:
T he W iz
Academy’s musical
troupe took to the
stage at the newly renovated Center
Theatre when the cast of The Wiz directed
by Patricia Hinkley stepped onto the stage.
The Wiz is a soft-rock adaptation of the
Wizard of Oz and captured the hearts of
young and old alike. Students put on 8
packed performances of The Wiz covering
six nights and one afternoon of showings.
According to sophomore reporter
Stephanie Hasenfus writing in the school
newspaper, “Just moments before the
curtains were pulled Eliza
Templet could be seen
running around backstage asking for water,
while Joanna Ronco
laughed at the age
lines drawn onto
her face. Once the
curtains were
pulled the stage
was full of vivacity.
The tornado dance,
choreographed by
Foxcroft
Joanna Ronco ’08
and Eliza Templet ’07
Beth Weatherbee, was enthralling. Just as
Matt Brenc’s (the Tinman) song, Slide
Some Oil to Me, (complete with an awe
inspiring tap dance) was especially fun.”
“Each and every cast member projected
unique qualities. For instance, Katie Ellis
(the Wicked Witch) made you cringe with
her piercing looks, and the Poppies who
surround the lion succeeded in not only
seducing the lion, but also holding the
audience spellbound. However, not nearly
as spellbound as Molly Cyr (Addaperle)
with her pink hair and disarrayed
Munchkins! In its entirety, The Wiz offered
both entertainment and heartfelt advice.”
“With both Chris Steinke (the Wiz) and
Hannah Duncan (Glinda the Good Witch)
singing versions of the song, Believe in
Yourself, you are left with a double dose of
heartfelt warmth. Not only did the actors
bring the stage to life, but the costumes
provided by Sherri Jackins lit up the stage
far beyond the brightness of the lights. The
Munchkins were particularly colorful in
their 70’s garb, and Dan Jackson (the Gatekeeper) was just as green as the gate itself,
which was painted under the art direction of
Brenda Oldfield. However, it is also important to remember that there is no musical
without a pit band, and under the direction
of Shane Ellis, the band effectively set the
tension and the comedy for the act.”
You can view 8 short video clips of The
Wiz at: www.foxcroftacademy.org/gallery
SPRING 2007
3
PLANNED GIVING
FA’s Legacy Circle recognizes, honors and thanks alumni, parents and friends
of the Academy who make a planned gift to the Academy. All planned gifts
are added to the school’s permanent endowment fund and can be established
in honor or memory of a loved one.
JOIN IN
THE
MISSION
Gifts of Cash
Invest in Tomorrow’s Students
Bequests
Each planned gift to Foxcroft Academy is an
investment in the future of the Academy’s
historic mission of serving students as an
independent school. We strive to partner with
you, as a donor, to provide flexibility and tax
advantages in your estate planning while giving
you the opportunity to ensure that the next
generation of young men and women is
provided with educational opportunities that
will prepare them for the “great duties of
life.” The following are a variety of ways to
support Foxcroft Academy’s mission.
All cash gifts are fully deductible in the tax year given.
Gifts of Securities, Real Estate, or Personal Property
Gifts of appreciated securities or real and personal property
represent significant tax advantages for the donor as well as
providing valuable support for Foxcroft Academy.
Gifts made through a will or living trust may be for specific sums or
a specific percentage of the estate. The estate will receive a
charitable deduction for the value of the property passed to
Foxcroft Academy.
Gifts of Life Insurance
Ownership of a life insurance policy can be transferred to Foxcroft
Academy yielding tax benefits to the donor. Any subsequent
premiums paid by the donor on the gifted policy may also qualify
as a charitable donation.
Charitable Remainder
Trusts
Charitable remainder trusts
provide current income for the
donor, or surviving beneficiaries,
and allow for Foxcroft Academy
to benefit from the remainder
interest at a specified time in
the future.
Charitable Lead Trusts
Mission of Foxcroft Academy
Founded in 1823, Foxcroft Academy is an independent
secondary school offering comprehensive college
preparatory courses, technical education programs, and
support services for day and boarding students. The school
is committed to developing responsible and informed
citizens, critical thinkers, and collaborative leaders.
Foxcroft Academy is a community promoting the
development of integrity, character, and skills
necessary for life-long learning.
4
FOXCROFT ACADEMY ALUMNUS
A charitable lead trust provides
current income for Foxcroft
Academy for a number of years,
and then the principal is
returned to the designated
beneficiary after a predetermined length of time.
Members of the
Legacy Circle
Anonymous
Bessie Bush
Herb and Astrid Peterson Cronin ’54
John Ellery
Berta Washburn Fitzgerald ’39
Donna Libby Hathaway ’66
Frederick and Dione
Williams Hutchinson ’48, ’50
John Klimavicz ’53
David and Yoriko McClure ’45
Margaret Bradford Patzner ’65
Lois Ward Reynolds ’54
Frederick Robbins ’41
Douglas M. Smith ’65
Miriam Smith
Helen Dillen Stitham
Kevin and Jane Hayes Stitham ’70, ’73
James Williams ’51
Jay Brennan, Associate Headmaster for Institutional Advancement, will be
glad to discuss with you any of the planned giving options listed, or consult
with your attorney or estate planner. To learn more, call (207) 564-8664.
PHILANTHROPY
Academy Loses Two Friends and Philanthropic Leaders
This past year Foxcroft Academy was saddened to lose two friends whose leadership and
philanthropic spirit have done much for the continued growth of the Academy.
MURIEL PHILPOT WATSON, a member of the class of 1925 and an
Honorary Trustee of Foxcroft Academy passed away on April 4, 2006.
Mrs. Watson was born in Atkinson, Maine, on February 4, 1909. Her
family moved to Dover-Foxcroft where she graduated from her
beloved Foxcroft Academy. While at the Academy and after her
graduation she served as secretary at the Piscataquis Observer. In
1941, she moved to Norton, Massachusetts, and later to Providence,
Rhode Island. While there she served as Vice-Chairman of the
Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Chairman of the Women’s
Division of Savings Bonds.
In 1954, she married John Bertram Watson of Providence and in
1956, they moved to Belleair, Florida. In 1966 Muriel and her husband,
along with others, co-founded the Pinellas Center for the Blind and
Visually Impaired. As a board member she raised over $3,000,000 for
the center and was instrumental in founding the KIDS program in
1987, a program for blind children aged three weeks to 5 years. This
organization eventually became known as the Lighthouse of Pinellas
located at the John B. and Muriel P. Watson Building.
Upon Mrs. Watson’s brother Louis’ death in 1999, she established
a Horizon Scholarship Fund to benefit current students at Foxcroft
Academy in memory of him. In the Academy’s 1997 capital campaign,
Muriel and her brother made gifts totaling over $270,000. In appreciation of her generosity, Trustees named the Academy’s library the
Muriel Philpot Watson Library. Muriel’s philanthropic spirit lives on
through her membership in the Legacy Circle, a circle of alumni and
friends who have remembered the Academy with a planned gift.
(see page 4 on the Legacy Circle)
WOODROW EVANS PAGE, a Trustee at Foxcroft Academy from 1962
to 1999, passed away on August 9, 2006, at the age of 93. Woody, as
he was affectionately called, was a graduate of East Corinth Academy,
the University of Maine and the University of Michigan with degrees
in civil engineering and public health engineering. He served as
ordnance maintenance officer, 51st Group Headquarters, 1st US
Army, European Theater; gave the order to send tank transporters
to Omaha Beach to secure German tetrahedrons and return them to
our Ordnance Maintenance Cos. to make attachments for the front
of tanks that would knife through hedgerows that allowed the 1st
Army to break through to the area of St. Lo, France. He was awarded
the Bronze Star for this action. He also was awarded Five Battle
Ribbons and retired as a lieutenant colonel in the US Army Reserves.
During his time as a Trustee at Foxcroft Academy, Mr. Page
served as Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee for 17
years. He also served as Chairman of the Budget and Superintending
Committees. Those who enjoy Academy trivia should take note that
Mr. Page and his wife Constance donated the first computers ever
(3 TRS-80’s) to the Academy in 1981.
As a member of the Academy’s Legacy Circle he established two
endowed funds: the Constance Witham Page Music Fund and the
Woodrow Evans Page Headmaster’s Fund, both of which support the
educational programs of the school. On October 23, 1995, the Trustees passed a sentiment which expressed their gratitude to “Woody”
for his service to Foxcroft Academy. A plaque commemorating this
sentiment hangs in the Hayes Conference Room. He is survived by
his three children who are all graduates of Foxcroft Academy: Joan
Brewster Garniss ’58, Richard Page ’60 and James Page ’64.
SPRING 2007
5
FA NEWS
Why wait
for your Foxcroft Academy magazine to arrive in
the mail to find out the latest news from FA? Through the use of
technology, many alumni, parents and friends of the Academy now stay in
touch with up to date news from Foxcroft Academy through a virtual
newsletter delivered via their e-mail service.
Four times during the school year Foxcroft Academy sends out
E-News to over 1440 alumni throughout the US, 242 current parents of
students and over 300 friends of the Academy, including local and state
leaders. It is also received throughout 14 countries.
If you would like to receive FA’s E-News, its as simple as sending an
e-mail to: [email protected] saying, “subscribe me to
FA’s E-News”. This virtual newsletter will keep you up to date on
everything from sports stories to important dates on our school calendar.
Here is a sampling of some of the stories which have been passed along
over the past few months via FA’s E-News.
Latin Students Take
3RD PLACE IN STATE MEET
Last November, students from FA’s Latin Club traveled to
Hampden Academy for the Fall Convention of the Junior Classical
League of Maine to compete against over 400 other students in Maine.
Students donned togas and took written exams in Latin, Roman
History, English Derivatives and Mythology. Later, students competed
in a certamen (Latin for contest) which is like a Latin Jeopardy.
Camden Hills took first place, Hampden Academy took second and
Foxcroft Academy came in third place overall in the state.
Jillian Pearsall ’08
Girls’ Swim Team
CONTINUES TO WIN BIG
In early February at Ellsworth High School, the Foxcroft
Academy girls’ swim team chalked up another victory to extend
their winning streak. The boys lost; however, Isaac Almy set a new
school record in the 50-yard freestyle and took first place in the 100yard butterfly and the 200-yard freestyle and qualified for the State
Championship Meet. For the girls, event winners included Hannah
Duncan in the 100-yard freestyle, Jillian Pearsall in the 500-yard
freestyle, Whitney Wright in the 100-yard backstroke and Julia
Kurzius who won both the 200-yard freestyle and the 100-yard
breaststroke. Julia’s time in the breaststroke qualified her for the
State Championship Meet and makes her the first freshman in FA
history to qualify for each of the state championship swim events.
6
FOXCROFT ACADEMY ALUMNUS
Foxcroft Represented at National
FOREIGN LANGUAGE CONFERENCE
This past November, Teresa Farrar, President of the Foreign
Language Association of Maine and Foreign Language Department
Chair at Foxcroft Academy, attended the American Council of the
Teaching of Foreign Languages Conference (ACTFL) in Nashville,
Tennessee. While at the conference, Mrs. Farrar attended a delegates
assembly where she was among representatives from each state.
She was able to hear what each state association is doing and also
participated in a discussion regarding what is in store for ACTFL.
Mrs. Farrar and other representatives met with five Chinese
delegates and learned about the initiatives the Chinese government
is taking to have Chinese culture and language taught in American
schools. She attended sessions on teaching strategies, advocacy for
foreign language programming, and integrating new technologies
into the classroom.
Musical Performed at Center Theater: The Wiz
Foxcroft Academy’s musical troupe took to the stage at
Dover-Foxcroft’s Center Theatre when the cast of The Wiz
directed by Patricia Hinkley, stepped onto the stage for eight
performances. (read full story on page 3)
View FA Videos On-Line
Ponies vs. Rockland Tigers
All Academic and All Conference
Musical: The Wiz
Christmas Concert
at: www.foxcroftacademy.org/gallery
FOOTBALL PLAYERS
Loss of Academy Friend and Former Headmaster
The Ponies’ football season ended with a disappointing
Howard “Howie” F. Ryder, 57, Headmaster at Foxcroft
Academy from 1981 to 1994 died November 11, 2006, from
complications of multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood.
(a fuller obituary is on page 13)
loss in the state title game played at Portland’s Fitzpatrick Stadium
against the Lisbon Greyhounds. For the regular season, the Ponies
had an 11-1 record and earned the Eastern Maine Championship
and State Runner-Up titles. In addition 18 players won both
academic as well as athletic honors.
GIFTS TO ACADEMY INCLUDE NEW SIGN
Foxcroft Academy’s Head of School Dr. Raymond Webb
announced the gift of the new sign, which is clearly visible as one
approaches the school from town. Dr. Webb expressed his deep
appreciation to the Sheldon Slate Company of Monson, Maine, and
its President, John Tatko III, and the employees of Sheldon Slate for
their thoughtful generosity. Dr. Webb stated, “As the Academy attracts
students and families from outside the immediate central Maine area,
it is important for us to have a sign that immediately identifies the
school as Foxcroft Academy. John, his family and employees have
met an important need of the Academy as we move forward.”
Tatko also serves as a Trustee of the Academy.
Spring
Foxcroft Academy
EARNS RE-ACCREDITATION
Foxcroft Academy’s Head of School Dr. Raymond Webb
reported that the Commission on Independent Schools voted to
grant Foxcroft Academy its continued accreditation by the New
England Association of Schools and Colleges. In the commission’s
report, Foxcroft Academy was commended for such things as, “its
commitment to establishing a boarding program….its pioneering
commitment to a standards-based curriculum….its strength and
variety of the co-curricular program…new facilities added to the
campus as the result of successful development efforts…deep
commitment shown by faculty and staff to students’ welfare,
character growth and academic success.” In addition to
commendations, the committee also had recommendations which
the Academy will address over the next few years. In commenting
on the recommendations Dr. Webb stated, “One area the commission
suggested we needed further work was with our boarding program.
We need to do a better job of integrating boarding students into the
culture of the school and providing boarding students a more
comprehensive residential program.”
SPRING 2007
7
“Music at Foxcroft Academy has recently seen a renewed
burst of energy and we want to take it to the next level.
The impact of the expanded course offerings on students
and our community will be tremendous.”
Shane Ellis, FA Music Director
a leap of faith and courage,”
Foxcroft Academy’s music
director Shane Ellis said, as the Foxcroft Academy Orchestra
gathered for their first two-hour rehearsal. Mr. Ellis explains, “Initially,
I saw the potential of an orchestra by combining the talents of the
international students with that of our local students. Given that we have
enough students with skills on violin, viola, and cello, we decided to
move forward and create the first ever Foxcroft Academy Orchestra.
This is a historical moment for Foxcroft Academy and the music program.”
Orchestra is only one of many musical courses now offered at
the Academy. Driven by the belief that music can make a difference
in the overall achievement of students, Mr. Ellis has expanded the
number and type of music offerings provided to all students, even
to those with no musical background.
“We are taking
“Musical education is more
than learning to sing or
play an instrument. It is
more than entertaining or
pleasing an audience.
Music is a science, a
mental discipline, and an
art. At Foxcroft Academy,
music and the arts are
absolutely essential to the
education of our children.”
Shane Ellis,
FA Music Director
8
FOXCROFT ACADEMY ALUMNUS
Courses now offered to students at all levels include:
BAND remains the primary instrumental group and is for the
player of traditional band instruments. The band functions in a
variety of venues throughout the year including sporting events and
concert performances.
CHORUS is a yearlong program of study that allows students to
learn and perform a variety of choral music as well as instruction in
basic music theory and sight-singing. Advanced students are also
given the opportunity to perform within the smaller Select Choir.
JAZZ ENSEMBLE brings together experienced players of
traditional jazz instruments with the opportunity to improve their
skills and techniques as well as perform throughout the year,
including in state competitions.
New MENTORING PROGRAM
New ORCHESTRA AND CHAMBER ENSEMBLE is new to Foxcroft
Academy and provides students who are proficient on violin, viola,
cello, clarinet, double bass, oboe, bassoon, flute, trombone,
trumpet, french horn, tuba or percussion, a weekly time to rehearse
and perform under the direction of Mr. Ellis.
New MUSIC APPRECIATION explores the history of music from the
medieval period through current musical styles. This class is open
to all students.
New INTRODUCTION TO PIANO provides beginning students an
opportunity to play the piano with an introduction to music theory.
New CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE is available to students who are
interested in performing in multiple musical idioms with a 4-10
piece group.
New INTRODUCTION TO GUITAR provides students the
opportunity to learn how to play the guitar.
Thanks to funding from the Oak
Grove Foundation, the Constance Witham Page Music Fund, and the
Foxcroft Academy Music Boosters, the Foxcroft Academy Music
Mentorship Program was launched in January. This mentorship
program gives students the opportunity to study with an adult
mentor. In turn, working with parents, FA students give lessons to
selected students at the middle school level.
The FA Mentorship Program has contracted with ten adults,
each receiving a stipend. Their services include at least ten
mentorship lessons of an hour in length. In the spring, each of the
adult mentors will perform with their student at a final concert.
Mentors and their students
Jerry Durgin, bass student: Roy Brenc
Russ Hewett, guitar student: Vanessa Lougee
Dave Roberts, trumpet student: Thomas Fearon
Tina Burns, vocals student: Hannah Duncan
Phil Burns, piano student: You Jin Choi
Shane Ellis, saxophone student: Robert Segerson
Isleen Alverson, harp student: Ish Talmadge
New PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE provides students the opportunity
to perform music specifically written for traditional pitched and
non-pitched percussion instruments. While students study music
from the 1920’s, there is opportunity to study the more recent
“stomp-like” music.
SPRING 2007
9
CLASS NOTES
In Touch
1980’s
begin a new career in the
computer field working with
his son Anthony.
Class of 1977
Class of 1937
Class Agent: Martha Green Rollins
ifying for the US Senior Open by
only 118 strokes over 4 rounds.
1960’s
Evidently, Dutch Holland is a
lover of all sports. He writes
from Florida that he would
love to come up here and pitch
a few innings with the baseball
team. He claims if Jack Benny
could say that he was 39 years
old, then he can too!
Class of 1939
Class Agent:
Berta Washburn Fitzgerald
Still playing golf three times a
week, Bob Nelson and his wife
Alice are planning a motorhome trip to Maine this coming
summer. They hope to see
some old classmates.
Class of 1948
Class Agent: Lew Dow
To be near her daughter Joanne,
Gwendolyn Gordon Luke
and her husband Cheng-tien
have left Houston behind and
moved to Arkansas to live out
in the country.
Class of 1958
Class Agent: Betty Green Ellis
In recognition of her contributions to teaching, Joan
Brewster Garniss was named
Teacher of the Year by the
Massachusetts Music Teachers
Association. Her name has also
been entered for recognition
by the Music Teachers National
Association Teacher of the Year.
Class of 1966
Class Agent:
Marie Heath Weatherbee
Born and raised in Dexter, ME,
Linda Beaupre Seabolt-Bouvier
moved to Dover-Foxcroft in her
sophomore year. She attended
FA for only two years and then
moved to Eastport. She recently
heard of the 40th class reunion
and would love to reconnect
with classmates for the memories and hearing from old friends.
Class of 1967
Class Agent:
Bobbi-Jean Brown Ryder
Through classmates.com, the
Alumni Office reached Phyllis
Blanchard Moody, who now
resides in Big Pine Key, FL. She
claims she is a work-a-holic
and has lost touch with people
back home.
Class of 1979
Class Agent: Peter Chase
Steve Shapleigh and his wife
Melissa are proud to announce
the birth of their first grandchild, Whitnee Ann Stone,
born to Brittany Ware ’05 and
Joseph Stone.
Class Agent: Judy Collins Leighton
Neal Clark has a new career
upon retiring from the US Navy
after 20 years. He received his
degree in computer aided drafting and design in 2002 from
Tidewater Community College in
Virginia Beach,VA,and is a CADD
drafter/detailer for CMC Steel
Group Rebad Div. in Farmville.
Class of 1969
Dave Atkinson is the finance
manager at Bangor Motor
Sports and his wife is pastor of
the Hampden Highlands
Methodist Church.
Class of 1970
Class Agent: Jim Brown
Tom Levensalor retired from
the Manchester Fire Department
and has moved to Las Vegas to
Class of 1981
Class Agent: Scott Mulherin
Carl Severance says if any
classmates venture out his way
toward Copper Mountain in
Colorado, he can get you some
ski passes. He is sorry he
missed the 25th reunion, but
hopes to make it home for the
30th. Jim Perry is a teacher at
Hutton Elementary in Spokane,
WA. He graduated from Gonzaga
University with a teaching degree and received his Master’s
Degree from Lesley University.
Class of 1982
Class Agent: Chris Ryder
“Beautiful, but no place quite
like Maine”, says Dale Wehrle
of San Francisco, CA. He works
for Apple Computer, testing
Class Agent: Tom Coy
Gerald Hersey had a bit part as
a pilot in the recently released
movie Royal Casino. He works
for Victory Aviation in Florida.
Class of 1962
Class Agent: Barbara Beede Moore
Family comes first to Jim Moir,
but hunting, fishing and real
estate ventures are his passive
interests. He is also an avid
golfer, and says he missed qualClass of 1943 held their monthly meeting in the Plouff Room at FA
FOXCROFT ACADEMY ALUMNUS
Class of 1987
Class Agent: Heather O’Brien Clang
Living in Salem, OR, Linda
Brann Moore met and married
her husband Steve in 1988 while
they were in the Air Force. She
graduated from Chemeketa College with an Associates Degree
in administrative assisting. She
is a data services manager for
Williamette Educational Services
District for the State of Oregon.
Class of 1989
Class Agent: Amy Higgins Bishop
Married in 2004,Caroline O’Brien
LaBelle and her husband Tom
have a son Benjamin born 5/2/05.
Tom is a firefighter in Randolph,
MA, and Caroline a 7th grade
special needs teacher in Taunton.
Rebecca Foreman and Aleks
Janjic were married on 9/16/06
in Stowe, VT. Her sisters Kelly
Smith ’93 and Wendy ’95 were
bridesmaids and Cindy and Bob
Foreman, the proud parents. On
10/21/06 Jonathan Roebuck and
his wife Lynn welcomed their
daughter Hannah into the world.
Class of 1990
Class Agent:
Nancy Hathaway Seavey
On 11/8/06 a baby girl Kyrstin
Grace was born to Gretchen
Leighton Drinkwater and her
husband Chris. She joins big
brother Austin, age 8. In Phoenix,
AZ, Rebecca Rollins is a project
superintendent for Mechanical
Products, BAS. She was married
on 10/21/06 to Richard Feaser
of Long Island, NY. Co-owner of
Northern Line Construction
with his father Jake ’59, Chris
Arno lives in Holden,ME,with his
wife Wendi and their two children Madison, 5, and Hunter, 1.
Class of 1961
10
and deploying WiMAX (802.16)
in Europe. In his spare time he
cruises the back roads of the
Bay area or the foothills of the
Sierra on his Harley. Joe and
Bonnie Guyotte hosted
Guillermo Gutierrez in 198182 through the AFS program.
Now he is a pilot based in Dubai
working for a leasing aircraft
company, making his home in
his wife’s country of Honduras.
Class of 1992
Class Agent: Theresa King
Ava Quinn Walker is the name
of the daughter born 6/1/06 to
Lance ’90 and Heidi Chambers
Walker.
Class of 1993
Class Agent: Tim Caldwell
Tim and Megan Caldwell are the
proud parents of Jackson Miles,
born 1/11/07, weighing 9 lbs. 15
oz. Residing in Skowhegan, ME,
Floyd Corbin was married on
9/3/05 to Elizabeth Taylor at
Sugarloaf USA. Trey Prouty and
his wife Kim have built a new
house in Hermon, ME. They have
three sons: Colby, 7, Carson, 4,
and Connor, 3. In May of 2006,
Jennifer Moonlight Meserve
received her Master’s Degree in
literacy from UMO. Her daughter
Kaylee is in second grade and
her son Ian was 3 in February.
Brayden Thomas is the name
given to the son born on
7/12/06 to Bryan Grant and his
wife Michelle.
son Karson, Matt Tibbetts is
back home working at Bob’s
Farm Home & Garden in DoverFoxcroft. Liza Crocker McIntyre
has recently purchased a home
in Hudson, ME, with Aaron
Larson and their families. A baby
girl Shawn Patience was born
on 10/23/06 to Shawn Keenan
and his wife Dianne. She joins
big sister Grace who was born
2/15/05. Residing in Ashland, MA,
LaDawna McLeish was married
on 8/10/06 to Tom Quintino at
the home of her parents,Dave ’71
and Ressie Duff McLeish ’70 in
Newport, ME. She is a release
engineer for a company called
Workscape. On 3/18/05, Bruce
White Jr. and his wife Sonya
gave birth to Austin Michael,
the first grandchild of Holly
Barnes Weymouth ’78 and her
husband Bruce Sr. Holly and
Bruce celebrated their 30th
wedding anniversary on 3/19/07.
Their daughter Kathlene ’97 is
a CNA in Dexter, ME.
1990’s
Class of 1997
Class of 1994
Class Agent: Kelly Dow
Class Agent:
Amy Charles Vacchiano
On 7/1/06, Lydia Herring was
married to Matthew Harrington
at Acadia National Park. They are
currently in Athens for the year
to travel and study the archaeological ruins. Liz Leighton
Quimby and her husband have
a daughter Abby born 4/24/06,
Amanda Parker Clark is happy
to report she is cancer free and
enjoys staying at home with her
two children: Dalton 4 1/2 and
Jillian 3. Their Dad is Donny
Clark ’86.
Class of 1995
Class Agent:
Heather Morrison Whitten
A senior loan officer at a
mortgage company, Melissa
Curtis Johnson lives in Wilton,
ME, with her daughter and twin
sons. She would love to hear
from classmates at
[email protected]
Jolene West Ensey and her
husband Anthony now reside
in Dexter, ME, with their three
children: Trevor, 8, Caelib, 4,
and Gabriella, born 7/4/06.
Class of 1996
Class Agent: Angela Snow Coy
Happily living in Guilford, ME,
with his wife Corina, stepdaughter Kailee and one-year-old
Seven members of the Washburn family at Alumni Banquet 2006.
joining big brothers David and
Jacob. Adam Chambers and his
wife Judy Miles ’01 have recently purchased a house in Dixmont,
ME. Adam is a surveyor’s apprentice with Miles Surveying.
They have a 13-month-old
daughter Eliza Addisyn.
Class of 1998
Class Agent: Jessica Wentworth
In Yarmouth, ME, on 5/20/06,
Heather Steinke was married
to Tom Evans, originally from
Tampa, FL. Heather graduated
from medical school this past
June and is now a resident at
Eastern Maine Center for Family
Medicine. Amber Eliason
Nelsen was recently married
and is a 4th grade teacher in
Naples, FL.
Class of 1999
Class Agent: Casey Scott Spencer
This spring Justin Clawson is
starting his new business
called Clawson Lawn Care. He
and his wife Jenipher have a
two-year-old daughter Karissa
Paige. Casey Scott Spencer
and her husband Wyatt had a
baby girl on 1/10/06 and
named her Julianna. Nicole
Arnold was married on
10/7/06 to Eric Crochere. They
have two children Nathaniel, 5,
and Isabell, 2. Karrie Hopkins
Lane and her husband Dan
had their second baby boy on
9/23/06. He was born at the
Portsmouth Naval Hospital in
Portsmouth, VA, and weighed
7 lbs. 1 oz.
FA Alumni Hold Swim Meet
Chris Almy is pleased to
report on the FA Alumni Swim
Meet held in December at the
Pisctaquis YMCA. Seven alumni
were in attendance and enjoyed
a pizza party after the meet.
This year’s FA swim team
continued to grow with 15
swimmers competing. Next
year’s team looks to have an
even bigger squad with several
new freshmen coming on board.
Pictured here are L-R: Cassie Hoffman ’98, Coach Ric Hoffman,
Jerod Smith ’04, Tamlyn Frederick, ’05, Rachel Almy, ’03,
Joe Hinkley ’04, Laura Swett, ’05, and Sam Almy ’00
SPRING 2007
11
CLASS NOTES cont.
Class of 2000
Class Agent: Needed
Davan Clawson is working at
the Spurwink School in South
Portland, ME, and coaching
field hockey at the University
of New England. Max Bendeler
enjoys reading the alumni
magazine and would like his
information included here. He
completed his BA at Cologne
Business School, University of
Hertfordshire (GB) and the
University of Melbourne in
2005. He has started working
for the American consultancy
BearingPoint on a project in
Barcelona, Spain. On 8/24/07
Nikki Dubay will marry Andrew
More, a 2000 graduate of
Brewer High School. They have
a 2-year-old daughter Kaydence
Elizabeth who was recently
noted in the book Smart Babies
from Maine by Leonardo
Leonidas. Becky Sprague
Dyment is a proud army wife,
married on 9/29/06 and
stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC.
Andy Lizotte is a first year law
student at Syracuse University.
and is now working for the
Board of Overseers of the Bar
as a clerk in Augusta, ME. In the
Air Force, Susannah Winsley
is a dental technician stationed
in TX, but will be going to South
Korea followed by England
after that. Levi Rollins is now
Brenton Belanger graduated
from boot camp in November
of 2004, then onto Marine
Combat Training, where he
learned how to fire machine
guns, launch RPG’s and even
throw a live frag grenade. From
there he went to the Navy
Young Alumni Receive National and
International Recognition
Michael Freese ’04, a Wheaton College junior majoring in
Russian Studies, won a Fulbright-Hays Scholarship to fund a
semester of study in St. Petersburg, Russia, during spring 2007.
A Presidential Scholar and Dean's List student, Mike will
study Russian language, history and literature at Gertsen University, one of Russia's leading institutions of higher education.
2000’s
Class of 2001
Dana Frasz ’01 is one of twenty global youth leaders
receiving the YouthActionNet Award for 2006 from the
International Youth Foundation.
Dana was cited for her founding of Empty Bellies, a program
she started while a student at Sarah Lawrence College, whose
objectives are to reduce food waste and hunger while
simultaneously increasing community awareness about
alternatives to waste.
Class Agent: Dana Frasz
Justin Fariel is in the US Coast
Guard living in Buffalo, NY,
while attending the American
Military University working
toward his BA in history.
Brittany Fariel is working in
rural bush Alaska as a 7-12
grade math teacher. She is
integrating herself into the
Yup/’ik culture by fishing,
moose and bear hunting, berry
picking on the tundra, and going
to Eskimo Dance. On 7/30/06,
Mary Veno was married to
Jonathan Byrd. They are both
in school full time: he in sonography and she in radiography.
They reside in Wilmington, NC.
Moving to the west coast,
Chris Walker is a mechanical
engineer at the Strategic
Weapons Facility Pacific in
Silverdale, WA.
Class of 2002
Class Agent: Josh Chase
In May of 2006, Molly Tibbetts
graduated from Thomas College
12
FOXCROFT ACADEMY ALUMNUS
stationed at Ft. Hood, TX. He
and his wife just celebrated
their second anniversary on
12/27/06. Pat Lizotte graduated
from Colby College this past
summer and is working at the
Broad Institute in Boston, MA.
School of Music, where all
branches of the armed forces
rehearse music together all
day from 7:20 AM until 5:00 PM.
Class of 2005
Class Agent: Needed
Born 12/22/06, Seaira Lynn
McCormack is the name given
to the daughter of Bobbi-Lynn
Adams Sudsury and her fiance
Mike McCormack. Alexander
James Ireland Pollare is the
name of the son of Billy
Pollare and Jessica Ireland,
born 6/20/05.
Class of 2006
Class Agent: Needed
Sami Hall, daughter of Gordon
and Missy Merrill Hall ’84,
was recently featured on the
emmy nominated television
show “Maine’s Top Model”.
She has also signed with the
Dynasty Modeling Agency in
Boston, MA, and Port City
Models while she is attending
USM. Her proud grandparents
are Jeff ’65 and Nora Bradbury
Merrill ’66.
With your continuing
support, your one hundred
and eighty-three-year-old
Academy will be able to
grow in new and healthy
ways; to be the best that it
can be. It is a long lasting
partnership with you that
we value greatly indeed.
Class of 2003
Class Agent: Needed
Ashley Hansen is so thrilled
she finally had a chance to meet
Gwen Stefani of “No Doubt”. A
friend of hers who has also been
a No Doubt fan for many years
wrote to Gwen’s music manager
and told their story. They got
put on the list for backstage
meets and greets.
Class of 2004
Class Agent: Needed
Mike Larrabee, a member of
the US Army Reserves, will be
happily returning from Iraq in
August. After a rough time,
Recognized for her 12 years as an FA Trustee, Lois Ward Reynolds '54
accepts her FA Boston rocker from Head of School Dr. Webb
IN MEMORIAM
Former Headmaster “Howie” Ryder Remembered
Howard “Howie” F. Ryder, 57, died
November 11, 2006, from complications of
multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood.
He was born in Greenville on May 11, 1949,
to Faustena and Edwin B. Ryder, graduated
from Greenville High School in 1967 and
the University of Maine at Farmington in
1971, and served 6 years in the US Army
Reserves. Howie later continued his professional development in receiving a
Master’s of Educational Administration
degree and a Certificate of Advanced Study
in Educational Leadership from the University of Maine.
Howie married Elizabeth Betty Doyon
of Greenville in 1971 and together they
moved to Searsport, began a family, and
his long, distinguished professional career.
In Searsport, he taught English and coached
dramatics and boys’ basketball. He later
taught at Orono High School where he also
enjoyed coaching football and girls’ basketball. In 1980, Howie was
hired as the Assistant Head of School and Athletic Director at
Foxcroft Academy, and in 1981 he was promoted to Head of School
where he served until 1994. He then began his twelve year tenure
as the Head of School at Lincoln Academy
in Newcastle, ME.
While at Foxcroft Academy he oversaw
the creation of the first school based
health center, construction of the English
and Music wing, expansion of curriculum
offerings and establishment of an
Alumni/Development Office to further the
Academy’s resources to benefit all
students. Schools and children thrived
under his care, direction and influence. He
retired as Headmaster at Lincoln Academy
in 2006 and moved back to his beloved
Wilson Pond in Greenville. He was looking
forward to getting reacquainted with the
Academy and had recently offered to help
in any way possible. Howie is survived
by his wife, Betty; children Lincoln ’91
and Brenda Ryder; Heidi ’94 and Jamie
Bray ’93; grandchildren: Colby, Haley, Lily,
and Wyatt.
Those who wish may honor his memory and carry on his
legacy as an exemplary educator by sending gifts in his name to
Foxcroft Academy, Howard Ryder Fund, 975 West Main Street,
Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426.
Alumni and Friends who have passed on...
We are saddened to report the following deaths of alumni and friends of Foxcroft Academy. We extend our sympathies
to the surviving families.
Katherine Wingate Nuite ’25
Muriel Philpot Watson ’25
(Honorary Trustee)
Leon Palmer ’32
Anna Ellis Kinney ’33
Cleo Thompson Hill ’33
Sylvia Stevens Witherly ’33
Emily Mellish McLean ’35
Mary Noyes Horne ’37
Philip A. Green ’37
Elizabeth Ireland Connors ’38
Florence Hodsdon Bean ’39
Ruth Martin Fiddler ’39
Virginia Warren Lanpher ’39
Erroll Drinkwater ’40
Ervin Huntington ’40
Anna Dean Merrill ’40
Raymond Blake ’41
4/5/06
4/4/06
unknown
7/22/06
12/16/06
1/2/07
4/10/06
7/22/06
2/20/07
5/25/06
6/27/06
1/31/07
5/24/06
3/13/06
unknown
8/15/06
7/11/06
Esther Holmes Clark ’41
Feb. 2002
Beatrice Moore Berry ’42
5/5/06
Leon Kirkpatrick ’42
5/6/06
Barbara Hersey Dunham ’43
8/7/06
Elaine Colson Heath ’44
6/6/06
Charlene Huntington Cleveland ’45 6/16/06
Clara Kinsman Moore ’45
9/10/03
Master Sgt. Ret. (USAF)
Donald E. Hatt ’48
5/19/06
Yolande Robinson Severance ’48 10/30/06
Ruth Hill Bell ’49
8/29/06
Beatrice Conner Brashear ’51 Sept. 2006
Newellyn Palmer King ’51
unknown
Paul K. Levensalor ’53
7/23/06
Dolores Pyne Cloyd ’54
10/20/06
Jonathan Prescott Sr. ’56
9/15/06
Gerald Brawn ’58
8/2/05
Allen B. Clukey ’58
2/17/07
Carl O. Dow ’64
Ronald W. Engstrom ’66
Bonnie Spearing ’76
George Weymouth ’76
Cindy Cookson ’78
Wendy Humphrey Hosford ’79
Rick Emery ’81
Jamie Baird ’92
Mickey Anderson ’97
LeAnn B. Withee
(spouse of Coach Withee)
Mary Golob
former FA art teacher
Gwendolyn Trefethen Haynes
former FA faculty member
Eugene Coffin
former FA faculty member
8/8/06
4/1/06
6/19/05
unknown
10/2/06
7/12/06
3/9/05
2/6/07
8/1/06
4/20/06
1/6/07
12/29/06
12/23/06
Mary Anne Trottier Whitten not deceased as previously reported.
SPRING 2007
13
GIVING
A $100,000 GIFT
TO FOXCROFT ACADEMY
THAT COSTS YOU NOTHING
Even if you’re not in a position to make a gift right now, there’s still a way you
can help Foxcroft Academy — and a student at the same time.
Almost 80 percent of the Academy’s revenue comes from tuition, room, and board.
By helping the Academy recruit just one boarding student you’re ensuring that
FA will receive at least $25,000 annually in revenue for the next four years.
This fall Foxcroft Academy is launching the Maroon and White Alumni
Referral Program, which will empower you and other FA alumni to award a
$1,000 tuition grant to any American or international high school student*
who is accepted and enrolls at Foxcroft Academy.
To request a Tuition Grant Referral Form and a copy of the
Maroon and White Grant Terms and Conditions, call the Alumni Office at
(207)564-8664 or email us at: [email protected]
*A Maroon and White Grant is also available
for day students referred by alumni as
outlined in the Terms and Conditions.
14
FOXCROFT ACADEMY ALUMNUS
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demy n attendin anquet tha ,
g the
on Su
t
A
nday
morn lumni
ing.
!
Plans
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u
Yo
Ma k e
Reunion ’07
Bulletin Board
Class of 1972
87
Class of 19
August 3, 4, and 5
Five Years for the
Class of 2002
The Chase camp in Bowerbank will be the site of
the 5th reunion. There will be a shuttle bus from
the town marina to the camp that will run every
hour, from noon until the fireworks. Food and
drinks will be offered, and classmates should feel
free to bring families, girlfriends/boyfriends, or
partners. Good times will be had by ALL. A letter
with more details will be sent out at a later date.
l Hold
l
i
W
f 1947 Reunion
o
s
s
a
Cl
60th kend, the
Their
ee
mni W
The class is planning to host a
multi-class get-together on
Saturday evening after the Alumni Banq
uet for the
classes of 1970-75. Contact Grace Dean
Langley at
[email protected] or Sean Stith
am at
[email protected] if interested. Location
and exact
time to be finalized at a
later date.
of Alu
a yet
y night
ther at
a
e
n
g
id
r
o
t
F
t
On
plan o
l ge
’47 wil
ey also aturday
h
f
o
T
.
s
n
s
Cla
catio
t on S
losed lo mni Banque
ther
undisc
lu
for fur
the A
il
a
r
g
m
in
d
e
on afte
g th
atten
Gamm
atchin
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e
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t
night
Contac
ation.
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-2
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May 15
Other Reunion Classes
1937- 70th Reunion
Reunion Contact: Martha Green Rollins (207) 564-2021
1942- 65th Reunion
Reunion Contact: Norma Anderson Harris (207) 564-3687
1949
Reunion Contact: Louis Stevens (207)564-7528
Yearly gathering at his home, 451 Line Rd. in Sangerville on
August 3rd from 12:30 - 4:00
Bring your lunch; soda and ice cream will be furnished.
1952 -55th Reunion
Reunion Contact: Tom Gerrish (207) 564-7628
1962 - 45th Reunion
Reunion Contact: Barbara Beede Moore (207) 564-2145
1967 - 40th Reunion
Reunion Contact: Judy Collins Leighton
(207) 564-2854 or [email protected]
1977 - 30th Reunion
Reunion Contact: Diane Lord Merrill (207) 564-7249
1982 - 25th Reunion
Reunion Contact: Chris Ryder
106 #10 Rd., Dexter, ME 04930
rien Clang, to
Heather O’B
to
7
g
in
rd
o
cc
A
Class of 198
ty years, the
en
tw
te
ra
b
cele
picnic at
g a pot luck
will be havin
owed by
ate Park, foll
St
ey
n
en
K
l ironing
PeakesThey are stil
.
et
u
q
an
B
i
the Alumn
contact
ut feel free to
b
,
ls
ai
et
d
t
ou
mcast.net
ang1999@co
cl
h
at
er
th
Hea
16.
(508) 339-16
or call her at
Class of 1997
Saturday,
The class’ 10th reunion will be held on
two night
a
it
e
mak
to
ng
hopi
are
August 4th. They
on both
ting
icipa
part
in
ested
inter
e
affair for thos
ni
Alum
of
rday
Friday and the main event on Satu
mer
sum
early
in
ing
mail
Weekend. You can expect a
act
cont
se
Plea
ts.
even
of
ils
with the final deta
il.com,
Kelly Dow at (207) 659-1074, k_dow@hotma
ail.com,
@gm
fagan
Jayne Fagan at (503) 804-9191, jayne
930,
or Amy Smith at (207) 949-0
ils.
[email protected] for further deta
at
page
pace
MyS
’97
of
s
Clas
the
Check out
http://www.myspace.com/foxcroft1997
Class
Pictu
res
Follo
w
for th ing the Al
umni
e hon
Banq
o
at 7:1
ue
5 P.M r classes
will b t, class p
. and
woul
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finish
d like
en be otos
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to arr
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8
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:00 P.
ning
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sp
Offic cture, ple
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ase c ecial time If you
207)5
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rtisin et or by n order at
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207)9 alling Ter the
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50
SPRING 2007
15
REUNION ’07
Foxcroft Academy
Board of Trustees
Alumni Weekend Schedule
August 3 - August 5, 2007
Friday, August 3, 2007
6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
Lawn Party at Foxcroft Academy. The community is invited to come listen
to the Alumni Dance Band play with refreshments served. All former FA
band members are welcome to play, call Doug Smith ’65 at (207)564-8819
for more information. Special guests and honorees will be the
Girls’ Championship Basketball Team of 1967.
7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
Alumni Ice Hockey Game Alfond Area, University of Maine @ Orono if you
would like to play, come with your standard hockey equipment. Contact
Anthony Phillips ’79 at (207)564-8471 for further information.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
8:00 A.M. - 9:00 A.M.
5K Race - Registration begins at 7:00 A.M. and race starts at YMCA.
9:00 A.M. - 10:30 A.M. FA Alumni Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer if you would like to play, show up at
the Academy dressed and ready to play.
9:00 A.M. - 10:30 A.M. FA Alumni Field Hockey if you would like to play, show up at Academy
dressed and ready to play.
9:30 A.M. - Noon
Community Parade, class floats and cars welcome. Make plans to have
your class join the parade. Call the town office at (207) 564-3318 for
further information.
11:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. Alumni Basketball vs. FA Varsity Basketball Team if you would like
to play, show up at Sedemocha Middle School dressed and ready to play.
11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
Alumni Golf Scramble held at Foxcroft Golf Course. Prizes will be awarded.
You can put together your own team. Over 100 players last year! Please call
Foxcroft Golf Club (207)564-8887 to sign up for a tee time.
8:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Street Festival with crafters, food vendors, music, dancers, games for kids,
barbecues, dunk tank, quilt show and much more.
5:30 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Hors d’oeuvre Social at Foxcroft Academy. Cost included with banquet.
6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
Alumni Banquet at Foxcroft Academy. Come see the 1967 Girls’
Championship Basketball Team be presented with their banner. Cost $12.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
8:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. Brunch for FA alumni classes in Pride Manufacturing Student Center.
Reservations by class required, call (207)564-8351. Cost is $8.
16
FOXCROFT ACADEMY ALUMNUS
President, Vandy E. Hewett ’75
Vice President, Peter W. Culley ’61
Secretary, Jane Hibbard-Merrill
Treasurer, Donna L. Hathaway ’66
Susan M. Almy
William C. Bisbee
Ralph Gabarro
Edgar E. Gammon ’47
H. Thomas Gerrish ’52
Kenneth A. Hews ’65
David R. Perkins
David S. Ruksznis ’65
Glenda Brown Smith
Kevin L. Stitham ’70
Richard B. Swett
John Tatko
John E. Wentworth
John E. Wiles ’51
Honorary Trustees
Doris G. Coy ’64
William C. Forbes III
Elizabeth H. Harvey
Louis O. Hilton
Wayne O. Huff
Frederick E. Hutchinson ’48
Martha G. Rollins ’37
Douglas M. Smith ’65
Murray M. Stanhope ’37
Helen D. Stitham
Foxcroft
Volume No. XXXII
Spring/Summer 2007
Editor: Jay Brennan
Associate Head of School
Associate Editor: Cathy Hall
Assistant Director of Development
The Foxcroft is published two times each year for
alumni and friends of Foxcroft Academy.
If you are receiving duplicate copies of the Foxcroft
or have a change of address, please contact the
Foxcroft Academy Alumni Office at
975 W. Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426.
You may read the Foxcroft online at:
www.foxcroftacademy.org/magazine.html
Take note...
Dear Foxcroft Alumni & Friends,
t 2007 ni
e
u
q
n
a
lum
iB
Alumn ecommended for theer. ARegistration is
Class of 1986 Held 20th Reunion
Last Summer
institutions approaching their bicentennial anniversary, Foxcroft Academy has experienced periods of
growth, challenge and opportunity since its charter by the State of Maine in 1823. The foresight of its
founders and support of the local community helped establish an independent school to serve the students of surrounding towns
and offer preparation for both those who aspire to attend college and those seeking preparation for work and life beyond the
walls of the Academy. Our current Mission Statement reflects this tradition and the growth of the Academy in the past decade:
Like all
Founded in 1823, Foxcroft Academy is an independent secondary school offering comprehensive college
preparatory courses, technical education programs, and support services for day and boarding students.
The school is committed to developing responsible and informed citizens, critical thinkers, and collaborative
leaders. Foxcroft Academy is a community promoting the development of integrity, character, and skills
necessary for life-long learning.
SEND US YOUR NEWS
All Alumni: If you have news or photos, we'd love to pass them along (photos will be returned if requested).
Send information to: Foxcroft Alumni Office, 975 West Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426
OR you may call: (207)564-8664 E-Mail address: [email protected] All digital photos e-mailed should be a
minimum size of 700KB
Fax: (207)564-8394 Alumni E-Mail Directory on our website: http://www.foxcroftacademy.org
Alumni in College: Send school addresses. After graduation, let us know where you are.
Retired Alumni: Be sure to send both your winter/summer addresses.
Parents: Help us keep track of alumni; notify us of address changes.
Name:
Ê
The Academy’s tradition has been sustained by generations of dedicated faculty and school leaders as well as the
generosity of its alumni and friends both in and out of the State of Maine. This combination has created a student centered environment, diverse in
its programs and well-anchored to its community and its mission. Over the past ten years the school has attracted a growing number of residential
students to our campus who have not only brought a taste of the world to our local students and the community, but who have contributed positively
to the academic and cultural life of the school. Their presence has made us a better school and our school has helped create ambassadors for our
state and the community in which they live while attending Foxcroft. Their success is our success!
Since 1997 the number of residential students has grown from three to 37 during the current academic year. These students hail from Asia,
Latin America and Europe and in the recent past this mix has included students from Maine. A successful and vibrant future for Foxcroft’s boarding
program will continue to include families from around the globe, though our clear intention is to build a program attractive to families in Maine as
well as the greater Northeast. Ideally, our growth would cap at approximately 60 students in the next three to four years and would include the
building of student residences on campus. Combining campus living with our current housing in school leased houses and “host” families will lay
the groundwork for a more complete residential program that can tie easily into the existing school facilities. Such facilities are critical for us to
grow in an increasingly competitive boarding environment. Constructing on-campus residences would also make it possible to offer five-day
programs to Maine families, increase the amount of interaction with our day students and augment the number of adults who supervise and care for
our boarding students. Economically, the non-tax dollars brought to the campus from our residential families help the Academy maintain and grow
its programs by offsetting the decline in school age population in our area. Moreover, recent national figures estimate that in addition to the tuition
dollars brought to a school, each boarding student spends on average $2000-$3000 additional in the local community per year.
As many of you may know, Governor Baldacci and the Maine Department of Education recently proposed a comprehensive reorganization of
public education in Maine. Although it appears at the time of writing that this plan is unlikely to go forward in its current form, the initiative did, as
a state senator mentioned to me, kick the chicken coop. It is unclear what will happen when the feathers settle, though the discussion that surfaced
over the past three months has helped bring a wide scope of interests into the debate on how we can both improve education in Maine and be
mindful of costs. Throughout this process we have been working with our state representatives and within the Maine Association of Independent
Schools to make sure that Town Academies like Foxcroft will continue to serve the kids of Maine through whatever reforms surface in the months
and years ahead. The compelling case for Foxcroft and other Town Academies centers on the success of our programs, our ability to prepare our
graduates and an objective case that can be made for the efficiency of how we use our resources. Foxcroft, like all Town Academies in Maine, does
not receive public support for renovations, new construction, or improvements to existing facilities. All such funds must be found in our operating
budgets or though efforts to raise funds through our alumni, parents and friends.
As the discussion unfolds in the state legislature in the months ahead, we will keep our voice in the debate and promote both our historical
service to the families of Maine and our ability, largely as the result of our independence, to adapt and build programs that effectively prepare
students for further education and service to their communities. Your voice in support of Foxcroft and the preservation of access for public school
families to Town Academies is important as the debate moves forward.
I mentioned in an earlier part of this message that the population trends in Central Maine ( to some degree the entire Northeast) suggest that
over the next decade or so, the number of high school age students will continue to decline. For Foxcroft and other Town Academies who welcome
publicly funded students, this decline will impact operating funds and create both opportunities and challenges. We will need to be the best stewards
possible of our resources, ask hard questions about programs and do our best to seek support of our alumni and friends. Our story is a compelling
one, our historical foundation a solid one and our educational mission a critical one for our community, our state and our region. I am convinced
that with good planning, collaborative efforts and the support of the greater Foxcroft community we will continue to prepare young people for
success well past the projected demographic dip in enrollment. Our past is a proud one, our present a challenging one and our future a bright one!
geth
hly r
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n is hig
to sit to
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Kristie Ellis McLeod and Renae Ireland Tash
would like to
thank everyone for coming to the class’
20th reunion held
last summer. It began on Friday night at
Jerry Engstrom’s
and he and his wife Wanda were wonderfu
l hosts. Allison
Huntington Wakeland, Paul Flanders and
Paul Fowles had
the rest of the group in stitches most of
the night. Not
many participated in the parade, but Rana
e, Marnie and
Kristie had a blast seeing many of you on
the sidewalks of
town. The same girls and significant othe
rs enjoyed the
Alumni Banquet on Saturday night follo
wed by some
regaling of tales of old at Abel Blood’s Pub
Restaurant.
Though not many classmates attended, a
great time was
had by all and they look forward to the
25th in 2011!
Sincerely,
Maiden Name:
Class:
Address:
Telephone:
Spouse’s Name:
Children’s Names and Ages:
E-Mail Address:
NEWS/COMMENTS (names of children, grandchildren, where you work, hobbies, travel adventures, births, deaths, marriages,
accomplishments, awards etc.):
Do you plan on attending the Alumni Banquet? Yes
Guest(s) Name
No
Amount Enclosed $
(Checks for the Alumni Banquet may be made payable to Foxcroft Academy.)
Raymond P. Webb, Ph.D.
Head of School
Nomination for Dr. Mary Chandler Lowell Award (outstanding accomplished alumnus)
Nomination for Tillson D.Thomas Award (outstanding retired faculty member)
“It was an honor and privilege to have been named the recipient of the Tillson D. Thomas Award”, says last year’s winner Mr. Bob Beek.
Volume No. XXXII Spring/Summer 2007
APPLIC ATIONS
NOW BEING
AC C E P T E D
F O R T H E FA L L
2 0 07 T E R M
Discover and Attend
Discover
FOXCROFT ACADEMY
Look where
Foxcroft Academy
can take
your child...
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Colby College
Cornell University
Dartmouth
•
•
•
•
College Preparatory Courses in all Academic Areas
29 Honors Courses and 7 Advanced Placement Courses
Latin, French, and Spanish
Engaging ESL programming for international
boarding students
• Weekend excursions for all boarding students
• Students from 12 Maine communities and 7 countries
• Accreditation: New England Association of
Independent Schools and Colleges
Michigan State University
Middlebury College
Northeastern University
Purdue University
SUNY- Binghamton
University of Maine
Worcester Polytechnic
Institute
Please call our Admissions Office at 207-564-8351 or e-mail us at
[email protected]
w w w. f o x c ro f t a c a d e m y. o rg
Foxcroft Academy
975 West Main Street
Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426
Change Service Requested
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Bangor
ME
Permit No. 46
See pages 8 & 9
A PUBLIC ATION OF FOXCROFT AC ADEMY for ALUMNI & FRIENDS