Thank You for Attending Reunion Weekend

In keeping with BA tradition, Reunion 2011 was once again held the first weekend in June.  This year's schedule was slightly different than years past, beginning the weekend with a dinner cruise down Long Lake aboard the Songo River Queen.  About 25 ventured out on a windy but bright evening for what turned out to be a fabulous time. Alumni and guests in attendance on Friday night included Jack 51' and Betty Dempsey, Ken '71 and Cathy Newbegin, Al and Pat Glover, Denis McCarthy '81, Kevin Jones '81, Bill '81 and Victoria McGowan (with their 18-month old daughter, Samantha), Marguerite Frisbie Dale '47, Glenn Ginter '81 and Richard Harris '71.   After the dinner cruise, all interested alumni were invited back to campus to the Wolverine Den for social time. 

Saturday morning featured the Hall of Fame Brunch, with Bridgton's own Rod McGarry '57 as the emcee for the event. This year's inductees were John Aquilino '80, Roger Austin '86, Harold Damelin '65, Al Glover – former trustee, Paul Guimond '79, Cole Proctor '62, William Seach '63, Addison Wiggin '87, and Vernon Wood – former faculty and posthumously inducted.  Not all inductees were able to be present, but those who did attend – Roger Austin, Harold Damelin, Al Glover, and Addison Wiggin – each shared meaningful words with those in attendance.  In addition, well-renowned Maine ski coach Tom Reynolds was present to accept the award for Paul Guimond, and Grant Wood '66 spoke on behalf of his father, Vern.  It was a picture perfect day for photos after the ceremony at the Hall of Fame garden, located at the far end of the Wolverine Football field.  

Saturday afternoon highlights included tours of campus, Ladies of BA Tea, and "Voices of Bridgton" video interviews.  Tom Austin graciously toured around campus with any who were interested in seeing our newest campus additions as well as our oldest and most remembered buildings.  The ladies who attended the tea party had the opportunity to see the newly refurbished Wolverine Den and join with several BA faculty women for a wonderful time of tea, served in tea cups donated to BA by the late Martha Flint '52.  We would like to thank Barbara Dalgaard and Joann Fillebrown for willingly participating in "Voices of Bridgton," in which they shared their memories of BA on video.

On Saturday evening, the Reunion dinner started with a hospitality hour in the Student Lounge at Goldsmith Dining Hall.  As alumni arrived, they were treated to drinks and appetizers while reminiscing with former classmates and faculty.  The Class of 1981 had the largest representation: Denis McCarthy, Glen Ginter, Brian Mahoney, and Kevin Jones were all in attendance.  Kevin Jones was accompanied by six of his family members including his wife, Carol, two daughters, and his parents Robert & Elaine. Brian Jones '85 rounded out the Jones family representation at Reunion 2011! The decade of the 1940's was also well represented with Joann Fillebrown '48, Phil Denison '48, Prentiss '49 and Edith '51 Kimball, Gordon '48 and Virginia '49 Knight, Marguerite Frisbie Dale '47, and Barbara Lord Dalgaard '48 all present.   The most recent alumnus who attended was Jeff Schemeltz from the Class of 2010. 

Reunion 2011 closed with breakfast at Goldsmith Dining Hall.  Though this year's attendance at all events was down from some other years, it still proved to be wonderful time in honoring the alumni of Bridgton Academy, those who have experienced first-hand the difference that BA makes.

Next year, Bridgton Academy will look to honor milestone years ending in 2's and 7's!

Click here to view pictures from Reunion Weekend 2011!