Six to be inducted into FA Hall of Excellence this Saturday

Carol Brooks

Fryeburg Academy will induct six new members into its Hall of Excellence as part of Homecoming activities this  Saturday, Sept. 29.

The induction ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m., in the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, and is open to the public. The latest inductees will be: Carol Brown Brooks, Class of 1953; Hannah Hill ’09; Brooke Anderson Robertson ’04; Martha Grover Holden ’74; David Greenidge ’66; and Howard Ross, contributor.

The Hall of Excellence’s mission is to further recognize outstanding achievements and contributions in extra-curricular activities by the Academy’s many dedicated and gifted students, coaches and supporters.

Here’s a look at the new Hall members:

Carol Brown Brooks, Class of 1953

Carol Brown Brooks is a graduate of the FA’s Class of 1953. She transferred to Fryeburg Academy from Westbrook High School at the end of the 1950–51 school year. During the fall of her junior year, she quickly made an impact on the athletic fields and courts. Although she had never seen a field hockey game before, she tried out and made the varsity squad due to her natural athleticism and running ability. She played “inner” for the team coached by Miss Kilman and Miss LaCasce. The following year, in 1952, the team went undefeated.

Carol played basketball for two years as well, again she had little experience, having only seen two boys’ games played prior to tryouts. She was quickly moved to varsity, playing guard her first season, and guard and forward her senior year.

Softball was familiar to her, as she had played baseball with her brothers and other neighborhood boys, as well as with the North Fryeburg men’s team! As a catcher on the varsity softball player, Carol helped lead her team to two undefeated seasons.

She was also active in the Girls Athletic Council and the Y-Teens.

Carol married fellow ’53 classmate, Burton Brooks, and raised three daughters — Nancy, Lois and Gail — all FA alums and athletes.

She continued her involvement in athletics throughout the state. Carol was a nationally-rated basketball and field hockey official (high school and college) from 1961–1975; she served as a substitute physical education and health teacher at Fryeburg Academy, Sacopee Valley and Lake Region High Schools from 1962–1974; and over the years, has coached basketball and softball at the high school level. She was also a member of the Western Maine Board of Coaches and Officials from 1961–75.

Carol, a tireless volunteer, was a 10-year member of Fryeburg Rescue; ran a summer activity program for Brownfield children; served as a committee member and later chairman of the Brownfield Budget Committee; and served both on the SAD 72 School Board and as a Brownfield selectman.

In 2005, Carol was the recipient of an appreciation award given by Healthy Maine Partnerships for her energy, effort and dedication in support of Healthy Maine Partnerships in local communities and schools.

From 1975–2011, she drove a school bus for SAD 72. Since 1963, she has been a member of the Stone Chapter Order of Eastern Star, elevating to the rank of Worthy Matron, and a member of Pythagorean Chapter in Fryeburg.

Carol now lives in Fryeburg and recently celebrated her 65th F.A. Reunion this past August.

Hannah Hill

Hannah Hill, Class of 2009

Hannah Hill is a member of the Class of 2009. It was clear early on that Hannah was destined for greatness on the softball field. Her pitching skills were well-known and much anticipated as she arrived on the Fryeburg Academy campus in the fall of 2005. She certainly did not disappoint.

Hannah helped bring the FA softball team to new heights. During her high school career, she threw 10 no-hitters and posted an overall record of 64–12 with a 0.57 ERA and notched 912 strikeouts. During her senior year, she posted a 0.46 ERA in 136 innings and recorded 231 strikeouts while hitting .516 with three home runs and 23 RBI. Overall, Hannah hit .433 with seven home runs and 62 RBI in four years, while leading Fryeburg Academy to two Class B State Championships in 2008 and 2009 under Coach Fred Apt.

She was the two-time Maine Gatorade Player of the Year, two-time Maine State Softball MVP, was named Miss Maine Softball in 2009, and the Portland Press Herald Player of the Year in 2009. Additional accolades include:

Freshman Year: All Conference 1st Team, Team MVP;

Sophomore Year: All Conference 1st Team, Team MVP, All-State Pitcher;

Junior Year: All Conference 1st Team, Team MVP, WMC Softball Player of the Year;

Senior Year: All Conference 1st Team, Team MVP, WMC Softball Player of the Year and All Conference Academic Award.

Hannah worked tirelessly on her softball skills throughout the year. During the summers, she played ball for the Maine Junior Black Bears in 2007 and 2008, and with Maine Frozen Ropes in 2009.

She was also a talented musician, who juggled her intense athletic schedule with a busy music rehearsal schedule. A four-year member of Fryeburg’s competitive Vocal Jazz Ensemble, the group captured four Maine state titles during her time. A strong student, Hannah was inducted into the National Honor Society in 2007 and received the Headmaster’s Award at graduation.

She was recruited to play Division I softball at Seton Hall University, where she was recognized as the Most Outstanding Pitcher at the SHU Pirate Classic in 2011, and named to the Big East Weekly Honor Roll, as well as being a two-time Big East All-Academic Team member. She also served as a student athlete volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club of Newark, N.J., and at the Brotherhood of Saint John’s Mastery. When she transferred to University of Maine at Orono in 2012, she continued her dominance on the mound. She was a two-time Eastern Conference Pitcher of the Week in 2014, as well as the UMaine Pitcher of the Year in 2014 and America East All-Conference Pitcher 2nd Team in 2014.

She always made time in her schedule to give back to her sport, volunteering and conducting softball camps and clinics.

Brooke Anderson Robertson

Brooke Anderson Robertson, Class of 2004

Brooke Anderson Robertson was a standout athlete and scholar throughout her years at Fryeburg Academy. A graduate of the Class of 2004, Brooke dominated on the field hockey field, earning four varsity letters and accumulating a long list of accolades and honors during her high school career.

She earned Western Maine All Conference Team honors in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003, and was named to the Western Maine All-State Team her sophomore, junior and senior years. She received the F.A. Raiders’ Offensive Player Award in 2001, the Raiders Booster Award for Outstanding Athletic Performance in 2004, and was honored as a Maine Sunday Telegram All-Star in 2001 and 2002. In 2004, she was recognized for having the most field hockey goals in the state, racking up 83 goals and 23 assists during her four FA years.

Brooke was a member of the Super Sophs All-Tournament Team in 2001; a Maine Futures Field Hockey participant in 2002, 2003 and 2004; and competed at the Cape Cod Classic Field Hockey Tournament in 2002 and 2003, as well as the National Field Hockey Festival in 2002 and 2003.

She was also a top alpine skier, and a member of the Academy’s Maine State Championship ski team, again earning four varsity letters and was selected as captain her senior year. She was named to the Western Maine All Conference Team in 2002, 2003 and 2004.

She went on to the University of Maine at Orono, playing Division I field hockey. In 2008, she was named the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s All-American Strength and Conditioning Female Athlete of the Year, a high honor of which she is extremely proud.

Always an excellent student, Brooke received both America East Conference Academic Honors and the UMAINE Scholar/Athlete Awards in 2006, 2007 and 2008. She graduated in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and began working at Harvard University as a Strength and Conditioning assistant coach. In 2011, Brooke earned her master’s degree in Exercise Science from George Washington University.

She and her husband, Jason Robertson, now live in San Antonio, Texas, where Jason is stationed with the U.S. Air Force. They have three beautiful children — daughter, Jonna, and twin boys Tate and Beck.

Martha Grover Holden

Martha Grover Holden, Class of 1974

Martha Grover Holden is a member of FA’ s Class of 1974. A standout student/athlete, Martha was a four-year varsity member of the field hockey and ski teams. She also ran track for three years after playing softball her freshman year.

Martha was an active member of the French Club (three years), National Honor Society (three years), the Girls’ Athletic Club (four years), Chorus (four years), FHA (two years), Library Council (four years/president, senior year), and the Bell Yearbook staff, serving as editor her senior year.

Following graduation from the Academy, she earned her associate’s degree in Medical Assisting from Thomas College, her bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration in 2004 and her master’s in Management with a concentration in Healthcare Management in 2009 from St. Joseph’s College. While in college, Martha served as the girls’ basketball manager for several years and participated in intramural soccer and volleyball.

Martha is a life-long volunteer, purchasing and delivering groceries for those in need through the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice program. While at St. Joseph’s College, she received the Continuing Care Council Award while enrolled in an external degree BS program. She was a member and served as treasurer of the Maine Association of Healthcare Quality from 1990-97, served as a Harrison Village Library trustee (two years), served as a moderator, clerk, deacon, and a Sunday school teacher for the Harrison/North Bridgton Congregational Church from 1983 to the present. She was a founding member of the Harrison Food Bank and continues to serve on the board of directors.

While raising their family, Martha and her husband, Bob, owned several businesses including Woodman’s Sporting in Norway, and the Market Basket in Harrison. As local business owners, they made it a priority to give back and help raise money for their community and school systems.

Martha currently works for Stephens Memorial Hospital as a quality and safety specialist with a primary role as a risk management advisor. She lives in Harrison with her husband, Robert, and they have three grown sons, Mark, Tyler and Ross.

David Greenidge

David Greenidge, Class of 1966

David Greenidge entered Fryeburg from Cambridge, Mass., as a senior in the fall of 1965. Prior to arriving, he was hesitant about the move, but he remembers feeling welcomed and accepted by underclassmen, his senior class, and the entire Fryeburg community. Within the first month of school, he was voted president of his senior class.

David was a member of the undefeated 1965 state championship football team. Aside from earning his varsity letter, he was named to the All-State, First Team in Class B. He continued to show his leadership in varsity basketball, selected as captain by his teammates. In the spring of 1966, he made the varsity baseball team, playing first base. His coach, Scott Kelly ’53, told him he could be another George “Boomer “ Scott and nicknamed him “The Flea.”

Following graduation, David attended Delaware State College before joining the ranks of Polaroid Corporation, where he worked as a senior lab technician from 1969 until his retirement in 2008.

David has been a member of the IAABO / International Association of Approved Basketball Officials from 1992 to the present; part of this time serving as an Executive Board member. He has participated in many mentoring programs, volunteering for the CYO, as well as the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs in Derry, Manchester and Nashua, N.H. He was honored when selected as an official for AAU national tournaments and has traveled to Coco Beach, Virginia Beach and Hampton, Va., as well as Disney World to participate.

In February 2015, David was the guest speaker at a Fryeburg Academy all-school meeting, speaking to the student body during a Martin Luther King Day celebration. He shared with the students his great respect for his Academy teachers and classmates, and how much the school meant to him. He reminded students about the importance of respect for one another.

For the past two summers, David has also traveled to Fryeburg to work with FA’s head coach, Sedge Saunders, at his youth basketball camp.

In 2016, he was one of five recipients recognized by the Manchester Union Leader at “The Leaders: A Celebration of New Hampshire Sports Champions” held in Manchester, N.H. David was awarded the John R. Clark Award for his work as a basketball official in middle schools, high schools, prep and state leagues. David says he will remain active as an official as long as his legs hold him up!

Howard Ross

Howard Ross, Contributor

Although not a graduate, Howard Ross was an integral part of Fryeburg Academy for almost 20 years, working as an employee, a coach and a parent, who enjoyed watching his children attend and graduate from the school. Howard arrived at FA in 1956, hired by Headmaster Jack Mitchell to serve as the Superintendent of Building and Grounds from 1956–1976.

Howard was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Navy. He went on to become a lifelong member of the Masons and the American Legion.

He played an important role in the growth of the Academy’s physical plant. When Phil Richards was hired as headmaster in 1958, he immediately began campaigning to expand the school, its buildings, grounds and fields. Dorms were built and buildings (residences for faculty, outbuildings, industrial arts, etc.) were acquired throughout the town.

It was during this time that Howard and Headmaster Richards discovered a surplus of military vehicles and other machinery tools available for purchase from the closing Loring Air Force Base in Aroostook County. Items were purchased by FA for a fraction of their actual value and were of great benefit to the school.

The major acquisition was a very large, D-7 bulldozer, along with a tractor/trailer to transport it. This facilitated the beginning of the expansion of the athletic facilities. The creation of the ski complex at Stark’s Hill soon began, as well. Several new trails and slopes were cut and the rope tow installed. Under the direction of then ski coach and faculty member, Bucky Broomhall, Howard, an avid skier himself, constructed the ski jump and began the creation of the cross-country trail complex. The addition of a bombardier trail machine (also acquired from the closing air base) allowed for the grooming of the ski trails at Starks.

During the expansion of the campus athletic fields, many very large pine trees were removed. Howard single-handedly bulldozed this entire space and created the athletic fields that still exist today, including the football, track area and surrounding practice fields.

The athletic facilities at Fryeburg were a great source of pride to Howard. He had a true passion for all of the sports, coaches and athletes at the school. If buses were needed, both early and late in the day, he was often the driver, even though it was not part of his job description. Many mornings in the wintertime, he was up at 4 a.m. to gas and warm up the busses for the ski team’s trips. When starters and gate-keepers were needed for alpine skiing events, he was always the first to volunteer. His involvement as an interim coach of the ski team in 1966 was a highlight of his time at Fryeburg.

The Howard Ross Service Award was created in 2008, in memory of Howard, and is now presented annually to a member of the F.A. ski community, who displays selfless dedication to the program, and is considered to be gracious to all, regardless of ability.

Hall of Excellence members

* Deceased

Emore Alexander 1949*
Hillary Stacy Allocco 1999
Keri Apt 2000
John H. Atwood, supporter*

Joseph “Buck” Austin, supporter*

Alan Bennett 1960

Jeff Brown 1981
Clayton Burnell 1947
Jacki Eastman Buzzell 1990
Steve Cote 1985
Gerald Durgin 1968
Robyn Dunham Ela 1987
Beverly Osgood Duthie 1953*

Larry Gallagher 1964
John Garner 1972
Harvey Dow Gibson 1898*

Nathan Goff 1982
Chris Gordon 1981
John Gordon 1980
Robert S. Graustein 1957*
Clifford Gray 1923*
Alison Hale 1971
Ben Hammond 2001
June Walker Hammond 1954*

Celestine Perkins Harnden 1946*

David Hastings III 1968
Peter Hastings 1953
Richard Heikkinen 1962
Nancy Schildberg Hogan 1956

Colin Hurd 1964*
Mary Grover Jones 1966
Robert Jones 1956*
Raymond Jordan 1909*
William “Buck” Jordan 1935*
Scott Kelly 1953*
Joanna Kinsman 2003
Elroy LaCasce, supporter *

Vincent Manoriti 1985*
David* and Peg Mason, supporters

Gary McClurg, supporter
Kristen Russell McDermott 1983

Paul McGuire, supporter
Thomas McSherry 1959

Marcus Nash 1989
James A. Osgood 1956

Rayfield Payne 1955*
Louise Perry 1965
Frank Petillo, supporter*
Asa Pike IV 1957
Wendy Pope Dunham 1991

Margie Smith Record 1966

Catherine Riddle 1985
David Rohde 1985
Brett Russell 1956
Greg Sanborn 1984*
Harry True, supporter*

Cheryl Turner 1984
Daniel Turner, supporter*

David Turner 1988
Shelley Osgood Walker 1982

Eva Dunn Ward 1949

George Weston 1960
John F. Weston 1927*
John S. Weston 1993
James Wilfong 1964
Erica Perry Williams 2000

Amanda Keaten Wine 1989

Pat Wood 1968
Barry Woodbrey 1962