The Schola staff presents for the first time a printed yearbook. We have strived to give the record of our everyday life at Gorham High School. Will our readers forgive any mistakes we may have made? If hard work means excellence then this book should be perfect, but man's work is never perfection, so we can only hope you will enjoy reading these pages as much as we have enjoyed making them. For the cover design, we are indebted to our classmate, Paul Hamblen. We extend our sincerest appreciation to our faculty advisor, Ms. Robinson, who, from start to finish, has been the spirit behind the book and carried the heaviest responsibility. We also express appreciation to our staff, without whose help our annual could not have been a success.
Working persistently from March 1963 to March 1964, this year's Schola staff, under the leadership of Linda Carr, put out a different type of yearbook. One of the major changes was the first use of color.
This year the Schola staff has endeavored to produce a book that is truly representative of Gorham High School life. We have attempted to use as many new ideas and as much originality as possible, while still retaining some of the basic traditions associated with the Schola.
For the first time, hardcovers, definite margins, color on division pages, and a seasonal order have been used. Many of these ideas were obtained by our editor, Susan Carr, when she attended the School Press Institute at Syracuse University, New York last summer.
The staff members have been well-trained for their jobs, having begun apprenticeship in their sophomore year. In this program under the guidance of the editor, they learned about writing copy, the fundamentals of layout, planning and photography.
Publishing the Schola entails an immense amount of hard work for all those involved; yet if the finished product truly represents many facts of life at GHS, then we will be satisfied.
Every year around the end of August, a bunch of people get together and foolishly decide to make a yearbook. Where they got this idea, we'll never know, but we advise against it. A group of twenty-odd students work for about 7 1/2 months taking pictures, writing stupid copy, and creating new and exciting layouts. Working late afternoons, vacations, weekends, and a few late nights, the finished product is finally put in print.
The Schola staff would like to express its deepest thanks to Mr. Ellison, who spent long hours proofreading every word.
We would also like to thank Chris Meyers for being a royal pain to us about deadlines.
We could never have handled all the typing with two fingers; therefore we owe much to Carol, Karen, and Mamie.
We all hope you will enjoy this yearbook as much as we have enjoyed making it.
Schola is Gorham High School's yearbook and this year's Schola should be a good one. With a motivated, innovative editor, Nat Faulkner, a dedicated, helpful advisor, Mr. Ellison, and a hard-working staff, the 1977 Schola was put together.
There were the usual few minor problems, such as packages and packages of basketball pictures when the sports section was done, and no faculty pictures when the faculty section needed to be done, the usual deadline rushes with the staff working into weekends and vacations (72 pages to finish in four days!), and our two Schola cameras being stolen out of the office. Perhaps the biggest blow of all was our editor's taking off for sunny Costa Rica two weeks before the last deadline. But it couldn't be helped, and fortunately Audrey Reed took over to pull the staff through.
To give an example of the work involved in creating a yearbook, putting together a page of the book consists of getting pictures, stamping, cropping, and identifying pictures, fitting the pictures on the page, writing copy, typing copy, fitting the copy on the page, then doing it all over on the final carbon copy. This takes a lot of time and work, and requires a sound, stable mind and a 25 hour day.
The staff would like to thank Mr. Ellison and Nat for all their help and hard work and planning, and to wish Nat the best of luck in Costa Rica.
The Schola staff is a group of students that works each year to put together the yearbook. They work many hours during the fall and winter to come up with new ideas and to meet different deadlines. Many kinds of work are involved; copy writing, typing, artwork, photography, and page layouts for each section are all completed before it is sent to be printed. The staff puts in a lot of time throughout the year and hopes that you enjoy the result.
Schola is the yearbook organization of Gorham High School. It is an annual student publication. It attempts to capture moments during the school year for fond memories in the years following graduation. Mr. Ellison, the yearbook advisor, has held this position for 10 years. This is his last year. Robert Dudley is editor.
No matter how it's done, the yearbook takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Going through transition, the Schola staff has an ever tougher job experimenting with new ideas and styles while still pleasing the majority. Second year editor Shana Gora led this year's staff through many difficult times such as late deadlines, missing photos, and both a new photographer and a new publishing company. However, no matter how trying, it is worth our efforts and trouble to produce a complete collection of memories here at Gorham High School. The yearbook staff would like to thank Mr. Carter for his time and endless devotion, and all the others that helped to make this edition of Schola successful.
This year has held some very challenging and rewarding experiences for us. The key word here is "us." During our sophomore and junior years we watched as Shana Gora single-handedly tried to take on a 10 person job. That was why we decided to work together. We shared the responsibility, criticism and praise that comes with the territory, and over the course of the year got a little more sleep than if either of us had tried it alone. Still, it would be difficult, if not impossible, for the two of us to put this yearbook together without help. Lots of help.
First we'd like to thank Martha Harris and the student photographers who submitted the vivid, obnoxious, fun-loving pictures around which this book was built. We also should thank all coaches and activities' advisors for their willingness to help, and every student who wrote a story telling about what's going on around the school. Mrs. Hinds, our sixth period study hall teacher, also deserves our gratitude for her patience, understanding, and tolerance of many yearbook excursions necessary to make important deadlines.
Finally, the key to the 1989 edition of Schola, had to be the staff members who really pulled the book together. Although inexperienced, both Becky Harris and Leigh Webber did a fantastic job with the underclassmen section. The marathon sports section never would have come together without the hard work of Anne Graham. Another of the longer sections, the seniors, was handled with an unbelievable amount of organization and endurance by Handi Dolloff. Jen Maxwell was also outstanding in her 6 hour sprint to complete the faculty section for the deadline. And who could forget Carmen Nobel, whose creativity and dedication pulled us out of deadline crises again and again.
Most importantly, we'd like to let the Schola advisor, Mr. Mike Carter, know that his thankless duties, like the last minute trips to the One Hour Photo Finishing store in Portland, and the late night typing sprees have not gone unappreciated.
Cheryl Ide/Sarah Maxwell, Editors
The staff started the year with great expectations for this edition (incorrectly branded as the 50th). We had many changes planned, and carried out as many as possible. Some of these were improved graphics and layout, combining underclassmen, changing the senior section, and enlarging the student life section. We also included more world events and issues as the yearbook would call to mind the world we lived in this year as well as the friends we had. Although the staff was small, the people we had were dedicated. We would like to thank our advisors, Richard and Donna Hinds for helping us produce a book we can be proud of. Peter Lord's computer expertise got us out of many jams and produced most of our graphics. Leigh Webber was our "faithful sidekick" who was always there to lend a hand. Jen Bragg and Jen Bowden (JB squared) were assistants in every area. A special thanks to Martha Harris for providing great pictures when we were otherwise let down. We can't leave out Aimee Marandola, Angela Martin, Andy Wilcox, and the rest of the gang. The staff would like to thank Mr. Carter for his two years of advisory.
We hope the 1990 Schola has continued the Gorham tradition of excellence.
Sincerely, Rebecca Harris and Jennifer Maxwell
With this page comes the close of another yearbook. Still, nothing is properly over without certain thank yous, goodbyes, and farewells. Schola 1991 would like to thank all of its patrons and supporters, and a special bow to Jonathan Shevis, Sara Friel, and Janice Friel for their work on the advertising campaign. A well-deserved thanks and good luck to the advisors, Mr. and Mrs. Hinds, for their time and patience (and impatience!). I would like to acknowledge Meghan Rathmell for her work in the sports section, and Nate Powell for producing the student life section. Thanks also go, of course, to Renee Keniston for joining and remaining with the staff, and Peter Lord, for another year of graphics and insulting captions. Good luck with Schola 1992!
Jennifer Maxwell, Editor
The yearbook was a lot of hard work and long hours, but it did have its own rewards. Both of us got to know some interesting people - including each other. We would like to thank some people who helped make the experience all that more enjoyable: Sara Friel for all those ads, Matt Herrick for the cover, Martha Harris for the great photos, Dave the Janitor who has walked in on some interesting conversations, cheeze-wiz, our advisors Mr. and Mrs. Hinds, Liz, Patti, Jessica, Tim, Tom, Mattias, Aaron, Tanya, and Jen - the people who were always here, and our folks for putting up with our odd schedules!
Now that you are reading this note from us, the yearbook is finally complete. We hope that you enjoy the hard work and long hours that we have put into pulling this yearbook together. We got a late start, and are lucky to have a yearbook at all...thanks to Mr. Luce. We would like to thank all of the yearbook staff, especially those of you who were always there and working hard (you know who you are). We have enjoyed learning of the responsibilities that go along with editing and getting to know everyone on the yearbook staff. This group consisted of a wide range of people who came together to contribute a little piece of themselves to create the yearbook of 1993. Enjoy!
Michelle Stone and Lisa Wolff, Editors
This is the time to thank all those who contributed to the 1994 Schola. Out of long hours of cropping and typing came a yearbook. It could not have been completed without the staff who was so dedicated week after week. Thanks to Mr. Luce for keeping us informed of what was going on, in every aspect! We also appreciate the support of those from outside the yearbook staff, such as teachers who have shown interest in our progress. Despite late photographers, faulty cameras, and other minor problems, the yearbook is complete. Congratulations class of 1994!
Editors Kerry Isaacson and Jennifer Moffitt
I was looking forward to this year, to the challenge of yearbook, as the summer days faded into fall. Through the initial days of school, ambition and excitement formed my yearbook mentality. However, the challenge grew to more challenging, to virtually impossible, as the new school, the new schedule, the new publishing company, the new advisors, the new yearbook committee, and a late start provided obstacles to overcome. With every new challenge, through every crunch, every panic, we persevered, and tried to produce a quality book in the process. And, with the saintly assistance of Cole Harris, our representative at Jostens, I think we have succeeded. Thanks to Cole, and to every yearbook member, faculty member, and to our advisors for contributing their time and support to this book. Especially thanks to Bret Sedenka, assistant editor, and good luck to him as next year's editor. Congrats to the class of '95 and good luck to the graduating classes to come!
Sincerely,
Jennifer DeDominici, Yearbook Editor 1995
Well, this certainly has been an interesting year. It has been an honor to be the Co-Editor of the 1996 Schola. A big thanks to everyone who has played either a small or large part in the making of this book. Each person that has helped in any way has worked hard to make this yearbook the best that it can be; through all the trouble of getting a staff, getting this edition off the ground, nearly missing deadlines, and pulling my hair out, we have persevered through it all to deliver the best quality book possible. I look forward to next year and all the challenges that it has to offer. To all the seniors who are leaving the rest of us behind, good luck!!! Remember, the memories that are stored here will last a lifetime, so cherish them.
Ruth Nicholson, Co-Editor
Know this: yearbooks are spawning grounds for papercuts. With this in mind, don't frown too severely upon the occasional bloodstains you may find marring our otherwise perfect pages - accidents happen, and it's actually not always a bad thing. One example of this could be the selection of me to edit this year's yearbook. Though I'm sure there were a lot of very angry people when it was first made known that Jamie Gordon had somehow blundered his way onto the yearbook staff, they probably aren't too upset now, because they know that I'm graduating and thusly can't do too much more damage.
I sincerely hope that all of you who've been suckered into purchasing this yearbook enjoy it, or at least hate it enough to take pleasure in ridiculing it. There are a lot of names that should be mentioned here because they've all helped me immensely, but this is my little section, and I want to soak up as much credit and well-deserved awe as I can. Take a minute or two to make sure you fully realize the extent of my talent, virtuosity, etc., and move on to the rest of the book; either that or close the book because this page is the last thing you looked at. (I'm much better looking than this picture shows).
-Jamie Gordon, Co-Editor
Just like many of the years that have passed, this one has been interesting; however, 'why' is something that happens to change with time. The group dynamics and the dedication of a staff make or break the production of a 144 page yearbook in seven months.
I have been truly grateful for the amount of dedication that the 1997 Gorham High School Schola staff has given. Each member demonstrated a 110% effort, making this book the best that it can be. I would like to thank the staff for outshining past yearbook staffs in not only their timeliness, but also the quality that they have displayed. I think this is the first year, in recent history, that we have made one of our deadlines!
Late nights, vacation time, and Saturdays were not nearly as occupied by the creation of this book, than in previous years. Luckily, this year the janitorial staff refrained from waxing the floors, leaving my senior editor and me to order pizza through an open window, during one vacation.
I would like to thank our advisor, Mr. Carter, for being with us every step of the way, doing more than his title says, and his willingness to spend an extra ten bucks to buy potato chips, Oreos, donuts, soda, and hot chocolate. I can guarantee that the '97 yearbook staff never went hungry (unless, of course, Pat's there). I wish Mr. Carter and next year's staff the best of luck.
I hope that you savor the memories that are contained in this book. High school is but a brief moment that has its own space in time. To the students here at GHS, whether you stay here, or continue on to work, the military, travel, or college, glance through these pages years from now and remember that there was "no day, but today."
Ruth Nicholson, 1997 Editor
Each yearbook member contributed something special, enhancing the quality and originality of the book. Without the dedication of the staff, this book would not have been possible.
At the beginning of the year the staff was divided, and in turn, conflicts arose. However, of the course of the year we became closer, bonding over frequent trips to Shop 'n Save and Walmart, and during late night meetings. We began working as a team, marveling over how much more we could accomplish simply by working together.
I would like to thank Mr. Carter for his willingness to stay for "one more" late night meeting, for letting us invade his classroom, and for always taking the time to help us out, no matter what he had going on. The production of this book would not have been possible without his knowledge and guidance.
Thanks to Cole Harris for helping us fix any problems we encountered. This book would not be as successful without all of his help.
To the students of Gorham High School, we produced this book for you. As you turn through the pages that capture the 1997-1998 school year, remember the memories and remember that the high school experience is beyond words.
Jennifer Shaw, Editor
This year's yearbook was met with many new obstacles to overcome. Changes in location, leadership, and technique provided challenging yet interesting situations for the 1999-2000 Schola staff. A relatively new staff needed training in not only the traditional paper layouts, but we also developed skills on the new Yeartech computer program. A combination of late and slow starts provided us with plenty of late, hard-working meetings. We never, however, allowed the piling mounds of tasks to replace our valuable senses of enjoyment, humor, and spirit.
Ms. Duggan, though it has been a struggle this year, we appreciate everything you have done. We couldn't have finished this without you. Carter, you taught us more than you will ever know. We all miss you. Thank you, Cole, for watching out for us over the last four years. Holden...we still can't believe you ditched us! Thank God for one-hour photo development; without them, we could never have made it through the last four years. To our staff, you guys are great and truly made yearbook fun. Thank you and good luck in the years to come.
There is an old saying that makes the following claim about our high school years: "These are the best times of your life." This year's staff decided that, as enjoyable as high school has been, we would like to hope that our lives would be further enriched as we move on to the real world. Therefore, keeping positive hopes for our collective futures, the theme for the 2000 edition of the Gorham High School Schola is: The Best is Yet to Come!
Megan Dubay/Christopher Brown, Editors
We would like to start off by saying thank you to the 2001 yearbook staff. This yearbook could not have been completed without you. Your dedication and persistence have shone through, even in tough times. We would also like to thank Ms. Duggan. Your ability with computers helped enable us to make the transition from drawing pages to being high-tech.
The 2001 Schola was faced with two tough obstacles. The first being deadlines. It is a word we have grown to hate. We watched as many came and went before our eyes. We missed the first and have played catch-up all year to see that the yearbook got here on time. The second was a new staff which forced us with the issue of teaching different techniques needed for forming this book. Once these techniques were taught, they were not always put to their best use.
Aside from both of these stressful things, the yearbook staff did have their "bonding" moments, from Adam and Kyle boogying, to Jojo's lectures on Saved by the Bell. We also spent many late nights at school working hard. But don't worry, we guarantee that none of us went hungry. We ate everything from candy to chips to pizza and the list goes on and on.
So with the 2001 school year coming to an end, the yearbook staff would like to wish the seniors good luck in the future.
Victoria Kempton/Karen Straw, Editors
Here I am on the last day of yearbook, and I am asked to sum up this year's craziness in a few paragraphs. Well, here's my story: day one started with a bang. We had 30 eager yearbook people; the next day we had about 10. Throughout this year people have come and gone as they pleased; showing up on time just to reach their hands into the candy drawer, then leaving with their sugar fix. And now it is the end of the yearbooking season, and we are 6 people strong.
Of those 6 people, we've shared the best memories. From the days when we played charades for 2 hours straight, to the days when our techno music was blasting so loud that Ms. Duggan claimed her pulse was beating much faster. Or the times when we couldn't do any work because we were sent home early due to the bomb scares. And for some reason, during the winter season we had the worst luck with the yearbook. We never completed a full deadline. The printer could never handle our print jobs. The pictures were, and still are, always one pica too small. What truly is amazing is that we made it through the mucky-muck. With all the problems we encountered, we talked about not having a yearbook this year. But the staff picked up the pieces and got the job done. At times I just sent everyone to Cindy Doxsey because she knew better than I did what was going on.
These are the Editor's Notes, and I am the editor of this fine yearbook. A piece of work such as this can be called a masterpiece, or a "work of art" (that might be stretching it a bit). But what really is important, is that if you don't like something about the book, don't accuse the staff or the editor. Join the yearbook staff and change what you don't like about the yearbook. It is your input that really matters. Thank you for taking the time to read my notes. Now please enjoy the book, at your own risk, of course.
-Adam Silsby, Editor
As the 2003 yearbook editor, I would like to give a special thanks to Emily Gendrolis (our sports editor), Lindsay Buteau, Pily Chaves, Melinda Earley, Chrissy Miner, Bethany Straw, Joseph Guidi, Gregory Bem and Neil Craig. These nine people created the best yearbook staff I have worked with throughout my three years in yearbook. They returned meeting after meeting producing high quality work.
I would also like to give a special thanks to the yearbook advisor, Ms. Duggan. I often think of what the yearbook would have been like if she had not agreed to be the 2003 advisor. I decided that without her help and endless knowledge, the 2003 yearbook would be nonexistant.
With the help of numerous photographers, Ms. Duggan, business advisor Deborah Cuffey, and a great yearbook staff, we have created a fabulous 2003 yearbook. Enjoy!
-Cindy Doxsey, Editor
Wow, my senior year has come to an end faster than I would have ever imagined. Another yearbook has been completed, yeah! I had an awesome year working with all of you yearbookers and I will definitely miss being your editor. Everyone worked really hard. The vacations we spent at the school and the afternoons spent toiling over the future work of art all showed me how dedicated you were. Mr. Wojtal and Mrs. Cuffey, thanks for all your help, the book would have been a disaster without you. This yearbook took a lot of work to finish and I hope that everybody will be happy with the way it turned out. I am!
Good luck class of 2005!
-Chrissy Miner, Editor
Our senior year has come to an end and it was busier than ever. After working hard with some of the most dedicated people, we've created a great yearbook to share with everyone. Senior year is a memorable one and we hope that this yearbook will capture those memories. This year's yearbook staff has been incredible. We've been together for the past three years and have ended on a great note. Mr. Wojtal was a tremendous help this year and deserves a huge thank you for all of his patience and hard work. We hope you enjoy the yearbook and the years you have left here at Gorham High School.
Good luck class of 2006!
Chelsea Rondeau and Kelsi Hawkes, Editors
"Back when I was in high school..." was a phrase often heard by this year's yearbook committee. Although his ramblings were incredibly numerous and long-winded, Wojtal provided an encouraging and fun environment. He helped a little bit, too. Some of us had to keep a calm demeanor for others in the group, but in the end we are proud of the results. We couldn't have done this without the help of our amazing staff. Class of 2007, this is your book! We've put in 12 years of hard work in school, but we've had a lot of fun along the way. We've always been admired for the unity of our class, and we hope that when you look back upon your senior yearbook these bonds remain unbroken. You have given us so much. Class of 2007, this is our way of saying thank you!
Andrew Wojtal/Jennifer DeRoy, Editors
Having been friends since the age of 3, it was extra special for us to collaborate as editors this year. We are very pleased with the result and hope you enjoy it. This yearbook could not have been possible without the help and admirable dedication of Mr. Wojtal and his long arm. We would also like to thank Hannah Lilly and the rest of the amazing yearbook staff. Even the random people that came and ate our food made the experience all the more enjoyable for us. Here's to the class of 2008 and the many great yearbooks to come.
Emily Rudolph/Meghan Garrard, Editors
Sitting down to write this, we realize that yearbook has left us completely drained and speechless (us, speechless. That's how draining it is.) It has certainly been an interesting and challenging experience, and being editors was possibly our biggest extracurricular in high school. We appreciate the help of those few that stuck with us for the whole year, and want it to be noted that if you aren't pleased with the outcome of the book this year, do something about it! Join the committee next year and make it the best that it can be. We would like to give one million thanks yous to Michael Wojtal, without whom we would probably be crying every single meeting, instead of just half of them. We hope you enjoy it more than we did!
Love to most,
Hannah Lilly and Alexandra Platts
Class of 2009
Dear Jolly GHS,
This was the single most challenging, stressful, and time consuming project that I did the entire year. I had no idea what I signed up for. This book is basically my child, take care of her, and cherish her, because whether you realize it or not, she is a piece of history. I also hope you realize that the book is partially in color this year...I would be a little concerned if you didn't. That added a lot more work, but I think you guys are definitely worth it.
We couldn't have done anything without the help of our lovely Jostens rep, Ellen Wing. Thank you! I also have to make a shoutout to our 2 dedicated members that showed up to pretty much every single meeting: Taylor Hammond & Rebecca Mutombo, thank you for riding it out. Last but definitely not least, Michael Wojtal. I just don't know how you have managed to put your heart & soul into these yearbooks year after year after year. I am truly amazed. Even when I didn't feel like coming to face the wrath of an angry email, I knew you would be there with a great story, history lesson, or simply there to cuss at the computer screen, right there beside me. Thank you for the laughs, advice, and friendship.
We have put an unmeasurable amount of time into this book, and I came into this position wanting to make some changes...and that's exactly what I did. If you're unsatisfied with things, change them! My heart goes out to next year's editor, good luck!
Love always,
Mandy Arnold, Editor
Dear GHS,
This year has been one of the craziest years of my life. When I was asked to do this last spring I had no idea what I was in for. I have never been so dedicated to something in my life, anyone who knows me will back that up. This book has become a part of me, and hopefully will become a part of you as well. There were things that changed and some that stayed the same, but no matter what this book is a piece of history.
There are a lot of obstacles that have proven to be a challenge, but with the help of my amazing staff we pulled through. I have to make a shoutout to Ellen Wing, our awesome Jostens rep who has done everything in her power to make all our lives easier. To Mrs. Acker-Wolfhagen, you are literally the glue that held us all together with your loud "projectile" voice, and all of your homemade cookies. You were able to put up with us no matter how roudy and off-topic we got, and for that I applaud you. When there was a nasty email waiting in my FirstClass I knew you would be there to help me brush it off and move forward. There is no way to thank you enough for all the fun, the stressfully long days, advice, and friendship along the way.
This yearbook staff is undeniably the most dedicated group of people I have ever met. Thank you all so much from the bottom of my heart. If you find something you wish to change, do something about it, join the yearbook committee! Good luck to next year's editor...you're going to need it.
Thank you once again,
Taylor Hammond, Editor
Dear Gorham High School,
We have made it through another year! This year has been filled with excitement, laughter, and plenty of stress. I believe that this yearbook really captures the year 2012. I have poured my heart and soul into this book and I really hope all of you enjoy it. Some things may have changed from last year's book and we may have made a few mistakes, but I hope that you guys realize that nobody is perfect. I know that this book means a lot to all the people who worked on it this year.
I want to say thank you so much to all of the yearbook staff. Without all of you I truly don't know how I could have made it through this year. All of you were dedicated and hard-working and I really appreciate that. Also thank you to our Jostens rep Ellen Wing. She made the bumps in the road easier and also brought us laughter when we needed it the most. Last but definitely not least, Mrs. A-W. I swear you are a saint. I know you had so many other things going on in your life this year but you always put in your all when it came to this yearbook. Thank you for always being there when I had a question or needed to talk. I know some people may say that your voice can get a little bit loud sometimes but I wouldn't have it any other way; without your loud projectile voice the halls would feel to quiet and empty. I will miss you so much next year, so plan for many visits.
Congratulations to the class of 2012! Good luck in the future and see you guys at the reunion. To the underclassmen, enjoy the time you have in high school. You wil always remember all the memories and friends you make here. Good luck to next year's editor. This job can be hard and stressful at times but I can honestly say that in the end it is worth it.
Thanks and good luck,
Abbey Dean, Editor
Dear Gorham High School,
Another year has come and gone. It has been filled with fun, laughter, and entertaining moments. From sitting in long block day classes, to cheering at sporting events in the freezing cold, or even watching the latest drama production, it has been a year of new, fun, and exciting things. Flipping through this yearbook, we hope we have captured the moments which have been important to you.
When you look through the yearbook it may seem like it is done in a moment, but in reality it takes hours of sitting at a desk, staring at a computer, trying to get the font and pictures to line up perfectly. Countless emails and tons of picture retakes have helped to make this the best yearbook possible.
The amazing yearbook staff made everything look as good as it does. Without them there would be absolutely nothing here. We had our moments where we laughed together, but on more than one occasion, they were not afraid to yell at me when I was doing something that they thought was wrong (and normally I was). Kyley, Hannah, and Lydia, each one of you were absolutely amazing. Without their help, I would have given up after the first month. Though they tried to teach me, most of the time they just did everything themselves. However, they were not the only ones. The whole staff put in countless hours after school, giving up afternoons and weekends. Mrs. A-W is at fault for all of this. She got me involved by asking me to be editor, and then she was there for constant collaboration and support when I needed it the most. I want to thank her for intervening when needed, but also for just letting me fail at times and learning how to do things on my own.
This has been a very special year at Gorham High and I am glad that my staff and I were not just able to share the moments with all of you, but also capture it all to remember it all for the rest of our lives. Kyley, good luck with this job next year. It definitely isn't for the faint hearted.
Thank you to you all,
Riley Shane Perkins, Editor
Dear Gorham High School,
Each school year always seems to go by in an instant. Some days seem longer than others and around mid-October you start counting down the days until the next vacation. Regardless, when each year comes to a close I find myself finding it hard to believe it is over. Similarly, you can hold this book in your hands and flip through all of the pages in mere seconds. Pictures and text fly by in a flash. However, to create an entire book is a painstakingly long process. Each page requires hours of designing, then the pictures have to be taken, hundred of names have to be typed in, the list goes on. I have spent many nights up, stretching into the early hours of the morning, trying to perfect every last bit of this book. Regardless, I know there will be mistakes and I must ask you to forgive us for that.
Creating a yearbook is not an individual job. There are so many people I need to thank for making this creation possible. To my amazing staff: know that each and every one of you played an important role in this book's creation. You are all so committed: going to sporting events to take photos, pulling long hours to finish pages, and managing to make the whole experience enjoyable at the same time. To Ellen Wing: our Jostens superhero. You managed to take my crazy ideas and bring them to life, as well as always being the helping hand we needed. To my lovely assistants: Lydia and Hannah, I don't know what I would have done with you. Thanks for coming along through this crazy journey these past 4 years. To Mrs. A-W: you have been my rock through all of this. I honestly don't know how you do it. You have managed to keep me sane throughout this entire year, which is no easy task. On top of that, I am pretty sure you have pulled more all-nighters than I have working on this. I cannot thank you enough and will miss all of our profound life talks.
Class of 2014, congratulations. I wish you all the very best of luck in your future endeavors. To all the underclassmen, push forward with high school and try your hardest. It's only 4 years of your life, but the things that happen here sure are memorable. Good luck to the future yearbook editor and staff, though I don't think you will need it.
Kyley Butler, Editor/Class of 2014
Dear Gorham High School,
I started this year with one intention: to create a yearbook that would perfectly capture the memories of 2015, something that people can hold onto forever. I believe that myself and everyone involved have succeeded. I know that our school has gone through some changes this year, but it was nothing we couldn't handle. We are rolling with the times and even with the differences within our school, we come together in a way that shows our unity.
Some of you may flip through this book and discover flaws and imperfections, but to me you are finding the character that makes this book great. This yearbook was created by a group of imperfect people for a larger group of imperfect people making their way into this world.
I would like to thank the yearbook staff for all the hard work they put into this book of memories. It wouldn't be finished without them. To Ellen, our Jostens representative: thank you for understanding that it's hard to create a yearbook on snow days and for keeping us on the right path. To Mrs. AW: thank you for helping me every step of the way, for making my crazy ideas a reality and for emailing me back in my first year of high school when I was just a wide-eyed freshman wanting to help create a yearbook.
Every moment spent creating this book has been a privilege and I am pleased to share it with you all. I hope you enjoy and can still treasure this 30 years down the road.
Best of luck to next year's editors and all of those in the future. Creating a yearbook takes a lot of hard work but in the end it is so worth it.
To all the graduates of Gorham High School's class of 2015, put your own mark on the world and enjoy because you all are worth it.
With respect,
Alyssa Theriault, Editor
Dear fellow beings of Gorham High School,
This book is full of memories that we can look upon with amusement, nostalgia, and maybe with some slight regret. My hope is that all of you are able to hold this book dear to your hearts, as our yearbook staff has worked endlessly, as everyone has worked both in and out of school making this book the majestic piece I believe it to be (however "majestic" does not necessarily mean flawless).
A huge thank you to the yearbook staff for putting up with my artistic demands and expectations throughout the year. I hope you all continue on with the yearbook for your remaining high school years. Next year's editors: you've got this.
To Robert: thank you for being my right hand man through thick and thin, given that I am left-handed.
Mrs. A-W, being editor is quite the festival, and you helped me create it all with extraordinary ease. Best of luck for your yearbook advising for years to come.
Thank you Class of 2016 for putting up with my numerous demands on Facebook. It was a privilege getting to edit our final year all into one. Good luck GHS to much success in the near future.
Sincerely,
Mia Kaufman, Yearbook Editor 2016
Class of 2017,
Here's to the past 13 years of school together. We finally did it, we're done. We'll walk out the doors one last time and go our separate ways. Some of us will keep in touch and some of us won't. But we'll always remember the fun we had together growing up. Wherever it is that life takes us next, we will all excel. We are a class that doesn't stand for anything less than great. I'm sure I can speak for the entire senior class when I say good luck to all of the underclassmen. Work hard, be persistent, and don't give up. I won't lie to you, it gets rough at times, but keep going.
This yearbook holds many, many memories. Whether it be a play or musical, a pep rally, a sporting event, school clubs, or the first day of school; it's all in there. The yearbook staff, Annie and I have put countless hours into this book. While everything may not be perfect, we worked extremely hard to make it as perfect as we could. I'm so proud of how it turned out. I've wanted to be editor since my freshman year, and hopefully I have fulfilled everyone's expectations of the book.
Congratulations everyone!
Emily O'Donnell, Yearbook Co-Editor 2016-2017
Class of 2017,
When we look back on our high school memories, we probably won't remember all of the lectures we sat through, the papers we stayed up writing until 3 am, or the tests we crammed for just minutes before they began. Instead, I hope that we will remember the extraordinary camaraderie between us, the teachers that taught us beyond a textbook, the dances we did and didn't have, that time during our freshman year when the Robie Park field was set on fire during period seven, and all of the other memories that made our high school time one-of-a-kind. We have spent the last 13 years building our legacy, challenging each other to be more than we could have ever imagined, and helping each other to reach this final moment together that celebrates our hard work, failures, and successes. Our 13 years have finally come to an end and it is a very bittersweet goodbye.
The yearbook staff, advisor, Emily and I have made every effort to make this a book that includes everyone, every activity, sport, and event. It has taken numerous hours to complete, and there are still some flaws throughout, but I am incredibly proud of it. I sincerely hope that you feel it is a true depiction of your senior year, and that it is something you can look back on to help you remember those one-of-a-kind memories. Congratulations to everyone!
Annie Acker-Wolfhagen, Yearbook Co-Editor 2016-2017
To Gorham High School,
This yearbook is the product of many hours of hard work by our Yearbook Committee, and I couldn't be more grateful for the hours of work that they put into making it so complete and organized. I encourage you all to appreciate the activities and achievements of our staff and student body that I know is presented beautifully by this book.
And to my fellow seniors,
How wonderful it is that we have made it, collectively, to the end of one great journey, and the beginning of another. I am immensely happy for you all for finding passion and motivation in your lives and harping upon it. It is no small feat to make it to this point, and you should be very proud. No matter what you go forth to do with your lives, never forget the importance of kindness and ambition.
All the best,
Abigail vanLuling, Yearbook Co-Editor
This year, I had the privilege of putting together the yearbook with my best friend and a team of wonderful people who have all worked incredibly hard to make this book what it is. I'd like to thank them from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity, and for all the time and commitment they've poured into this publication. I hope you'll all appreciate them and their efforts as much as I do.
To the class of 2018, the fact that we're graduating this year still has yet to sink in. It's been a long road and I'm so excited for all of us as we prepare to move out into the world. As much as we'll be leaving behind, there's so much ahead. Carry the good with you and keep your head up. Wherever your ambitions take you, I hope you find happiness and success, however you define it.
Best wishes,
Claire Valentine, Yearbook Co-Editor
Dearest Gorham High School students,
Thank you for buying a yearbook! The yearbook staff and I have spent countless hours designing its pages for you to enjoy.
Joining the yearbook staff as a freshman was one of the best decisions I made in high school. As I helped each editor create their yearbook, it was always my dream to become editor and design our yearbook.
My goal was to create the best yearbook Gorham High School has ever had and to break boundaries that no other GHS yearbook has. I hope as you look through this yearbook, you'll see evidence of that.
Please, after you flip through this yearbook looking for pictures of you and your friends (which I encourage you to do), take some time to look through it more slowly, and appreciate each unique detail and design that was thoughtfully pondered over by the amazing yearbook committee.
Thank you to the yearbook staff! Each of you has made a valuable contribution to the creation of this book. Remember in years to come to treat each member of the committee with the respect and compassion that they deserve.
Thank you to Ms. Allen. This was one heck of a journey. Thank you for your endless patience with me and allowing my crazy ideas to become a reality.
To next year's editors, good luck. You will do AMAZING. Never be afraid to try a new idea because it will probably turn out to be brilliant!
Thank you to whoever is still reading this cheesy editor's letter. Sit back, relax, and enjoy as this book takes you on a journey of the 2018-2019 school year.
The yearbook committee understands the value of memories and that is why we created this yearbook.
Stay inspired,
Libby Mitchell, Editor
To Gorham High School,
This year, I had the privilege of putting together the yearbook with someone I can now call one of my closest friends. With the help of our trusty Schola team, we worked incredibly hard all year long to make this book into what it is. Thank you especially to Ms. Allen, who kept Gianna and I on track. I could not be more grateful for all the long hours of shooting, editing and creating they put into this and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I hope all of our efforts are appreciated.
And to my fellow seniors, thank you. I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. This year moved in ten times speed, but looking back, I am immensely proud of us. Our grade set the bar high, each and every day, and I am confident we will continue to do so outside these walls. So wherever life takes us next, carry the good with you and hold your head high. I hope you find happiness and success, however you define it.
All the best,
Lydia Valentine
I joined the Schola club as a junior after last year’s editor convinced me to. Through the process of creating last year’s yearbook, I realized my love for this club. I became editor this year with one of my best friends, Lydia. We have put an alarming amount of time and effort into this book. I truly hope that those who receive this will appreciate the memories that we were able to capture.
I credit Ms. Allen for keeping up with the deadlines and keeping the the club on track. Thank you to everyone in the Schola club for working so hard on all the assignments given.
I’m hit with waves of nostalgia each time I work on this project. I can’t believe how much the students and staff have progressed during my time at GHS. There is no doubt in my mind that everyone in this school has boundless potential and I hope that each of you will achieve your own version of success.
I wish nothing but the best for you all.
Good luck,
Gianna Romatis
*Various grammatical errors from the editor's part edited by me :)
I joined GHS yearbook my freshman year just to try something new. Little did I know I would be in the position I am now, as my class' editor. With the help of our dedicated and hardworking team all year we have produced this yearbook for you and I personally could not be prouder. I would like to thank Ms. Allen for keeping me on track this year. But I would also like to thank her for all the hard work she has put in the last four years which includes supporting me for four years. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better yearbook advisor. I also want to thank Mrs. A-W for being there my freshman year as the lead yearbook advisor for her last year. I also want to thank all the past editors and staff members for guiding me to where I am now.
To my fellow seniors, thank you for all the amazing memories. This really was a crazy year. Time has really flown by. As I am writing this we are all online this week. But we have persevered through not only this year but half of last year as well. We have truly made GHS a force to be reckoned with. Our sports teams have gone on to do incredible things, our actors and actresses have won awards, our band and singers have gone to states...we truly have done so much and I just want to thank all of you for making high school so fun. I know all of you are going to be successful in your future and I can't wait to go into this next chapter with all the lessons you have taught me.
All the best,
Gage Sjostedt
Dear reader,
Thank you very much for your support of Schola. This year was like no other, especially because we had a very small staff. We managed to work with who and what we had, and were able to create something amazing.
Please enjoy looking back at the last year, and with an open mind, think of all we were able to overcome. We were finally able to see each other without masks, and we were able to attend school in a semi-normal setting, once again.
Since my freshman year, I have always looked forward to my senior year. Getting a glance at what was happening through a camera lens this year was amazing. It was awesome to see us return to normalcy after two years filled with remote learning, spectator-less sporting events, and just so much craziness.
What I've learned over the past four years is to always be positive even in the worst situations. Did Ms. Allen and I make most of this yearbook? Yes. Did it get stressful at times? Most definitely. But it helped me get a greater sense of what our GHS community is like, and I was able to learn about and meet so many new people.
The biggest piece of advice I could give you all is to get involved! Being present and being an active member of the student body is the key to success. Join a club, play a sport; whatever it is, just be you and do something awesome! Being busy may seem dreadful, but it's a privilege and these are the moments you'll remember for the rest of your life.
Enjoy the book,
Ambrosia Moore
Dear fellow students, teachers, and families,
My name is Brady, and I am the editor for this year's yearbopok.
I am so excited and grateful to have been chosen to have been the editor and I hope you enjoy the work from me, Ms. Allen, and the rest of the Schola team. My note isn't going to be long since I am not a senior just yet (class of 2024), but I would love to shout out a few teachers who have been inspirations to me, and who have helped me during this challenging year.
I want to thank the following teachers and staff: Mrs. Engling (formerly Ms. Snyder), Ms. Cherry, Mr. Murray, Nurse Homan, Ms. Mackenzie, Ms. Grover, Mrs. Bowers, Ms. Allen, and a whole lot of other teachers and staff!
I genuinely want to thank each and every one of you for being supportive of me during the trying times this year, and former years.
I also don't want to forget to thank many friends and family members for being supportive of me during the years.
I hope you all enjoy looking through the memories of the 2022-23 school year. I also want to extend my congratulations to the class of 2023!
Here's to the class of 2023!
Sincerely,
Brady Mercier
Dear Class of 2024,
I never thought this time would come where senior year would be happening. It's hard to believe this is my last year of "kidding" around and having to adult. I sincerely thank all the staff here at GHS for making the four years somewhat bearable!
I also want to extend a thank you to the Schola team, this book wouldn't be as fantastic as it would be without everyone working on it.
Though the past four years have been trying for the class of 2024, we have shown that we can persevere and strive in the stress of the current world.
Lastly, I want to thank my family and friends for being with me every step of the way.
To add a little social media plug, if you want to see what the classmates are doing post-high school, follow @ghs_decisions_2024 on Instagram!
Best of luck everyone,
Brady Mercier
Dear fellow Gorham students, faculty and families,
Everyone has always said "senior year will go by so fast" and boy were they right. It's hard to believe that this is our last year of being kids and not having to be real adults. It feels like just yesterday we were in seventh grade and getting sent home for two weeks because of this thing called COVID-19. I would like to sincerely thank the GHS staff for helping all of us make the best of the past four years.
I would also like to extend a huge thank you to the SCHOLA team for taking the time to go to all sorts of events to take photos and for helping put this book together, we couldn't have done it without you.
As one of the editors for the yearbook, I am honored to have helped preserve these cherished memories. It is my hope that years from now, as you look through these pages you will be reminded of all the friendships, milestones and spirit that make Gorham so special.
To the class of 2025: This is not just an end of a chapter, but the beginning of a new adventure. Wherever life takes you next, remember where you started and know that you will always be a Gorham Ram.
Best of luck,
Alison Smith, Class of 2025
My name is Aspenelle, co-editor of the yearbook.
I am honored to present to you a collection of memories that symbolize our unforgettable year. We have laughed together, learned together, and supported each other through good times and bad. Each page of this book is filled with stories that reflect our unique spirit.
I am so incredibly proud of all the hard work my fellow yearbook club members and I have put in this year. Thank you Mrs. Nutting for giving us all the guidance and support that we could ever need to make this yearbook the best one yet!
Congratulations class of 2025! May your future be as bright and beautiful as the memories we've built together!
Sincerely,
Aspenelle De Los Reyes
Dear reader,
My name is Claudette, and I am the editor of this yearbook.
During my sophomore year, I was presented with a chance for a photography independent study through a friend who was a member of Schola. She introduced me to Mrs. Nutting, the previous Schola advisor, and I began that same week. That was the first time I had ever picked up a camera, and that moment opened up a box full of opportunities and wonder.
Back then, I would have never imagined I would one day be writing this letter as editor. For the past two years, I worked behind the scenes as a photographer, capturing special moments within the walls of our school. It was a great honor to be chosen to step into this role, and for that, I would like to thank Mrs. Nutting and Ms. Dolley.
Being editor for the first time came with its challenges. I went from working on only one facet of the yearbook to having a role in all of them, and there was much learning to do along the way. But through it all, I gained a deeper appreciation for the people and stories that make up our school. Every page in this book represents our spirit, dedication, and collaboration, and I am so proud of what our team has created.
As a senior, this yearbook means even more to me, as it holds the final chapter of my high school experience that I will carry with me long after graduation.
Thank you to all my fellow students and peers for all the precious memories. I hope this yearbook will be one you can be proud of.
Thank you to all faculty!
Thank you to my friends and family for your love and support!
And a special thank you to everyone who made this book possible!
Farewell and best wishes to the Class of 2026.
With gratitude,
Claudette Wesse