Hail to the Champs: WHS Girls' Lacrosse, Softball teams earn state titles

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High’s varsity girls’ lacrosse and softball both made program history on Saturday, June 21. Second-ranked girls’ lacrosse won the program’s first-ever Class A State Championship after it defeated top-ranked Kennebunk 12-9 at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland. Second-ranked WHS softball won its second-ever Class A State Championship in three years when it shut out seventh-ranked Edward Little 7-0 at Saint Joseph’s College.

Two Windham High School teams captured Class A
State Championships on Saturday, June 21. Top, the 
WHS Softball team gathers after winning its second
state title in three years by beating Edward Little at
Saint Joseph's College. Bottom, the WHS Girls'
Lacrosse team celebrates after defeating Kennebunk 
to win the Class A Girls' Lacrosse title, the first-ever
girls' lacrosse state championship for Windham High.
PHOTOS BY MATT PASCARELLA   

Both Windham teams had amazing seasons with lacrosse winning 17 games consecutively with only one loss during the entire season and softball finished their season 18-2.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything more,” said Windham senior Grace Joly. “I’m so in shock I don’t even have words. This team means everything to me. I’m so excited; what a great way to go out with a bang, it’s so exciting. We definitely just had to ... take it game by game. We had a really big winning streak and coming into this game knowing that we’re a great team, we can hang with them, we just have to believe. That was our biggest thing toward the end of the year. Believe in each other, believe in the coaches, believe in our fans.”

In the very first game of the season, Windham girls’ lacrosse lost to Kennebunk. From that game until the State Championship Game, they beat every team they went up against.

WHS girls’ lacrosse members include seniors Sophie Allen, Grace Joly, Lauren Jordan; juniors Abby Trainor, Neve Ledbetter, Demetria Nicholas, Elizabeth Baker, Mady Donnelly, Brianna Duarte, Alyssa Cooper, Olivia McPherson; sophomores Morgan McLain, Grayson Cornish, Gracie McPherson, Charlie Scanlon, Libby Hartwell, Avery Adams, manager Allegresse Kawaya; freshmen Brooklyn Roy, Anna Bowie, Morgan Clark, Maria Rose, Madison Buzulchuck and Lauren Valle.

“I think we just kept getting better – 17 in a row is pretty wild,” said Windham varsity girls’ lacrosse coach Matt Perkins. “The way the girls treat each other is second to none. I’ve been fortunate to be around some really good teams, and this is probably the finest team I’ve seen that puts each other first. Even though we have some dynamic players, no one is selfish; they are all about what’s best for the team. I think the mindset was we’re better than them. They beat us in the first game, (but now) we’re better.”

Windham junior Abby Trainor said it feels amazing to win a state title with this team. In her opinion, it’s the most tightknit team they’ve had in the history of Windham lacrosse, when you see they’re breaking scoring records and multiple teammates are scoring multiple goals, Windham is unstoppable. Trainor said in that first game with Kennebunk, they took a step back and assessed what went wrong. They came into the State Championship Game prepared; they knew what Kennebunk would do from watching film and when they did it, Windham was ready.

“It’s pretty crazy (to have won another state championship),” said Windham senior Stella Jarvais. “You never really know, how you’re going to end up throughout the season until playoffs. This team is so special because we just do it for each other, we’re not selfish in any way. That’s what makes it so fun to play on this team.”

Last year, Windham softball lost to Cheverus in the Regional Championship after being undefeated in the regular season. They did not want to feel what that felt like again this year. Preparations to overcome Cheverus in the playoffs began 52 weeks prior to when Windham beat Cheverus this year in the Regional Championship, 1-0.

“I think for us, and this is what I said to the girls before the game, ‘we were the underdogs all year long,’” said Gardiner. “No one thought we were going to get Cheverus, we played all year long as the underdogs. And that’s how Tuesday really went, we played as the underdog with that battle, with that fight and just because the news headlines may be say something different, we still need to go out there and act like we’re the underdog. These girls still went out realizing the job wasn’t done after Tuesday.”

WHS softball team members include seniors Stella Jarvais, Kyla Harvie, Lydia Marden, Chloe Edwards, Kennedy Kimball; juniors Oakley McLeod, Jezabelle Pinto, Nola Bryant, Lacie Higgins, Addison Caiazzo, Chloe Delewski; sophomores Kaylee Napolitano, Evelyn Anderson, Kiley Card, Sarah Smyth, Abhilasha Jain and freshmen Evelyn Robinson and Yani Kostopoulos.

“I’m so glad we were able to do this, after playing Cheverus last year,” said Caiazzo. “We knew that this is where we wanted to end; we wanted it to end (at the State Championship). We all grew up together, playing Little League. So being a close-knit team and pretty much a family, it was just amazing.” <

WHS grad conquers challenges to achieve dream

By Ed Pierce

To all that know her, Afomiya Timerga, certainly lives up to the meaning of her first name. In Ethiopian, Afomiya means “pure joy” and among Windham High School’s Class of 2025, no one personifies the definition of overcoming personal challenges to achieve joy and happiness more than her.

Afomiya Timerga moved to the United States from Ethiopia
as a 5-year-old and became a U.S. citizen in 2015. She is
among the Class of 2025 graduates at Windham High School
and will attend the University of Southern Maine to study
marketing and accounting. She plans to become a real estate
agent and own a business someday. PHOTO BY ED PIERCE  

Afomiya moved to the United States at the age of 5 from her birthplace of Ethiopia, speaking very little English but embracing the endless possibilities of freedom and living in a nation free of war, poverty, disease, and a daily struggle to survive. It wasn’t easy at first to fit in, but she did her best to adapt to her new life with her mother in Portland.

“The hardest part was adjusting to a new country,” Timerga said. “When you’re younger it is easier to pick up on things. I tried to make friends and learn the language.”

Having attended elementary school in Portland, another huge transition took place in Timerga’s life when her mother, Abebanesh Abdela, purchased a home in Windham and her family, including Afomiya, her brother Musea Timo, and her sister Minaida Timon, relocated here when she was halfway through seventh grade.

“It was like I was starting over again,” she said. “At my school in Portland I knew everyone, but here I didn’t know anybody in Windham and felt isolated and alone. But eventually I made friends at Windham Middle School and things gradually improved.”

In 2015, she joined her mother in becoming a U.S. citizen during a ceremony in Portland.

“My biggest role model in life is my mom. She’s shown me what it truly means to work hard, raising three children on her own as a single mother,” Timerga said. “Despite the challenges, she remains strong, determined, and full of faith. She’s helped me stay grounded in my relationship with God, especially in a world full of distractions and temptations. Through her example, I’ve learned the value of a strong work ethic and the importance of never giving up, no matter what life throws at you.”

During her time at Windham High School, she tried to avoid the spotlight to some extent but worked to consistently make a positive impact at the school.

“Whether it was through my involvement in the Black Student Union, where I worked to create a more inclusive and supportive environment, or simply by encouraging others and staying true to who I am, I’ve always aimed to lead by example,” Timerga said. “I believe that small actions, showing up, staying kind, and being dependable, can make a big difference.”

To do that, Timerga said one of her biggest challenges that she had to overcome was learning how to believe in herself.

“Throughout high school, I have felt self-doubt, stress, and the responsibilities that I had to keep up with,” she said. “I also learned how to manage my time and balance everything out. There were many nights where I felt exhausted and was not sure that I could make it, but I did. Something a lot of my classmates may not know about me is that I’m not as quiet as I seem. While I may come off as reserved at first, I’m actually very hard-working, passionate, and determined behind the scenes. Once I’m comfortable, I open up more and people are often surprised by how driven and focused I am on my goals.”

Timerga credits two teachers at WHS in helping her.

“I want to thank my BSU advisor, Tianna Burton, and my tennis coach and French teacher, Kary Dresnok,” she said. “Mrs. Burton has been more than just a teacher, ever since I met her, she has been a guiding light. She pushes me to do better, not just academically, but as a person. When I created the Black Student Union, I created and built a safe space for me to find my voice and connect with others who share a similar experience. My tennis coach also played a huge part in my growth, and reaching graduation because on and off the court, she has taught me to stay disciplined and work hard for what I want. Whenever I was in trouble, I could always count on her for advice.”

Of all the classes she took at Windham High, several are more memorable for Timerga than the rest.

“The two that stand out to me the most were Honors Chemistry and Honors US History,” she said. “Honors Chemistry was the first class that taught me to study independently and how to manage my time. I focused on staying disciplined and pushing through difficult topics, and in that process, I became a better student. The hardest class I took at WHS was Honors Chemistry. It really pushed me to my capacity because the materials required a lot. Looking back, I appreciate that class because it is another testimony that even though it might be hard when you're in it, it all works out in the end because I passed that class and I made it through. I also enjoyed Honors History because the way it was taught made everything come to life. There was never a dull moment in that class where I wasn’t engaged.”

She says that her favorite teacher at Windham High School is Tianna Burton because she has been there for her and has guided her to do better in every situation, making her comfortable and giving her a place of belonging.

As a student, Timerga considers her greatest strength to be the ability to get it done no matter what.

“I don’t easily give up on materials and I seek out help when needed,” she said. “I’m able to stay focused and when it gets hard, I’m not afraid to ask for help. I have learned throughout the years that I can’t do everything on my own. If I need help, then I should speak up for myself and ask for help when needed. One fact that I learned while at WHS is that not everybody is going to agree with you. It’s how you take the disagreement that really matters. I’ve learned that staying respectful, open-minded, and true to yourself is more important than always being right. This lesson has helped me grow – not just as a student, but as a person – and it’s something I’ll carry with me throughout life.”

After graduation, her immediate plan is to go to college. She’s been accepted to attend the University of Southern Maine where she will be majoring in accounting and marketing.

“After completing my education, I hope to enter the business world, possibly starting my own company or working in accounting or marketing,” Timerga said. “I am also interested in real estate. Whatever I choose to do, I know that I will succeed because I have faith and I’m guided and protected always. My number one goal is to be happy.” <

WHS graduate dazzles in leading role in new Broadway musical

By Ed Pierce

Robyn Hurder is a shining example of someone who has worked hard to achieve her dreams and is now dazzling audiences in a starring turn in a hit Broadway musical in New York City.

Robyn Hurder, a 2000 graduate of Windham High School,
is the star of the new musical "Smash" which debuted on
Broadway in April. She started taking dancing lessons at
a young age and expressed a desire to appear on Broadway
stages as a young girl.
PHOTO BY MATTHEW MURPHY AND PAUL KOLNIK   

Growing up in Windham, Hurder leads the cast of the new musical “Smash” that opened at the Imperial Theatre on April 10. It’s a role that secures her place in Broadway history after years of performing in the cast of 22 Broadway shows and receiving a Tony Award nomination in 2020 for her part in “Moulin Rouge.”

Hurder graduated in 2000 from Windham High School and is a former member of the Windham Chamber Singers and studied dance at the Maine State Ballet.

Her mother enrolled Robyn at age 7 in a dance studio in Scarborough. She says that she liked the tap and ballet lessons there but by age 8, she wanted out to spend time playing with her friends from school. Robyn’s mother was adamant that she continue her training in dance, and when the dance studio added jazz dance that spring, her interest in choreography intensified.

When she saw the musical “CATS,” Hurder says she figured out her life’s path.

“I’m that girl – who saw ‘CATS’ and said, ‘I’m gonna do that for a living.” she told Dance Magazine in 2020.

Dr. Richard Nickerson, the director of the Windham Chamber Singers, said Hurder was a special talent.

“There are some students that, from the moment you meet them, you know they are destined for greatness,” Nickerson said. “Robyn was one of those students I knew that she could do whatever she set her mind to.”

He said that Robyn was no different in high school than she is now and that's one of the things that makes her unique.

“She is as genuine a person as you will ever meet,” Nickerson said. “She has a positive energy about her that lights up a room. She always worked incredibly hard yet never complained. She is the kind of person that everyone wants to be around because she always makes you feel like a better person. I remember her singing voice, but what really sticks out in my memory is her laugh. She truly loves life.”

According to Nickerson, while Robyn is what he calls a triple threat for acting, singing, dancing, he believes that her greatest strength is her personality.

“She works in an industry that is extremely competitive, yet has remained positive,” he said. “That's not to say that she hasn't had struggles. She hasn't let those struggles define her. It has been inspirational to watch her hard work be rewarded.”

RSU 14 Superintendent of Schools Chris Howell had Hurder as a student when he taught Biology at Windham High School.

“She was a fantastic student who worked really hard in my class to be successful in mastering the content,” he said. “It has been exciting to follow her career over the years and see how far she has gone with her talents.”

After graduating from WHS, Hurder attended the University of New Hampshire for two years before moving to New York City and auditioning for Broadway shows. In 2003, she landed a part in a national tour of “Starlight Express” and her professional career was off and running.

She was a member of the original Broadway cast of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” in 2005. That was followed in order by parts in productions of “Spamalot,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Chicago,” “Grease,” and “A Chorus Line.” During a tour of “A Chorus Line” Hurder married her castmate and Broadway actor Clyde Alves.

By 2010, Hurder was a veteran performer and appeared in 12 more productions over the next decade before originating the role of Nini in “Moulin Rouge” at the Al Hirschfield Theatre on Broadway in 2020. That performance earned Hurder her first Tony Award nomination for Best featured Actress in a Broadway Musical.

In her next role, she won a Chita Rivera Award for Dance and Choreography as Outstanding Dancer in a Broadway Show when she appeared as Neil Diamond’s second wife, Marcia Murphey, in “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” in 2023.

She’s also appeared in dramatic roles on television in such shows as “The Equalizer” and “Fosse/Verdon” and been interviewed on “CBS Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley,” “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” and “Late Show with David Letterman.”

Now she is currently starring as Ivy Lynn, who plays actress Marilyn Monroe in the new Broadway show “'Smash.”

The Broadway musical “Smash” with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman is based on the 2012-2013 NBC television series “Smash” created by Theresa Rebeck. It includes songs from the TV series and original songs written for this new production. Like the television series, the musical follows the creation of a musical about the life of actress Marilyn Monroe.

Nickerson and his wife saw “Smash” last week and he said it is outstanding.

“Robyn's performance was unlike anything I've seen,” he said. “Her performance filled me with an enormous amount of pride.” <

Windham senior Pelletier third in Pentathlon at Adidas Track Nationals

By Matt Pascarella

Windham senior Tayla Pelletier is a champion and has set nine indoor track and field school records, competed in four Pentathlons since her sophomore year and navigated five championship meets in a row to finish third nationally in the Adidas Track Nationals at Virginia Beach, Virginia on Sunday, March 23.

Windham High indoor track and field coach Jeff Riddle,
left, and WHS senior Tayla Pelletier discuss her strategy
in the Pentathlon at the Adidas Track national at the 
Virginia Beach Sports Complex in Virginia on
March 23. Pelletier finished third nationally in the
Pentathlon at the event.
PHOTO BY SELENA PELLETIER    

She exceeded her goal and scored 3,241 points in the pentathlon; an event which consists of hurdles, high jump, shot put, long jump and an 800-meter run. Pelletier is the first Windham High School athlete to qualify for a Nationals Pentathlon competition.

“I was definitely nervous,” said Pelletier, about competing in the Adidas Track Nationals. “I wanted to keep a positive mindset because if you think positive, you can do good and you got to believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, you’re not going to do good. I wanted to do the best I could do on the given day; I knew I could reach 3,000 points, which was my goal.”

Pelletier’s Pentathlon score from the 2025 New Year’s Invitational at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham on Saturday, Jan. 4 earned her entry to compete in the Pentathlon at the 2025 Adidas Track Nationals.

This season was the first year that Pelletier competed in a national Pentathlon. She likes the Pentathlon because it gives her the opportunity to showcase multiple events while they are all scored together. Pelletier likes to meet new people, and she represented her community while competing against new friends and teammates.

Leading up to the Adidas Track Nationals, she competed in the Southern Maine Activities Association Championships, the Maine State Indoor Track and Field Championships, the New England Indoor Track and Field Championships, and the New Balance Nationals Indoor Championship – all of which she had qualified for throughout the season. Each of these championships were a steppingstone toward the Pentathlon finale, with the competition getting tougher at every level.

“Tayla’s accomplishments and her medals truly represents what no one ever sees behind the scenes,” said Windham High indoor track and field coach Jeff Riddle. “That’s where the magic happens. The symbol of the medal, the place in the podium and the state championships is a validation of all of her hard work put in, her work on her mindset to build that capacity. It was an honor to watch her perform it.”

Training started early in the season and from that point on, the events Tayla entered during the regular season were determined by how she could best contribute to the team, while giving her experience in the five pentathlon events as she prepared for the Adidas Track Nationals.

The week leading up to Nationals, Pelletier had already competed at the New Balance Nationals Indoor Championship in Boston. She was being more subjective to working on high jump, long jump and shot put – she would plan her practices around that. She incorporated 800 workouts to get some speed training in. Pelletier and Coach Riddle would find ways to practice inside Windham High School. She was also able to practice at the University of Southern Maine’s track and field gymnasium in Gorham thanks to the kindness of USM Coach Rob Whitten.

As Pelletier entered the New Balance Nationals Indoor Championships, she set her expectations high and was hard on herself when she did not meet them. She switched up her mindset going into the Adidas Track Nationals and wanted to think positively and not let little things bother her.

Windham High’s indoor track and field team works to create a culture about and for team, always trying to help each other out. For an athlete who has accomplished so much, Pelletier is not boastful and doesn’t expect to win going into a new season. She doesn’t let her previous victories cloud her future progression.

During practices, you’ll see Pelletier working with someone and showing them the first phase of triple jump or the transition, her giveback is there; she’s aware it’s not all about her.

Riddle said attending these championships are among the coolest things that he’s experienced as a collaborator with a multi-faceted, elite-level athlete. He says it was fun, challenging and exciting as a coach for him to be involved. Riddle said he’s never seen someone build and have so much capacity to compete in his 25 years of coaching at Windham High School as Pelletier.

“Getting a medal from Nationals is always a big accomplishment,” said Pelletier. “You got to be consistent; you got to keep working hard and set your mind to the things you want to do. You’ve got to put the work in. If you don't put the work in, you’re not really going to get there. The positive mindset really helps. It’s a reward when you get the accomplishments or the rewards that you’ve been working so hard to get.” <

Windham captures second straight state boys’ basketball title

By Matt Pascarella

Windham boys’ basketball faced off against South Portland for the second time this season during the AA state Championship on Saturday, March 1 at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland and this time the Eagles prevailed to win a second straight state basketball championship.

Windham High School won a second consecutive Gold Ball
by defeating South Portland, 55-52, and winning the 
2024-2025 Class AA State Boy's Basketball Championship
on Saturday, March 1 at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

South Portland had led most of the game but late in the fourth quarter Windham turned things around and showed a packed house who was hungrier. The Eagles took the lead and at the buzzer had captured another Class AA state title, 55-52.

“It would have meant a lot (to my dad),” said junior AJ Moody. “I know he’s proud and he was on the court helping me taking charge. I would never take charge, and he would practice and get close, and I felt that here today. Energy, adversity, staying composed, and leaning on each other led to the win. We could tell we had the chemistry flowing through us and we knew we were going to win this game.”

Windham senior Conor Janvrin opened the game with a three-pointer. Windham offense rebounded and junior Tyrie James forced a turnover he then took to the hoop.

“I think it honestly says something about the program,” said assistant coach Geoff Grigsby, about winning two consecutive state championships. “We lose seven seniors from last year’s team and three starters. Key guys come off the bench and we’re just as talented, if not maybe a little more talented at least from an offensive standpoint and showed we could be mentally tough as well. Tyrie getting hurt and us losing three games in a row, and having to figure things out, really helped this team ... get motivated. The one team we lose to at full strength we end up playing in the championship game. It was such a mirror image to last year’s run, but it was such a different team and such different dynamics at play. It makes it so much sweeter at the end.”

Creighty Dickson of Windham said he was humbled to win another state championship.

“It feels amazing, obviously, to come out on top as a senior and for all the senior guys – we just work for it all year,” said Dickson, who scored 16 points and surpassed 500 career rebounds. “We were willing to fight throughout the whole game. Adversity hits sometimes and we just kept playing through. We communicated really well, we worked hard on defense, and we did what we needed to do which was stop Manny (Hidalgo). Last year we were the underdogs and this year we were the team getting hunted every game. We’re the best team. I’ll remember all the practices, all the work we put in in the offseason, always coming together and going out to eat together. Our community is just the best community in the state – it gives us energy and something to play for.”

South Portland led 34-31 at the half. But in the second half, Windham wasn’t far off from the heels of South Portland and a foul shot from Dickson tied the game at 47-47.

As the clock ticked away Windham tied the game at 52-52. James then made two crucial free throws to give Windham an edge.

“At the Edward Little game I missed four free throws,” James said. “In practice I started taking them more seriously, working on my breath; I had the coaches help me with that. Last year we started off strong and then Gorham came back, this year I felt like we were behind and kept moving the ball ... we just kept going. The only difference (between last year’s team and this year’s) is people are stepping into different roles. The week leading up we each had to focus, and I feel like we did that. I feel like in the second half, we boxed out more and got more rebounds ... we started to understand where they were getting their points, and we started to stop that from happening.”

For senior Braycen Freese, this season was extra special because last year he primarily played on the WHS junior varsity. This year, he earned a spot with the varsity guys. He stepped up as a leader to help the team win more. He said he’ll remember winning this last game with his best friends.

“I’m just super happy for our kids,” said Windham coach Chad Pulkkinen. There’s so much pressure on these guys and they so badly wanted to win it all for Pat. As a longtime resident of Windham, I’m just really proud of the young men ... we get to coach every day. South Portland ... didn’t want to go away ... we knew they weren’t just going to lay down for us – we wanted it the hard way, the guys enjoy those challenges and was just a testament to what this group is capable of. These guys had to answer the bell every night ... and that’s really hard to do as a teenager and really hard to do when the target is on your back. It was a collective effort, and we take a lot of pride in that.” <

Second consecutive state title in sight for Windham basketball

By Matt Pascarella

For the second year in a row, the Windham boys’ varsity basketball team is headed to the AA state championship with a record of 17-4 where they will take on South Portland with a record of 16-5. The Windham community couldn’t be prouder and more excited for this game.

Windham High School's boys' basketball team will play
South Portland at 7:45 p.m. Saturday, March 1 at Cross
Insurance Arena in Portland for the 2025 Maine
Class AA championship. WHS won last year's title
game and is seeking a second consecutive Gold Ball. 
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

But this is a different matchup. The South Portland coach is Kevin Millington, who teaches social studies at Windham High School, and also coached varsity boys’ basketball at Windham for 18 years.

South Portland edged Windham 55-54 in just the third game of the season, but Eagles coach Chad Pulkkinen says that he welcomes the opportunity to face a team that got the best of WHS. Windham’s team belief is unwavering.

“True strength within a team is revealed through adversity –

how you face challenges and overcome them together,” said Pulkkinen. “We've certainly had our share of those moments, and our guys have done an incredible job of regrouping, learning, and growing from them ... their resilience, hunger, and commitment to representing Windham as student-athletes set them apart.”

Windham was the team to beat since the start of summer ball. Teams went hard and wanted to beat the champions. Windham had to be ultra prepared; they needed to remain hungry and play like they were the underdogs.

Team members say that they are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of the community. The passion and energy brought to every game – home and away – fuel the players and make a lasting impact. Windham’s team extends their appreciation to high school staff and administrators for providing student-athletes with the opportunity to proudly represent Windham.

For Windham senior Levi Hayman, going after another Gold Ball means a lot. He said the kids are like brothers to him and to witness their determination and chemistry is astonishing. They are great role models for underclassman and youth of the community.

The late Pat Moody has been an inspiration for the team and his presence is felt without anyone saying anything. Moody is looking down, watching this team succeed. It’s tough not having Moody here, but Pulkkinen leads the team that he and Moody love. Moody continues to inspire the team after making Windham basketball what it is; Pulkkinen is lucky enough to lead the team and encourages his players to play with joy.

“As a parent it’s not just about the victory on the court,” said Sherma Moody. “It’s about all the hard work, dedication, coaches support and teamwork that have led to this point. One of Pat’s greatest joys was watching his son play. There’s a sense of pride in knowing how much they’ve overcome to get here, and excitement for what’s to come. It’s a proud moment for our family, and one that we’ll hold close to our hearts, especially knowing how much joy it brought to Pat.”

Longtime Windham announcer and resident Bob Witham said he thinks that it's absolutely fantastic that the boys are going for their second straight Gold Ball.

“The past two years have been unbelievable in Windham High School's gym; always packed with excitement from the crowd,” he said. “It's so much fun to watch this team; you can tell how much they care about each other, Windham High School and the community.”

Windham’s varsity boys’ basketball coaches want their players to be mentors to the younger kids. They want to develop a culture in Windham of basketball done right. They tell their guys, “There are people watching you; there are kids watching you, so act right. Do the right thing, be the right kid on the court and off the court.”’

WHS Students are proud of how this team represents them.

“As a fan and a person apart of this unreal and supportive community, I think it would be thrilling knowing those boys were able to bring home a Gold Ball for a second year in a row,” said Windham senior Stella Jarvais. “The pride this community and the fans already have for this team is unmatched to any other community I’ve seen. There isn’t a selfish player out there, and you can tell by watching them play. They know what it takes to get another Gold Ball.”

The Maine Class AA Boys’ Basketball Championship Game tips off at 7:45 p.m. Saturday, March 1 at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland with Windham facing South Portland. The game will be televised live on Maine Public Television and streaming on mainepublic.org. <

Windham shows outpouring of support for local hero Moody during basketball court dedication

By Matt Pascarella

A night of mixed emotions spread around the basketball courts next to Windham’s Public Safety Building on Sunday, Nov. 3 for coach, father, husband and Windham’s most enthusiastic supporter, Pat Moody.

Windham basketball's biggest supporter Pat Moody smiles
while among his fans at the 'Pat Moody Basketball
Courts dedication event on Sunday, Nov. 3. Moody
has learned his cancer has returned and only has a 
few months to live. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

He was surprised when the basketball courts he championed for were officially named the “Patrick Moody Basketball Courts,” while surrounded by members from Windham and nearby communities that Moody has had an impact on. Recently Moody received some difficult news that his cancer has returned, and he has been given just a few months to live.

People showed up at the event to show their love and support for Moody as the dedication to him was made through tears, applause and laughter.

“I love this town, and I love this sport,” said Moody. “I don’t know how many hundreds of people are here who I love also; it’s very special,” he said. “To come out here and have this dedication ... it basically just made my heart explode seeing everybody’s faces here and all the love. ‘Gratitude’ isn’t a strong enough word; It’s just super, super special. It’s too special for me to put into words.”

Moody’s goal was always to give back to Windham basketball and do whatever possible to better Windham so people could enjoy the greatness he enjoyed growing up.

“He’s had a huge impact across the community and the kids,” said Windham resident Nick Davis. “He’s inspired the next generation – just an awesome guy, awesome friend.”

Windham residents Tyler Graves and Windham High varsity boys’ basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen wanted to do something lasting to honor Moody. He was a big part of the blue basketball courts by the Public Safety Building being built. Moody had wanted lights on the blue courts and Pulkkinen and Graves, along with the help of various companies, organizations and donations, made that happen.

“He’s been one of the biggest advocates for spreading basketball positivity throughout Windham and means so much to this community,” said Windham graduate Josh Guite.

It was important Moody be surrounded with the love he’s given everybody else; it was also important that his family see the impact and for them to feel that love. The event brought everyone together to lift Moody’s spirits up and really showed the strength of the community.

“He’s done a lot for the basketball community,” said Windham resident Nicole Lewis. “We’ve known them for a long time, the Moodys are good people. As a community, everybody is here to support the Moodys as a whole – it’s not all about basketball.”

Pulkkinen said that Moody always believed in him at every stage of his basketball career, right through becoming the WHS varsity boys’ basketball coach.

Graves and Moody met in the first grade. Graves was best man at Moody’s wedding; Graves says he would do anything for Moody, just like Moody would do anything for anyone anybody else; and Moody is Graves’ hero.

“He’s been such a huge influence in my life and my daughter’s life, wouldn’t miss (this dedication) for the world,” said Windham resident Tina Sabine. “He’s been a coach to my daughter, he’s been a friend. Our kids went to school together, he has a huge impact on everyone he comes in contact with.”

It meant a great deal for Moody’s family to see the love and support of everyone from Windham for Pat Moody.

Rod Moody, Pat’s father, said it was tremendous to see how many people love and support him.

“The only thing I can say is Amor Fati, it means ‘love of one’s fate’ and it is a true testament of Pat’s kind heart and paying it forward,” said Pat Moody’s wife Sherma Moody. “Every one of these people he touched in one way or another and it was just overwhelming for the family to see what a great community to be a part of, but also giving him the love and support he needs during this time.”

According to son, AJ Moody, it means the world to him; Pat Moody really deserves this honor. His son said he’s the best person and AJ Moody is very proud of his dad’s journey that has become history.

“What this means to me is the community just loves and cares and every person in the community is so amazing,” said Pat Moody’s daughter, Hayleigh Moody. “All these people who came together and did this for my dad means the world to me. I can’t thank anyone enough for all the love and support you guys did and how you made this become an actual thing. Ever since I was young my dad has been trying to figure out where can kids go to play after school and these courts came along and now that they’re under his name ... thank you so much, every one of you.”

The Pat Moody Foundation was also created and raised more than $5,000 on the night of the dedication. This is a new non-profit that will continue to support youth sports and activities in Windham as well as give a scholarship to a graduating student athlete who has shown dedication to community service.

To donate to the new Pat Moody Foundation, you can do so through Venmo at moodyfoundation. <

Windham varsity field hockey coach's passion for sport earns 100th career win

By Matt Pascarella

Windham varsity field hockey coach Cory DiDonato has always had a passion for field hockey. She returned to field hockey as a coach after playing in high school and college because she loves teaching players how to be strong young women and thrives in a competitive team atmosphere. She coached Windham’s varsity field hockey team from 2003 to 2008, and after taking time off to have her son, returned in 2016 and has been the varsity coach ever since. On Tuesday, Oct. 15, DiDonato earned her 100th career win as a Windham coach when her team took down Sanford 2-1 in a thrilling game.

Windham High School varsity field hockey coach Cory
DiDonato, center, celebrates her 100th victory as WHS
defeated Sanford, 2-1. on Tuesday, Oct. 15. DiDonato has
been the coach at Windham for 13 non-consecutive years
and is incredibly dedicated to the girls and success of
the program. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA      

“I come back every year because ... they are like daughters for me,” said DiDonato. “I love them, and they give me the competitive drive. It’s the best group of girls; a lot of them I’ve had in class as middle schoolers, and I’ve gotten to see them grow all the way up through (varsity). I come back every year because I enjoy spending every fall with them and I get to help hopefully mold them into good people who know how to work hard for something that they want.”

DiDonato was an Educational Technician at Windham Middle School from 2003 to 2008. Since 2016, she’s taught sixth grade English Language Arts and Social Studies at Windham Middle School.

“She’s the main reason I stuck with it, and she really just pushed me to be the best version of myself,” said Windham senior Zocia LaWind, who scored twice in the first quarter of the Sanford game. “I think the main reason is she believes in each and every one of us with her whole heart, she would do anything for us.”

WHS Junior Varsity coach Lyndsay Stretch and DiDonato, along with other coaches, work well with the youth and the middle school programs. When there is consistency in the coaching staff, DiDonato has found it makes a big difference.

“Cory embodies dedication to the program,” said Stretch, who has been with the program since 2017 and has coached alongside DiDonato since 2021. “She has instilled in me the values of perseverance, community, and cultivating leaders off the field. Her lifelong passion for athletics has fostered incredible teams and athletes. She teaches them to dig deep, strive for excellence, and lead by example for the younger players. Cory’s nurturing spirit creates a family-like bond within the team. Each year she brings in a college coach to run the players through some of the top skills and drills being taught at advanced levels. I love how much the team loves this opportunity and it empowers them to believe they have what it takes to take their skills beyond high school.”

To DiDonato, 100 Windham wins means she got to spend 13 seasons with amazing young ladies who she’s gotten to see turn into fine young women. Hopefully this means she’s teaching them how to work hard for something and how good it feels when they finally achieve that goal.

“My goal was to take a program that ... hadn’t historically been strong and build them from the ground up,” said DiDonato. “Both times I’ve come back that’s been my goal; it’s much more rewarding to take a program and teach kids how to work hard for something and not just be handed a winning program. Two years ago, when we made it to regionals, I talked about back in 2006 ... we won our prelim and we had a fire engine escort back, that’s how big of a deal it was to even make it to the playoffs ... it's cool to see how far we've come and it's because of them. They show up and work hard every day, so it’s definitely because of them.”

The past 13 years has taught DiDonato how to adapt depending on the team’s needs; some need a tough love approach, while others thrive under more compassion, but she always holds their feet to the flames to keep them motivated. It’s been incredibly rewarding for her.

The 100 wins is a testament to her teams and how hard they work. While DiDonato does put a lot of time into coaching and works very hard trying to make the team the best it can possibly be, it is her teams over the years who have earned 100 wins. Windham is ready to show people that they deserve to be in it, so they came ready to work. DiDonato wants to make it deep into the playoffs this year.

“A lot of us knew that it was coach’s 99th win before (Sanford) so we were really hoping we could push ourselves to do it for her,” said senior Grace Joly. “It was a really good motivator for us, we just went in as positive as we could and tried our hardest. I think we were all ecstatic for her, sometimes it’s hard for us to push ourselves to do everything we can, but when you’re doing it for someone else greater than us, it definitely helps.” <

Windham High School sophomore revs up fast start in auto racing career

By Ed Pierce

He may only be a sophomore at Windham High School, but Cole Robie of Windham is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in professional auto racing.

Cole Robie of Windham, 16, won the Nelcar Tour Race at
Star Speedway in New Hampshire on Sept. 14 and that was
after he won the Legends Feature Race there on Aug. 30.
He comes from a racing family and has won five 
championships in just three years, starting at age 13.
COURTESY PHOTO 

Robie, 16, started racing three years ago at the age of 13 and since then has built a resume of success on the racetrack including winning five different championships so far and counting. Competing in his Legends car, Robie took the checkered flag and the features victory for the Nelcar Tour race at Star Speedway on New Hampshire on Sept. 14, and that came on the heels of his Legends feature win at the same racetrack on Aug. 30.

Racing cars in Legends, Late Model and Super Late Model divisions, despite his youth, Robie continues to rack up wins and experience as he ultimately aims for a career in the racing industry when he finishes school. His chances of doing that are excellent as racing is a family tradition with his grandfather, father and uncles all having raced professionally. Cole’s uncle, Derek Kneeland of Windham, is currently a spotter for NASCAR’s Richard Childress Racing and has been involved in the sport as a driver since he was young.

“I have always wanted to race,” Robie said. “My Dad had a lot of interest in getting me into racing and was the one that made it happen. We started in 2021, and racing is just in my blood.”

His exceptional driving skills and will to win at such a young age show that Windham remains at the forefront in state for developing championship auto racers, a fact not lost on Robie.

“There are a lot of race families born and raised in Windham and I just happen to be part of one,” he said. “Racing has just gone from generation to generation in those families which is pretty cool.”

Almost every weekend Robie can be found at the racetrack, and he travels to warmer states during the winter months when racing is not possible in New England.

According to Robie, he enjoys auto racing for several reasons.

“I like the adrenaline rush, and the speed factor,” he said. “I also like that it's an independent sport.”

And he’s been able to hold his own against older and more experienced drivers as his racing legacy grows.

Last year he captured his first Legend Car national title, winning the 2023 INEX Young Lions Road Course National Championship. In July, he topped an 11-car field during a Group B race at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway and in May Robie led for every single lap while cruising to a NELCAR Legends win at the Lee USA Speedway in New Hampshire.

“I think my family loves it, they have all been in the racing industry for many years and it's exciting for them to see me following my dreams,” he said. “They are all my biggest fans and supporters.”

Up next for Robie will be a Legends race at Dominion Motor Speedway in Woodland, Virginia on Saturday, Oct. 5 and then he will turn around and compete in a Super Late Model race on Sunday, Oct. 6 at Lee Motor Speedway in New Hampshire.

“The most challenging track I’ve ever raced on was at Hallett, Oklahoma in my Legend,” he said. “I didn't have a gear gauge and raced without knowing what gear I was in.”

As far as prestige races go, Robie says the biggest race he’s competed in thus far was in Las Vegas, Nevada for the Oval World Finals in his Legend car.

His racing journey has taken him all over the country this year including events at Anderson Motor Speedway in Williamston, South Carolina; Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina; New London- Waterford Speedbowl in Waterford, Connecticut; Cordele Speedway in Cordele, Georgia; Claremont Motorsports Park in New Hampshire; Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, Tennessee; Southern National Motorsports Park in Lucama, North Carolina; Lee USA Speedway in Lee, New Hampshire; Star Speedway in Epping, New Hampshire; Caffeine and Octane’s Lanier Raceway in Braselton, Georgia; and the Citrus County Speedway in Inverness, Florida.

In 2024 alone, he’s won four times, finished in the Top Five nine times and in the Top 10 a total of 20 times with several months of racing left this year.

He attributes his success to his family, his race team and his friends.

“Everyone in the town that I know has been very supportive of my racing,” Robie said. “Some of my friends have even come along to some of the races and helped me out as part of my pit crew. My whole family and all of my friends are my biggest fans and supporters. I couldn't do any of this without all of them behind me.” <

WHS graduate supplies Team USA with belts for Olympics

By Masha Yurkevich

A small town like Windham and a small and rural state like Maine do not get recognized very often on a national level. However, when Windham High School graduate Michael Lyons and his manufacturing company, Rogue Industries, were asked by designer Ralph Lauren to produce 3,000 leather belts for Team USA for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, Maine was put on the map.

Rogue Industries, led by Michael Lyons of
Windham, was given almost two years of
time by designer Ralph Lauren Corporation
to source material and do all the preparation
necessary to produce 3,000 belts worn by
members of the U.S. Olympic Team during
the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in
Paris, France. SUBMITTED PHOTO  

Lyons is the founder of Rogue Industries in Standish. The company focuses on manufacturing high-quality leather and wax canvas designs. While they are very well known for their patent and design of the front pocket wallet, they are also known for their attention to detail and the quality of the items they produce. Rogue Industries has a small team of nine people who are very dedicated to what they do under the direction of Lyons.

He grew up in Windham and graduated from Windham High School in 1977. Originally, Lyons was running a small publishing house and injured his back. His doctor told him that his back issues are because of him sitting on his bulky wallet, causing problems with his spine. Lyons set out to find a wallet that would comfortably fit in his front pocket but had no luck. So, he decided to design his own wallet, one that was curved and would comfortably fit in his front pocket.

“We kind of accidentally went into the design world of leather goods,” says Lyons. “Our original design was one wallet and one collar; now, we have more than 100 stock keeping units. We went into women’s tote bags, belts, crossbody clutches, coasters, and many more high-quality designs.”

The company’s designs drew the attention of the Ralph Lauren Corporation, who then called Rogue Industries. Lyons said he was certain that they had the wrong phone number. But Ralph Lauren officials had done their homework and knew exactly who they were speaking to.

“We were given almost two years ahead of time to source the material and do all the preparation which was necessary,” says Lyons. “Ralph Lauren was speaking to Sea Bags in Portland, asking them if they know of anyone who can make very high-quality products, and Sea Bags referred us.”

Lyons says that his first reaction to the order was one of disbelief.

“Did Ralph Lauren really want us to do something with such a huge amount of visibility,” said Lyons. “My second reaction was, we need to get to work. We did this for the Ralph Lauren Corporation, they hired us to do this as a private label effort on their behalf for the U.S. Olympic Team. Our customer here was the Ralph Lauren Corporation.”

Ralph Lauren partnered with many manufacturers across the United States to produce Team USA’s uniform, including Rogue Industries, which assembled and manufactured Ralph Lauren’s Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies Webb Belt.

“What they did is they went out and worked with only eight other companies across the United States such as Rancourt in Lewiston who made shoes for Team USA, so there were two of us from Maine,” says Lyons. “They would then go to different companies for the jackets, for the shirts, and for the pants.”

Every single component, and absolutely every single detail that was used in the making of these belts had to be sourced from the United States.

“The hard part was not so much the as actual production as much as it was finding the right suppliers,” says Lyons.

According to Lyons, the thread, the leather, the cotton webbing, and every single component had to be obtained from a company located in the United States.

“Finding companies that still make product in the United States is incredibly challenging,” says Lyons.

Once all the components were found and once the production of the belts was started, it took Rogue Industries about 120 days to complete the belts for Ralph Lauren Corporation.

If there is a lesson for us to take away from this, it is that hard work pays off, and Michael Lyons and Rogue Industries are proof of that. Their company’s motto is “Quality or Quantity” and that was evident for all to see during the Olympic Games earlier this month in France. <

Split decision: WHS senior competes in USA Mullet Championships

By Masha Yurkevich

Was the mullet ever in style or did it never go out of style? No matter the answer, Windham High School senior Eliott Kullman, also known as “Big Redd,” rocks the look. In fact, he wears it so well that he decided to compete in the USA Mullet Championships.

Elliott Kullman, a senior at Windham High School, has
advanced to the second round of competition in the teen
category of the 2024 USA Mullet Championships.
SUBMITTED PHOTO  

This all started in 2021, when Kullman and his friends were joking around about mullets, and one of Kullman’s friends tried out the mullet hairstyle and said that Kullman should try to grow one out too.

“At first, my mom didn't want me to get a mullet,” says Kullman. “It took probably a week before my mom actually approved it and from there, I went through four different hair places to get the mullet I wanted.”

It was something very new for Kullman and a lot of people helped him to fully understand the look and how to take care of his mullet.

Later, when he heard about a national mullet competition called the USA Mullet Championships, he decided to give it a shot.

The USA Mullet Championships started in 2020 and is an annual competition with a goal to crown the very best mullets in the country. The competition awards cash prizes and bragging rights to winners in child, teen, and adult mullet categories.

It is the world's largest competition of its kind, with more than 1,000 competitors each year. The competition also raises money for charity and for this year, the USA Mullet Championships is partnering with Jared Allen's Homes for Wounded Warriors, a national charitable organization that helps build mortgage-free homes for wounded American veterans. All donations from the mullet competition will go to the Homes for Wounded Warriors charity.

To officially join the mullet competition, Kullman had to send in three photos – a front, a side, and a back – of his mullet, as well as write an essay about the story of his mullet. After a bit of waiting this spring, Kullman received the word that he was approved and was officially in the competition.

Since then, Kullman has been actively trying to raise money for donations and people to vote online for his mullet.

“The winner is determined by the number of votes and donation amounts that each competitor gets,” says Kullman.

As well as raising money for a good cause, winners of the USA Mullet Championships will also receive a Mullet Champ belt, a GoPro HERO12 Black Action Camera, and a cash prize.

In the preliminary round ending earlier this week, Kullman came in fourth place in the teen category, and qualified to compete in the USA Mullet Championships second round.

Voting in the second round is underway and ends July 30. If Kullman gathers enough votes and donations, he will compete in the final round from Aug. 14 to Aug. 21. USA Mullet Championship winners will be announced online on Aug. 28.

Kullman is asking the community to vote for him and his mullet, as well as make a donation of any size, if possible. You may place your vote and/or donations on the USA Mullet Championships website at www.mulletchamp.com.

Believe it or not, Kullman is still growing his amazing mullet.

“I'm glad I decided to get a mullet because it's rare to see a ginger with a mullet,” he says. “I get a lot of compliments and I love this hairstyle. Lots of people tell me it looks great on me.”

Over time, Kullman says that he has gotten used to his mullet and taking care of it and gets it cleaned up every four weeks.

“I thought I wouldn't be able to pull it off until a lot of people gave me confidence and I kept going,” he says. “So here I am in 2024 with an awesome mullet and hoping to win the USA Mullet Championship Competition. I love my mullet and I am going to keep it for a long time.” <

Local musicians visit home following Nashville success

By Lorraine Glowczak

What began as three Windham High School friends jamming together for fun has grown into a thriving musical career. David Young (Class of 2017), his younger brother, Deven Young (Class of 2019), and their friend Seth Martin (Class of 2017) have turned their shared passion for music into a professional success story.

With concerts scheduled in Naples,
Rumford and on Channel 6's '207 Show,'
David Young and the Interstate Kings 
are eager to perform a homecoming
show at Lenny's in Westbrook on 
July 31 as it is where they first honed
their performance skills. At left is 
David Young, top is Seth Martin and 
right is Deven Young, all of Windham.
COURTESY PHOTO  

The trio, David Young and the Interstate Kings is now a Nashville-based band that "serves up vintage American music with a modern indie focus." They have recently embarked on their first “Vintage American Tour” which includes a stop in their home state of Maine.

The folk/rock group are performing songs on the tour from their latest album recorded in Nashville entitled “Vintage American.” Upcoming tour dates will see the Interstate Kings play in cities throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, Upstate New York, Illinois, and Kentucky, including a stop in Kansas City, renowned for its blues legacy. However, the stop they are most looking forward to is their “homecoming performances.”

“We are pumped to be coming home to play for all of our friends and family again – all those who loved our music and believed in us,” said David Young, guitarist, vocalist, and lyricist.

With concerts scheduled in Naples, Rumford, and on Channel 6’s 207 show, they are eager to perform their homecoming show at Lenny’s in Westbrook on July 31; the venue where the band perfected their performance skills.

“We are especially excited to do the show at Lenny’s,” Deven Young, the drummer, said. “We played there several times over the years, and it was there where we honed our sound as a band.”

Bill Umbel, the owner of Lenny’s, said he is looking forward to their return.

“It means a lot for everybody to have them back,” Umbel said. “The first time they performed for us was over five years ago, they were young high school kids. Our booking manager, Bucky Mitchell, booked them to play a gig for us and I wasn’t sure what to expect. When they began playing, I turned to Bucky and said, ‘Wow! These kids are pretty good.’ Not only were they talented, but they were professional musicians by interacting with the audience, which is paramount in the business of music. I knew these kids were going to go far.”

It was the Interstate King’s biggest fans, Charlie and Peggy Applin, who played a pivotal role in their early success by encouraging Umbel and Mitchell to book the musicians.

“Charlie and I followed David and The Interstate Kings whenever they played in the greater Portland area,” Peggy Applin said. “We often frequented Lenny’s to listen to the music and told Bill he should hire the band to play there. We promised he wouldn’t regret it. And here they are, over five years later and The Interstate Kings are coming home as professionals from Nashville to play at this popular venue again.”

Applin and many other Interstate Kings’ fans say they are looking forward to the band’s homecoming, including Dr. Richard Nickerson, the trio’s former music teacher at WHS.

“All three were in my music theory class,” Nickerson said. “Seth and the brothers had already started their band then, and I got to witness their professionalism and talent at an early age. I saw that they had good chemistry and respected one another. They knew how to have fun, but they also knew how to work hard. It’s very common for youth to start a band while in high school, but very rare to see the same lineup occurring professionally years later. I think their chemistry, hard work, and respect for one another may have something to do with that.”

Nickerson also spoke about their incredible talent.

“David also took my Guitar for Beginners class, but he was already at an advanced level,” Nickerson said. “I wasn’t sure what I could offer him, so we focused on the musical aspects of the guitar instead.”

Nickerson said that David Young’s advanced musical level comes with no ego. “As talented as he is, he is humble,” Nickerson said. “His creativity is genuine.”

Nickerson and other fans of the Interstate Kings agree that Deven Young and Seth Martin also have a creative depth that contributes to the band’s success. Deven’s contribution as a drummer is more about feeling than words.

“I approach our music by asking, ‘How is this song going to feel,’” Deven Young said. “There is a certain feeling the drum gives and I translate that feeling into rhythm.”

Seth Martin’s creativity doesn’t stop at the bass guitar. He is also the band’s marketing master.

“I design our advertisement, posters, etc. that convey our band’s sound,” Martin said. “It’s about visual branding, and since we write and perform old-school sounds of blues, rock, and folk, I work to capture that in vintage-looking posters and images.”

Martin said that music is their passion and dream, but to be successful, they also must be serious about music as a business.

Nickerson said that he is proud of his former students’ professionalism, hard work, and success.

“As a teacher, you always want your students to do well, and to watch these three work hard and flourish in the music industry is the best.”

Umbel echoed that sentiment.

“I look forward to seeing them perform again at Lenny’s.” he said. “And it is quite possible, the next time I see them, they will be bigwigs performing on the big stage.”

To learn more about David Young and the Interstate Kings on their Vintage American Tour, visit www.davidyoungtunes.com <

Windham athlete finishes seventh nationally in Triple Jump competition

By Kaysa Jalbert

Many are familiar with the term “adulting” to describe the mundane responsibilities that make up the daily life of an adult, but there’s not a term to describe the lives of teenagers whose days are packed with classes, homework, practices, and work, while maintaining a social life and preparing for their futures full of adulting. Some call this overachieving, but in the eyes of most teens today, it’s simply what it means to be a teen.

Tayla Pelletier of Windham High School
finished seventh in the nation in the triple
jump at the Adidas Nationals at North
Carolina Agricultural and Technical State
University in Greensboro, N.C. in June
after winning the Maine state
championship and the New England 
championship this spring. She will be
a senior at WHS this fall.
COURTESY PHOTO  

Tayla Pelletier is one of these busy teens, as a soon-to-be senior at Windham High School, an honors student, working two part-time jobs and on top of it all, a competitor in the National Track and Field Championships. To her, all of this is what it means to be trying your best.

Earlier this spring, Pelletier won the Triple Jump event at the Maine State Championships at Thornton Academy on Saturday June 1 and went on to win the New England Championships at the University of New Hampshire on Saturday June 8 in the triple jump.

She then traveled out of state to compete in the Adidas Nationals at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina where she competed in the 100-meter hurdles, 400-meter hurdles and the triple jump events.

“Competing in sports has definitely shown how hard I can be on myself,” Pelletier said. “I set very high expectations and always strive to do my best.”

Leading up to competing for a title, Pelletier said she focuses her thoughts on trying her best and staying patient in the air and not getting upset with herself over a bad jump, but to instead focus on the next one.

When she’s not in school, or practicing her triple jump, she can be found at one of her two part-time jobs. Somedays she is serving scoops at the Ice Cream Dugout in Windham, and on other days she works at Beacon Pizza in Raymond.

Pelletier started working at the age of 15 during the summer of her sophomore year. She has held her job at the Ice Cream Dugout for three years and started working at two different jobs last year.

“I wanted to get my first job because I liked the idea of having my own money and being able to get the things I wanted by myself without parents help,” she said. “I wanted to be more independent and to rely less on my parents for everything especially with having five siblings.”

At this point, Pelletier says that she’s undecided in what she wants to do as a future career, but she is certain she wants to continue participating in track into college while studying.

Pelletier started competing in the triple jump during the spring season of her freshman year.

“What interests me most about track is the environment. The team supports one another, and even those you compete against are super friendly,” said Pelletier. “What I like most about being an athlete is the goals I am able to set for myself, and the team and coaches who push me to and support me with achieving these goals.”

Pelletier says that balancing two jobs, school and sports can be a lot at times, especially while taking anatomy and physiology, and honors classes, and there is a lot of work that comes with it.

“My weeks are busy, and nights can be long but it’s all worth it in the end,” she said. “Having a busy schedule can be exhausting, but you just have to find a way to manage it all. And when you get days off then you need to enjoy them and use them as a day off and one to relax.”

Ever since she got into track Tayla has started watching past Olympic competitions or world track and field meets. Through this, she said she gathers a sense of how she can improve on her form and gain inspiration to keep working and never stop giving it her all.

“I enjoy competing because it allows me to not only prove myself but it’s something I can control,” said Pelletier. “I enjoy the competition and have found a lot of joy in this sport and am always looking forward to meet days, especially when it comes to the competition. This fuels my energy and as long as I have the right mindset, I know I can perform.”

She says competing at the Adidas Nationals was a great experience, and she was happy with her times in both the 100-meter hurdle and 400-meter hurdle events, considering it was her first time running the 400-meter hurdles. As for her triple jump, she started the event seeded ninth and came out of finals placed seventh overall. Pelletier attended the Adidas Nationals in North Carolina accompanied by her mom and grandmother.

At home, Pelletier’s hard work makes her a role model for her two sisters and three brothers, all younger than she is.

“My siblings are extremely supportive and are always excited to know how I do,” she said. <

Windham Summerfest returns June 22 for 34th year

By Kaysa Jalbert

Summerfest makes its way back to Windham on Saturday, June 22 taking on the theme “Summerfest Turns Back Time.” New to this year’s Summerfest is an updated parade route designed to give participants the best views and the best parade experience from start to finish.

The parade route for this year's Summerfest is different and
starts at noon June 22 from Stadium Drive at Windham Center
Road, proceeds up School Road, turns right onto Route 202
and finishes on the Windham High School grounds.
FILE PHOTO

This year’s Summerfest is a free event for everyone to enjoy live music and activities, to support local vendors and non-profit food booths, and is packed with many more features to bring the community together.

Parade floats will be based on this year’s theme. Float-makers can be as creative as they choose, but will be judged on specific criteria such as, best depiction of the 2024 theme, best depiction of Summerfest principle of “Bringing Unity to The Community,” most creative, most entertaining, and the judges’ choice.

The parade kicks off at noon on June 22 from Stadium Drive at Windham Center Road and will proceed up School Road to take a right onto Route 202. Staging areas will be at Public Works and Stadium Drive Parking lot. The parade finishes at 1 p.m. on the Windham High School grounds.

“We are excited about this new route and feel it will make it easier for our guests to enjoy every aspect of this exciting parade,” says Windham Summerfest committee co-chair Deb Matthews.

In addition to announcing the new parade route, Matthews said that this year’s Summerfest Grand Marshal will be Rich Drummond, the athletic director for RSU 14.

All the Summerfest booths will be open for the parade and continue into the evening. There will be community booths for local non-profits to share their good works, and the food booths operated by non-profits as a means of fundraising.

The Summerfest business expo is mostly local, and they provide fun activities for attendees while the crafter vendor area provides a wide variety of items for purchase.

“We have so many amazing sponsors that have provided us the ability to offer this event to our community for free,” said Matthews.

More fun and active features included will be a rock wall, two escape rooms, and an inflatable village.

For special guest entertainment, juggler Jason Tardy will perform and address topics such as what is bullying, the roles bystanders play in bullying, how to become an upstander and help fellow students, and what to do if you are bullied. He will also describe his own personal struggle with bullying and how he overcame it.

Other Summerfest performers will include a magician, balloon twisting, Mad Science, and tons of music. Musical performances include Jimmy Macisso playing on the Main Stage at 1 p.m., the Get on Up Band on the Main Stage from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Dave Debree performing on the George Hall Memorial Stage from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

An Amateur Radio Relay League will be appearing at this year’s Summerfest in which members from the Wireless Society of Southern Maine, WSSM, will be setting-up field day operations in the ballfields directly behind the main Summerfest event venue. Throughout the day and evening, anyone, young or old, is welcome to join the team of ham operators to learn more about Amateur Radio and participate in making radio contact with operators in other distant locations.

Summerfest 2024 will also host a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament that starts at 2 p.m. and is open to anyone between the ages of 5 and 18. In addition, the Golf Ball drop sponsored by the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce will start at 5 p.m. To end the evening, fireworks will be launched at 9:30 p.m. from the Main Stage.

“I feel all our events connect with our attendees. It is so important to the Summerfest Committee and me that we offer this to our community as a free family friendly event,” says Matthews. “I want your whole family to attend with you. I want you to spend the day, and if you cannot afford to spend any money pack a picnic lunch and relax. Watching the kids’ faces, seeing how happy the grandparents are to wave to grandchildren while they run and play, seeing Mom and Dad and the joy they get from these sweet moments.”

Every year presents a new challenge to the Summerfest Committee whether in booking all the acts or coordinating with the town, police, fire department and schools, or just hoping for good weather. According to Matthews, however, the biggest challenge remains in fundraising.

“We changed our sponsorship model last year and had great success,” she said. “We also keep an eye on the sky, fingers crossed and pray for sunshine.”

Matthews says the event will be full of vendors and booths and that annual public attendance for Summerfest runs between 2,500 to 4,000 people.

The Windham Summerfest Committee has been working on this year’s celebration since last June and its members include Deb Matthews, Tommy Matthews, Barb Maurais, Jacob Chouinard, Karen Rumo, and Camille Swander. <

Love of flying ignites dream for 2024 WHS graduate

By Ed Pierce

It’s been said that great pilots are made and not born and that those who complete flight training reach their goal through constant practice and experience. Windham High School 2024 graduate Conner Vail may indeed be one of those individuals.

Windham High School 2024 graduate Conner Vail
is working to obtain his pilot's license and would
someday like to become a commercial airline pilot.
He gave up playing sports in his senior year to
work for an aviation company in Portland.
PHOTO BY ED PIERCE

While other graduates may be looking to secure summer employment, Vail, 18, has been working as an aviation line service technician for MAC Air Group in Portland maintaining fueling systems for aircraft. He’s also racked up 33 hours of the required 40 hours for pilot training and hopes to obtain his pilot’s license within the next year.

“My plan following high school is to continue my flight training and become a professional pilot alongside working in aviation,” Vail said. “I plan on taking online classes toward a bachelor’s degree once I am settled in a flying job.”

His passion for flight is nothing new. Vail said he recently looked at a note he wrote while in fourth grade about what he wanted to do when he grew up.

“I wrote that someday I wanted to pilot a Boeing 777 aircraft,” he said. “This is something I’ve really wanted to do for a while and flying professionally has been a longtime dream of mine.”

Conner’s family, including his mother Kathleen, his father Paul, and his older brother Hunter have come to terms with his desire to fly.

“I think my mom was pretty scared at first, but she’s gotten better with it over time,” Vail said. “They all have accepted that flying is what I really want.”

Wanting to be close to aviation played a part in Vail applying to work with MAC Air Group after school during his senior year of high school.

“I have a passion that is hard to come across nowadays and I do everything I can to be around it,” he said. “My goals in life are unlike others and it seems to make me stand out from the rest of my classmates. I gave up playing sports my senior year and that was hard, but I’m farther ahead now of reaching my goal. My job is fun for me so I have never really considered it a chore, but instead a break from the stress that life can bring while in school.”

As far as academics in high school go, Vail says he just tried to stay on track, focusing on his future dreams and giving his best effort always.

“My greatest strength as a student is my ability to think differently than what I may be taught and not be afraid to use it, especially in math,” he said. “Lots of the math and science classes require formulas and lots of steps to find an answer. If I couldn’t make sense of a formula or solve something, I tried to make something for myself.”

He credits his teachers, school guidance counselors and his parents for prioritizing what he needs to be successful in life.

“My mentors in school such as teachers and counselors have helped me get to the point that I'm at now,” Vail said. “They guided me as a student to succeed in what I want for myself. But above all, my parents’ support and dedication to my future has gotten me the farthest and it continues to outside the classroom.”

Vail’s favorite teachers at Windham High School are Alissa James, Peter Small and Jeffrey Neal.

“They all brought passion to the classroom, cared about what they taught and never treated anyone like a stranger,” he said. “Their kindness and enthusiasm are top notch. My favorite class was U.S. History with Mr. Neal. I have always been a fan of history and learning why certain things exist today. Learning about our history as a nation is rewarding and full of interesting stories. That and every class beginning with current events was always a class I looked forward to.”

Vail also credits his sixth-grade teacher at Windham Middle School, Sarah Hopkins, for helping him to reach one of his goals of completing high school.

“I was by no means a great student in sixth grade. She helped me become a better student and taught me how to focus on what I want as I go through high school and to work hard to accomplish it,” he said.

With his high school diploma in hand, Vail says his immediate plan is to continue his flight training and to eventually become a professional pilot working in aviation.

“I plan on taking online classes toward a bachelor’s degree once I am settled in a flying job and my career goal is to fly for Delta,” he said.

Now that his time as a high school student is finished, Vail says his most enduring memory will be passing in his final assignment.

“Years and years of school and thousands of assignments, and that personal finance assignment was the last one,” he said. “I will never forget that feeling. All the hard work and the long nights, early mornings and it was that last one that took all the stress away.” <