For the Lyons Family, “The People Make the Place” at Bridgton Academy

Bridgton Academy threads are woven deeply into the Lyons family. Doug Lyons ’83 is a former Academy employee, two-time Bridgton parent, and has served on the Bridgton Academy Board of Trustees since 2017. Currently the Superintendent of Schools in Wakefield, MA, Doug has built a Bridgton family legacy that is now entering its fifth decade. Their story is one of benefit, unwavering support, and constant connection that is as unique as Bridgton Academy itself.

High school sweethearts Doug and Paula Lyons knew they were at a special place from their first moments on the Bridgton Academy campus in the fall of 1982. “It was a beautiful campus and Doug loved it,” remembers Paula. “It was contagious.” Doug was on the football, ski, hockey, and track teams during his Bridgton year, and utilized the mandatory Study Hall to increase his academic performance. “I worked hard for everything,” noted Doug. “I was grateful for the opportunity to be at Bridgton.” Doug soon came to realize that he was building relationships with both staff and students that would elevate him for a lifetime; and those relationships would lead Doug to be a firm believer in the sentiment: “The people make the place.” Little did the couple know that those early Bridgton days would lead to a deep and lasting connection with the Academy that would extend for generations.

After earning a degree at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Doug began building a life with Paula and a career in engineering; the latter landing him a job offer in 1994 that would require the couple to move to San Diego. “I’m not sure at exactly what point Doug said we were moving to Maine instead,” shared Paula. “It was a quick pivot from San Diego.” A phone call from then Bridgton Academy Headmaster Jim Young just before their transition to San Diego changed things immediately for the Lyons, the teaching and coaching opening at Bridgton Academy was too special of an opportunity for Doug to turn down. His cover letter confirming his interest in the position was so powerful and poignant, it was actually read by Young at the Commencement of the Class of 1996. “Bridgton is about commitment and taking risks, then seeing how it pays off,” notes Doug. It meant a lot to Doug to return to Bridgton where he could play a role in helping young men to experience the program that had made such a difference in his life. While Doug embraced his career switch from engineering to education, Paula was busy earning her law degree. The family soon grew when the couple welcomed Douglas, Jr. to the world. “Bridgton Academy is really a great place to have kids,” noted Paula. “You won’t find a better playground.”

Although the young family left Bridgton after three years, the relationships they created at the Academy followed them on their move to Wayland, Massachusetts, where they ultimately chose to raise Douglas, and their other children, Joseph, and Isabelle. “I have great memories of going back to campus and seeing all of the people, specifically Coach Daley ’77 and Mr. Gately,” shared Douglas Jr. ’13. “Bridgton Academy was always part of our family conversations.” It may come as no surprise that Douglas found his way to Bridgton Academy for an official visit during his senior year at Wayland High School. If there was any question that Bridgton Academy was his next step, things were quickly settled for him during his campus visit. “My interview was interrupted by staff that knew me,” noted Douglas. “Everyone was great, just like family.” Along with a family atmosphere, the choice to attend Bridgton came with lofty goals for Douglas. “He told us he was going to be the valedictorian,” shared his father, Doug. Douglas was indeed the valedictorian of his class, as well as a student representative on the Board of Trustees during his year in North Bridgton. However, the greatest impact on him may have been made as a member of the Wolverine soccer team.

Despite being in recovery from a broken back that limited his playing time, Douglas stayed connected to the team. According to him, his teammates didn’t really give him a choice. “There is no opportunity to withdraw at Bridgton, everyone throughout the broader community was always checking in with me,” noted Douglas. “You are part of it, a part of this community that is bigger than you.” Bridgton success carried Douglas to a degree at Trinity College, a Masters in Business Administration from Georgetown, and eventually to a position at EY Parthenon where he is currently a management consultant. He lives in Watertown with his wife, Anna, and 1-year-old daughter, Josie.

Although Doug had always held Bridgton Academy close to his heart, it was not his expectation that his boys would attend as well; however, when they made the choice, he knew they would be well taken care of in North Bridgton. “The love and care that was there for me was there for both of my sons,” noted Doug.

With both his father and older brother having outstanding experiences at Bridgton Academy, it only made sense that youngest son, Joe ’19, would attend Bridgton as well. “The Academy was like an extension of my family,” Joe shared. His motivation was one that is common for many Wolverines. “I wanted to play sports in college. I had Bridgton propel me to a place I could not get into out of high school,” shares Joe. Motivated by his brother’s success, Joe was successful in soccer, took a risk and tried rugby, and became a more focused student than he’d ever been before. He credits his time at Bridgton for one of the most important lessons he carries with him to this day. “It’s snowing and minus ten degrees. No matter what, you have to get up that hill, you have to get that lift in, you have to get the work done,” notes Joe. “Anything in this world is a product of what you put in.” Joe carried that effort and mindset to a degree from the University of New Hampshire and holds onto it as a member of the sales team at Chronograph.

As Doug continues his work on the Board of Trustees and tongue in cheek conversations about a grandchild attending Bridgton occur, each of the Lyons men comment on the core value of Bridgton Academy that they have known since 1982: “The people make the place.” Paula notes that it does not take long to feel this when you get to North Bridgton. “You get a special feeling as soon as you walk on campus,” states Paula. “It’s all about the people.” Joe recognizes Bridgton’s ability to help young men meet their full potential. “It’s a big place for people to prove that they can go beyond themselves,” shares Joe. Douglas confirms the mission of the Academy. “Genuinely kind people who spend their lives investing in young men. As I get further and further away from Bridgton, I appreciate it more and more,” shares Douglas. As an alumnus, former employee, past parent, and current board member, Doug focuses on what Bridgton has always delivered. “Bridgton continues to be a very special place where staff build great relationships with kids,” confirms Doug. For the Lyons family, this life-changing recipe is one that continues to be part and parcel of their family story as well.