A Founding Day Celebration for the Books

Every year on March 8, we have the opportunity to commemorate Bridgton’s remarkable history. Founding Day 2023 marked 215 years since the Academy’s founders first established Bridgton Academy with money pledged by local merchants and a desire to provide an outstanding education for students who lived in the surrounding area.

More than 60 alumni, parents, faculty, and friends of Bridgton made a gift in celebration of Founding Day, culminating in the largest ever Founding Day effort. Nearly $16,500 was given to the Academy in support of our continued mission to educate young men, for which we are incredibly grateful.

Highlights of this day included a matching gift challenge set forth by some of our alumni, as well as gift drawings throughout the day. Congratulations to Charles and Britta Bell, grand prize winners, and to all of the other prize winners: Jay Locke, Ruth Nichols, Christopher & Miriam Collins, William Porreca ’63, Bob Axtell ’71, Dan Callihan ’96, and Aidan Cadogan ’19. Most of all, a heartfelt thank you to every supporter who was part of Bridgton’s 2023 Founding Day!