Bridgton, ME (September, 2026):
Bridgton Academy is honored to announce the creation of the Corey Smith ’88 & Scott Bell ’88 Scholarship Fund. This fund was established by Academy alumnus Tod Kean ’88, of Chandler, Arizona. This gift represents the single largest planned gift in Bridgton Academy’s 216-year history.
The Corey Smith ’88 & Scott Bell ’88 Scholarship Fund will provide scholarship support to incoming basketball players pursuing a year at Bridgton Academy. The fund namesakes, Corey Smith and Scott Bell, were both classmates and basketball teammates of Tod’s during his year at Bridgton Academy.
Corey Smith ’88 was an impactful member of the Class of 1988. An energetic personality and dynamic player on the court, Corey was well-known by classmates and faculty alike. Sadly, Corey was involved in an automobile accident just a few short weeks prior to his Bridgton Academy graduation, ultimately succumbing to his injuries. In the wake of the loss, the Corey Smith ’88 3v3 Basketball Tournament was created. Tod was proud to be a member of the winning team in the inaugural Corey Smith ’88 3v3 Basketball Tournament, and the tournament remains one of his most meaningful memories from his year at Bridgton. To this day, the Corey Smith ’88 3v3 Basketball Tournament is a beloved and highly competitive year-end tradition at the Academy, always taking place in the week prior to Commencement.
The award also recognizes Academy alumnus Scott Bell ’88. Scott and Tod were roommates during their year at Bridgton Academy and retain a close friendship. This friendship and camaraderie represent the lasting impact of the Bridgton brotherhood and the ability of Bridgton alumni to make a difference in honor of a classmate and a school that they love.
“Bridgton Academy is incredibly grateful to Tod for the creation of this new scholarship,” shared Head of School Diana J. Gleeson. “This transformative gift will ripple through Bridgton Academy for the next two decades and far beyond. Bridgton Academy is all about creating relationships—a brotherhood built over centuries. This scholarship, named in honor of two Wolverines, is a beautiful tribute to the enduring relationships that are forged here at the Academy. Thanks to the Corey Smith ’88 & Scott Bell ’88 Scholarship Fund, we can help to support the next generation of young men who are ready to honor the legacy of Tod, Corey, Scott, and every player who wore the jersey before them, along with those who are yet to come.”
Mr. Kean’s annuity donation will provide annual funding to the Academy for the Corey Smith ’88 & Scott Bell ’88 Scholarship Fund over a period of twenty years, with the endowment then continuing on into perpetuity.
“My year at Bridgton changed the trajectory of my life,” stated Tod Kean ’88. “Giving back through this scholarship is both a thank you to the Academy and a tribute to two classmates who made my year unforgettable.”
Bridgton Academy extends its sincere thanks to Tod Kean ’88 for his outstanding philanthropic investment on behalf of the Academy and the young men whom we serve.
To learn more about planned giving at Bridgton Academy, please contact Jessica Priola, Director of Institutional Advancement, at jpriola@bridgtonacademy.org.