News

2024

  • Exploring Costa Rica: Gould Student Trip

    Gould Academy students experienced a life-changing adventure in Costa Rica. The trip, offered during the November Break, was filled with exploration, education, and cultural immersion.  

    Guided by long-term Gould partner Amazon Learning and faculty Tracey Wilkerson and Wyatt Gormsen, students ventured off the beaten path into some of Costa Rica’s most pristine wilderness. From the tropical forest and deserted beaches of the southern Pacific coast to the south-central mountains of the Coto Brus agricultural region, every moment offered new opportunities for experiential learning and growth.  
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  • Showcasing musical talents at the annual Winter Concert

    Gould Academy's Bingham Auditorium was filled with holiday cheer as students and faculty showcased their musical talents during the annual winter concert. The event featured performances by small groups as well as individual vocalists and instrumentalists, delivering a festive repertoire that delighted the audience.
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  • Fall Sports Awards

    Find your team, find your lifelong friends at Gould.  
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  • Gould Hosts Snowy December Open House

    Gould Academy’s recent Open House offered prospective families an opportunity to experience its programs and welcoming community. Set against the backdrop of a snowy campus, the event featured a student-led tour, interactive breakout sessions, and lunch with faculty and students.
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  • ELITEAM Partners with Gould Academy, Bringing World-Class Summer Camps to Bethel, Maine in 2025

    ELITEAM, the leader in training programs designed to inspire and educate junior athletes, is excited to announce a new partnership with Gould Academy. Starting in July 2025, ELITEAM’s renowned Summer Camps will be held at Gould Academy’s campus in Bethel, Maine, offering young athletes access to cutting-edge facilities, an exceptional learning environment, and tons of fun!  

    “I am incredibly excited to team up with Head Alpine Coach Parker Gray and the entire Gould staff to offer junior athletes the continued opportunity to learn, push their limits, and boost their performance!” said Doug Lewis, founder of ELITEAM. “Gould Academy will be the new home of ELITEAM’s World Cup overnight camps, taking advantage of their extensive knowledge and incredible facilities to raise the levels of learning and fun
    at ELITEAM to new heights.”
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  • Welcoming the Next Generation of Winter Athletes to Gould

    Gould Academy is thrilled to welcome a dynamic and talented group of middle school athletes for our Winter Term program this week. These students come from across the United States and beyond, representing six states and two countries, each bringing unique strengths, passions, and skills to our vibrant community.  
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  • Fiona ’25 shares a moment of celebration with advisor Lindsay Legare following her first vote in Bethel!

    Gould Academy Student Votes for the First Time

    On November 5th, Fiona, a senior at Gould Academy, experienced the excitement of casting her first vote in Bethel. Originally from Virginia, Fiona planned ahead, making careful arrangements to ensure she could register and vote in Maine, where she’s been attending school since ninth grade. Voting here, she explained, was a way to connect more deeply with her Maine community and have a say in decisions that affect her everyday life.
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  • Gould Athletes are First in the East at Sunday River

    On November 1, Gould Academy’s competitive snow sports athletes, coaches, and employees enjoyed an exclusive snow day at Sunday River in a unique “First in the East” event. From 12 to 2 p.m., this dedicated group of skiers and riders took to the mountain to kick off their training season in unseasonably warm, spring-like conditions—complete with a little bit of everything on the terrain.
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  • Fall Family Weekend 2024: A Celebration of Gould’s Values and Connections

    Fall Family Weekend at Gould was a joyful, sun-soaked gathering that perfectly embodied the school’s core values of curiosity, creativity, courage, and kindness. Over four days, families, students, and faculty came together to share meaningful experiences, reflecting Gould’s belief that everything is built around connection.
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  • Poet Laureate Emeritus of Portland leads the Richard Blanco Reading Series

    “Not an ending, but a beginning…”
    We were honored to welcome Maya Williams (ey/em, they/them, she/her), Poet Laureate Emeritus of Portland, Maine, to Gould Academy for the Richard Blanco Reading Series.
    Maya led writing workshops with students, exploring themes of mental health, grief, healing, and resilience. After formal dinner, Maya captivated the community with a moving reading, followed by a book signing in the Bingham Student Center. We’re grateful for the opportunity for our students to engage with powerful work that challenges their assumptions in a safe, nurturing environment.
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  • Gould students hold up their Peace Day Posters

    International Peace Day at Gould

    From Adam Leff P’15,’17, Director of Civic Engagement and World Languages Department Chair:

    Gould Academy celebrated International Peace Day with a variety of activities promoting peace and inclusion across the school community. The day featured a keynote by Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline, who shared Lewiston's success in fostering inclusion through community programs and services, and emphasized the global impact of local actions. Mayor Sheline also visited US History and Comparative Government classes, engaging students in discussions and encouraging them to get involved in community initiatives, volunteerism, and peacebuilding.
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  • New Mountain Bike Jump On Campus

    The DD Mountain Bike Pro Lander Airbag is one of the newest additions to the Gould campus. Thanks to a gift from the Grohman family (Marty ’85, P’24,’26, Amy P’24,’26, Hannah ’24, and Henry ’26), Gould mountain bikers will be able to take the next step in their freeride progression. Local trail systems are getting more advanced, with bigger jumps being built every day, so the airbag becomes an essential tool. Athletes will gradually gain advanced air awareness and grow their bag of tricks.
    See more photos on SmugMug
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  • Exchange with the Juan de Lanuza School in Zaragoza, Spain, comes to a close

    As our exchange with the Juan de Lanuza School in Zaragoza, Spain, comes to a close, one student, Yun Recio, addressed the community, poignantly summing up their trip and receiving an enormous ovation at All-School Assembly.
    “With all of the interactions I’ve had at Gould, I have felt many things, but there was one that has been consistent: warmth. Everyone at Gould, no matter their role, is a little piece in the big puzzle that is Gould. Every piece is the definition of Gould: curiosity, kindness, creativity, and courage. I want to thank you all for making this trip unforgettable.”
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  • A day of team-building activities, including low and high ropes courses

    Ninth-grade students visited Camp Kawanhee in Weld, Maine, for a day of team-building activities, including low and high ropes courses. These challenges gave them a chance to relax after a busy start to the year while learning about communication, teamwork, and building a positive class culture. Morning games focused on problem-solving, trust, and collaboration, while afternoon high ropes elements encouraged individual courage and peer support. Activities such as the Cable Walk, Spider Web, and Pamper Pole helped students bond, challenge themselves, and support one another in a fun, engaging environment.
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  • Environmental Science Class Unveils New Potting Bench

    The Environmental Science Spring '24 class, guided by Jeremy Nellis P’25 and Sarah Kamilewicz, constructed a potting bench, which is now available for all gardening enthusiasts in the community. This initiative encourages seasoned gardeners and novices to engage in gardening activities on campus.
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  • Music Without Borders Piano Festival

    Directed by Tamara Poddubnaya, The Music Without Borders Piano Festival returns to the Gould Academy campus for its 18th season, July 7-August 3, 2024. The first public recital will be at 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2024, in the air-conditioned McLaughlin Science Building Auditorium, and every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after that, through August 3! This year, we are joined by student pianists from the U.S., Canada, and Europe.  🎹
    For additional information and special program announcements, visit musicwoborders.com
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  • Ninth-graders on a transformative Four Point journey in Peru

    At Gould Academy, students are travelers, not tourists, because they deeply engage with the communities they visit. They don't just observe; they participate, learn, and contribute. Through community service projects, living with host families, and learning from local experts, they build genuine connections and gain a deeper understanding of the places they explore. This immersive approach fosters empathy, cultural awareness, and personal growth.
    More photos here
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  • Gould Academy 2024 Commencement Ceremony Honors Outstanding Students

    Gould Academy celebrated the achievements of its graduating seniors at the 188th Commencement Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 1, 2024. The event, held at 10:30 a.m., recognized excellence in academics, leadership, athletics, and community service, highlighting students' hard work and dedication across various disciplines.
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  • Commencement 2024

    What an amazing day under the tent on Alumni Field! Words can’t express how proud we are of this group of Gould seniors. You entered during Covid and came out stronger on the other side. You had victories on the sports fields and at the mountain; you transformed yourselves in the classrooms and on adventures with your classmates. You explored the outdoors and became stewards of the environment. Gould played a role, but you were more than up for the challenge.
    The relationships you built over the last four years will last the rest of your lifetime. Don’t forget to nurture them as you move forward. And remember, you will always have a home at Gould Academy. Congratulations Huskies!
    More photos here
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  • Senior Gala 2024

    Gould held its annual Senior Gala at the UMaine 4-H Camp & Learning Center at Bryant Pond. Games, activities, camaraderie, food, and fun in a stunning spot made for a fantastic evening, and the seniors learned what it means to be a Gould Alumni. Thank you, Gould Alumni!
    More photos here
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  • Spring Athletic Awards

    The Spring Athletic Awards are a chance to reflect on the past season, recognize individual and team accomplishments, and celebrate the way our students represent themselves and Gould in the world. It's awesome to witness the strong bonds that are built within our teams.
    View the full photo album
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  • Celebrating the Gould Class of 2024

    The Class of 2024 is nearing the end of their time at Gould, and we’re excited to highlight their outcomes. Fifty-four students submitted 470 applications to 223 colleges. Next year, they will be scattered across 19 states and five countries. Seven students were accepted to their early decision schools, six are committed collegiate athletes, and four received full-ride scholarships. Among them are a National Merit Scholar, a member of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team, four jacketed ski patrollers, and one certified EMT. These achievements reflect the hard work and diverse talents of the group.
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  • “I Never Want My Phone Back” - Gould's Hurricane Island Adventure

    Gould recently returned to Hurricane Island for the first time since 2019. It was previously a yearly tradition cherished by tenth- and twelfth-grade students. This year was a great opportunity to reestablish the partnership between Gould and The Hurricane Island Foundation for Science and Leadership. Seventeen students and three faculty members spent two nights and three action-packed days exploring the enchanting island.
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  • Jonah presenting about his documentary at assembly

    Senior Four Point Documentary Sets its Sights on Ski Patrol

    Every year, Gould twelfth graders complete a Senior Four Point project that culminates their learning at Gould. Students find creative ways to express themselves, travel the world, and complete service projects as part of this work. Discovering that they are capable of great things is at the heart of every step of the Four Point Program, and this special capstone project is no exception. Learning to collaborate with others, overcome obstacles, and see a project through to completion are all part of the assignment.
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  • Parker Gray '97 Returns as Head Alpine Coach

    We are thrilled to welcome back Gould alum Parker Gray ’97. He will take on the role of Alpine Head Coach, leading our Alpine staff and coaching the U18 Boys. He returns to Gould after his most recent experience with the US Ski Team. Gray worked with the World Cup Tech Team, coaching worldwide and working closely with some of the most successful athletes at the sport's highest level. Gray was also instrumental in implementing strength and conditioning programs for the US Ski Team's high-performance department and will bring this wealth of knowledge and expertise to Gould. 

    In 2008, Gray was named Vermont Alpine Racing Association coach of the year, and he has extensive experience working with youth and high school-age athletes. A 1997 graduate of Gould, Gray is a member of the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame, a certified USSA Alpine Level 300 coach, a two-time Junior Olympic Downhill Champion, and an Overall Junior Olympic champion in Downhill and Super G. Welcome back, Coach Parker Gray! We look forward to seeing you on campus and on snow at Sunday River!
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  • Happy Place Found

    The Spring issue of the GAzette should arrive at the doors of current and past parents and alums this week! Read the GAzette Spring 2024 issue here
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  • State Champion Math Team

    Congrats to the State Champion Gould Math Team! The Gould team won the Maine State Math Meet (Class D) this week in Augusta, Maine. Special shout outs to Zach Johnson ’24 who placed fifth at the meet among all seniors, Artur Savchii ’24 who was seventh overall during the regular season, and Jason Deng ’28 for placing ninth at the meet among all ninth graders in the state, though he’s only in eighth grade!
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  • Snowboarders qualify for world championship race

    Congratulations to Hanna Percy ’25, Olivia Stracuzzi ’25, Brianna Schnorrbusch ’24, Nathan Pare ’23, and Tyler Hamel ’22 on qualifying for the Junior World Championship for snowboard cross in Gudauri, Georgia. Both Bri and Nate qualified but won't be competing at the event. Here’s what Coach Anna Yoshie Yamada had to say about the two current Gould athletes who are competing:
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  • Camden Lewis Headed to FIS Freestyle Junior World Championships

    Congrats to Camden Lewis ’27, who will be representing Gould and the United States skiing moguls at this year’s FIS Junior World Championships at Chiesa in Valmalenco, Italy, April 3-6. Gould Moguls Coach Sean Ennis, who will be joining the U.S. coaching squad for the event, had this to say about Cam:
    “Cam had a strong finish to his 2022-23 season, securing him a spot for 2023 U.S. Selections, where he had a fifth-place finish. Cam won several Eastern Divisional meets, earning him the USSS Eastern Division MVP of the year. Beyond this, Cam earned a top-ten finish in the Nor-Am finals, which has positioned him to be invited to the 2024 FIS Junior Worlds. This event brings together the top junior athletes from all over the world to compete for the title of Junior World Champion. We are excited to watch Cam perform in Valmalenco, Italy!”
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  • Ten Years of War in Ukraine

    Friday at all-school assembly, Polly ’24 and Artur ’24 gave a grim and powerful presentation on the ten years of war in Ukraine, their home country.
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  • Slam Poet Andre Bradford's performance and writing workshop at Gould

    “Seeing how other people engage in the arts is fascinating. The way Andre interacts with his audience is so unique. I loved having him here. His writing workshop was filled with great tips, and I got to observe how others write.” - Toby ’27
     
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  • Gould GSA Visits Equality Community Center in Portland

    Gould's Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA) recently traveled to Portland's Equality Community Center for a GSA meetup! Gould was one of eight schools that attended the event, where queer youth met up, socialized, had a pizza party, played games, and watched "A Guide to Pronouns," a student film from the Cape Elizabeth GSA sharing the importance of asking and respecting peoples pronouns. 
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  • Tuesday Night Rail Jam - Shred for Sleds

    This past Tuesday night, the Gould community gathered on the upper field after a formal dinner to witness the spectacle and glory of a rail jam. Over thirty freeskiers, snowboarders (and even a couple of Nordic and alpine athletes) participated in the contest, with all entry fees benefitting the local Mahoosuc Kids Association in the form of the highly coveted Zipfy Sleds.
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  • Liu ’24 and Hu ’24 Earn Inaugural Moxie Awards

    The Moxie Award, presented by Head of School Tao Smith, celebrates Gould students who demonstrate an act of creativity, courage, or kindness, three of our school’s four core values.
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  • Meaningful Service Activities Related to Food Justice and Peace

    “This day serves as a commemoration of Dr. King's tireless efforts in the fight against racial inequality in his advocacy for justice, equality, and peace, so on Martin Luther King Day, we come together to celebrate the principles of unity, service, and social justice that Dr. King championed throughout his life. It is not just a day off but rather a day on. It's a day to engage in meaningful service activities that contribute to the betterment of society.”
    - Adam Leff P’15,’17, Coordinator of Civic Engagement & Clubs and World Languages Department Chair
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  • Artur Savchii ’24—Math Olympian Hopes to One Day Help Rebuild Ukraine

    Artur Savchii ’24 has done something unprecedented at Gould. He qualified for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) based on his score on the American Mathematics Contest 12 (AMC 12). In this next phase of testing, Artur can qualify for The United States of America Mathematical Olympiad, which precedes the International Mathematics Olympiad. To put this in perspective, currently, Artur is one of the top 3,000 math students in the country, and that's just the beginning of his accomplishments.
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< 2024
Independent High School for Boys and Girls | Grades 9-12, Postgraduate and Winter Term for Grades 7-8 | Boarding School in the Mountains of Maine

Gould Academy guides students to be creative, courageous and resilient and to lead lives of fulfillment and purpose.