The St. Louis Alumni Association today made its largest ever financial contribution to help fund a new project at Biddeford High School
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor
Although they were once intense rivals, graduates from the former St. Louis High School in Biddeford found themselves today surrounded by representatives from Biddeford High School.
The former Eagles and the Tigers were united on the front steps of Biddeford High School this morning to celebrate a substantial financial gift that underscores a community legacy of “Two Schools, One Community.”
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The $50,000 donation from the St. Louis Alumni Association provides Biddeford school officials with a solid foundation in honoring the legacy of Don Wilson, a former BHS athletic director and a 1965 graduate of St. Louis High School.
Today’s $50,000 donation represents the single largest donation ever made by the non-profit St. Louis Alumni Association, an organization that will soon disband as its members continue to age.
Over the last few years, the living graduates have supported several causes and academic scholarships throughout the city.
The closure of St. Louis High School – a parochial school — in 1970 sent shockwaves throughout the community. Several members of the community still recall attending St. Louis but then being forced to finish their education and graduate from Biddeford High School.
“It was certainly a strange time,” recalled Roch Angers, a former St. Louis student who graduated from Biddeford High School. “It took a little while, but it all worked out.”
City Councilor Patricia Boston is one of the youngest members of the St. Louis Alumni Association. “At this point, we just need to disband,” she said. “But we wanted to leave on a high note.”
Richard Dutremble is another St. Louis graduate who said today’s ceremony “felt right.”
“This is a good outcome,” Dutremble smiled while standing near the main doors of Biddeford High School and recalling how hard Wilson hit him during football practices in the 1960s. Dutremble is today a York County Commissioner and treasurer of the St. Louis Alumni Association.
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Other St. Louis Alumni Association members present at today’s ceremony included Roger Normand, the board’s chair; Vice President Mike Pendergrass; Secretary Roger Gobeil, Jeanne Valliere Gall, Rick Grenier, Ray Lafortune, Pat Chico Tardif and Paul Therien.
“We wanted to leave
– Patricia Boston, St. Louis Alumni Association
on a high note.”
During a brief ceremony, School Supt. Jeremy Ray described the $50,000 donation as “transformational.”
In recognition of the “extraordinary” contribution, Ray said the renovated wellness wing at Biddeford High School will be named the St. Louis Alumni Wellness Center, honoring the deep connection and shared history between St. Louis High School and Biddeford High School.
The renovated wing will now house the Don Wilson Memorial Fitness Center, the Ron Cote Coach’s Office, the MaineHealth Sports Performance Center Athletic Training Room, and two student locker rooms.
Ron Cote, a legendary football coach, was also a St. Louis graduate.
The entire renovation project — estimated at approximately $200,000 — aims to create a modern, inclusive, and student-centered wellness space that supports fitness, rehabilitation, athletic training, physical education and overall student well-being, according to school officials.
A school department spokesperson said the substantial donation from the St. Louis Alumni Association – along with the commitment from capital improvements — the campaign has now reached $159,000 of its $200,000 goal.
Donations for the project are still being accepted as the project moves forward.
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The renovations will be phased and adapted based on fundraising progress, with work expected to begin in July and a grand opening date of September 2026.
During his professional tenure in Biddeford, Wilson was a beloved teacher, coach, and assistant principal over his dedicated 37-year career with the Biddeford School Department.
Known for his warmth, humor, and unwavering support of students, Wilson helped shape generations of Biddeford athletes and was instrumental in the growth of Waterhouse Field and numerous athletic programs throughout the city, said Ray.
School officials say that the planned renovation represents an opportunity to create a modern, inclusive environment that better meets the needs of today’s students, supporting athletes, non-athletes, and those participating in physical education, health and rehabilitation programs.
Local businessman Jim Godbout said Wilson’s legacy in Biddeford was remarkable. “Very few people step forward for the community with that level of drive and commitment, Godbout said.
For her part, Boston said today’s ceremony felt almost like a full circle, pointing across the street to a field that was named in the honor of Brother Richard Hebert, one of her favorite teachers from the former St. Louis High School.
Additional major donors who have supported the campaign include PeoplesChoice Credit Union ($10,000); the Biddeford Athletic Association ($5,000) and Firecrackers with a $1,000 contribution.
Community members interested in supporting the Don Wilson Memorial Fitness Campaign may still make donations by visiting https://givebutter.com/DonWilsonFitness
Donations can also be made by contacting Shelley Kane, Director of Community Outreach and Development at Biddeford School Department, 207-391-6885.
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