Members of Gorham High School’s Class of 1974 gathered over three days this August to reconnect and celebrate the 50 years since their graduation. Thirty-six of the original 149 members of the graduating class took part in the weekend walk down memory lane, to the joy of classmates and their significant others who accompanied them.

Festivities kicked off on Thursday, Aug. 8 with a golf outing at the Kezar Lake Golf Club in Lovell, Maine.

On Friday, the Class of 1974 gathered at Gorham High School for a morning tour of the school with current principal Brian Jandreau, and to present to him a number of gifts for their alma mater. Through the generous donations of nearly 40 members of the class, two five-foot wooden benches, with plaques that read, “Gift of the GHS Class of 1974 Celebration of the 50th Class Reunion. Best Wishes to All The Students of GHS. Go Rams! August 2024” were gifted, along with a maple tree to be planted on the high school grounds in honor of deceased classmates. The Class of 1974 also generously provided a one-time $500 scholarship to be given to a GHS senior. The group noted the changes to the building over the years, and took great joy in finding their old trophies and banners.

“In my 10 years as principal at Gorham High School, I do not believe there has been a more generous gift given by an alumni class,” said Jandreau. “It was my honor to receive these gifts on behalf of GHS, and to tour the building with the class to share what is new at the school while seeing what was through their eyes. It was a pleasure.”

Friday evening the group attended a Portland Sea Dogs game, where, over an “all you can eat” BBQ and Sea Dogs Biscuits, 50 years of stories and adventures were shared, leaving those in attendance to note that it truly seemed like yesterday when they were last all together at GHS.

On Saturday, Aug. 10, the class held a social hour and banquet at Spring Meadows Golf and Event Center in Gray, which was well attended by classmates and spouses, but also by a former faculty member. During the banquet, Walt Ridlon, Greg Dugas, and others shared stories, memories, invoking many laughs and a few tears by all. Class of 1974 graduate Craig Marsh said of the banquet, “The weather was ideal, the friendships were warm and we didn’t want the night to end.”

Marsh, with support from his wife, Ginny, took on much of the planning and preparation for the multi-day events. “Our class owes a lot of gratitude to Craig Marsh, our classmate who did the majority of the communication and coordination to make these events happen,” said Kristine (Carpenter) Miller. “It took a lot of work, and I personally am truly thankful.” Marsh noted that his hope is that all will remain in contact, and that they will reconnect once again in the near future.