Foxcroft Academy Trustees recently dedicated the new Pride Manufacturing Student Center in a ceremony attended by many alumni, parents, community leaders, and special guests. Headmaster Bradley Ashley welcome guests to the dedication and reviewed for them a short history of the critical role charitable giving has played in maintaining the independent status Foxcroft Academy during its 178 year history. Mr. Ashley closed his remarks by saying, "It is in keeping with the philanthropic history and spirit of Foxcroft Academy, that the many projects completed over the last three years, have been made possible by the generosity of alumni, Trustees, faculty, staff, parents and community members without the use of any tax dollars."

Special guest and chairman of the Academy's recent capital campaign, Dr. Frederick Hutchinson, outlined the over $4 million worth of physical improvements that have taken place at Foxcroft Academy during the last four years. These include not only the Pride Manufacturing Student Center and dining hall, but the Mildred Hall Ebersteen Art Center, new windows to the main academic building, Philpot Multimedia Computer Center, two new foreign language classrooms, Ames Consumer and Family Science Lab, a 400 meter eight lane all weather track equipped with electronic timing and photography, as well as new baseball, softball and soccer fields. Dr. Hutchinson also introduced honored guest John Cotton of Sebec, who made a leadership gift and provided the school with the new entry way to the Student Center comprised in part with a garden named in memory of his wife Marion Cotton.

Judge Kevin Stitham, President of the Board of Trustees of Foxcroft Academy, gave special thanks to fellow Trustees who contributed over $480,000 in personal gifts to the capital campaign and faculty members who contributed over $80,000 to the campaign.

In thanking the local businesses who contributed to the successful $2.3 million campaign, Judge Stitham singled out Pride Manufacturing Co. for their very generous leadership gift which made the student center possible. Representatives from Pride Manufacturing that were on hand for the dedication were Robert Pride and Vandy Ellis Hewett. In cutting the ribbon to officially open the Pride Manufacturing Student Center, Vandy Hewett, CFO for Pride Manufacturing stated, "It is with a great deal of pleasure that we have been able to participate in this wonderful effort that will enhance the educational environment of Foxcroft Academy for many years to come."

Matthew Rolleston, President of Foxcroft Academy's Student Council, was also on hand with fellow Student Council officer Anna Kaufmann to express thanks of the student body. Mr. Rolleston stated, " I know that students deeply appreciate your generosity, and facilities such as these give us one more reason to be proud to be an FA student. In addition, to the alumni, Trustees, faculty and community members to whom we owe a debt of gratitude, I would also like to draw special attention to the many parents who supported this campaign through their charitable gifts. To our Moms and Dads I want to say thank you for helping make FA the special place that it is."

In his closing remarks Mr. Ashley thanked the many donors who participated in the campaign stating, "The gifts of many donors have supplemented tuition revenues and provided the very best academic facilities and programming for its students."

The Pride Manufacturing Student Center is designed similarly to a small college student center with computers, large screen television, comfortable leather chairs and couch, along with solid ash tables and chairs designed by Moosehead Manufacturing Co.. The new dining hall is also equipped with Moosehead table and chairs. Community members are welcome to tour any of the new facilities and may do so by contacting the Associate Headmaster for Development, Jay Brennan, at the Academy.