The following blog post was contributed by Sam Adams ’77, P’18.
Sam Adams ’77, P’18, son Nick ’18, and wife Kelly
Maine water is famously cold, even in summer. Whether you are perched above a swimming hole at a mountain stream or watching the waves at the coast, the best way forward is to dive in. If you try to wade in you’ll stand there tentative and shivering, and that’s no way to get wet or to live life. The best way—the Gould way—is headfirst.
“Having the courage to take a leap into new things is what makes change possible. By playing an active role as a Gould parent you can be a catalyst for change—for your own child and for other Gould students.”
“Having the courage to take a leap into new things is what makes change possible. By playing an active role as a Gould parent you can be a catalyst for change—for your own child and for other Gould students.”– Sam Adams ’77, P’19
Sure, the feelings you have about diving in are pretty intense, and maybe even a bit scary, but then you burst through the surface and you feel as alive as can be and everyone in the water with you is laughing at the splash you made. There is friendship that comes from taking the plunge together.
As a Gould parent, you’ve taken that plunge. You’ve committed to Gould’s values and encouraged your child to explore all that the school has to offer. That’s incredibly important because breaking down uncertainties and trying new things is what makes Gould different. Whether it’s participating in Four Point or On-Snow, being in a play or trying a new sport, working face-to-face with a teacher on a difficult subject, or trying to make something completely new in the Marlon Family IDEAS Center, Gould is going to help your daughter or son change and grow.
Having the courage to take a leap into new things is what makes change possible. By playing an active role as a Gould parent you can be a catalyst for change—for your own child and for other Gould students.
The best way to get involved is through the Gould Parents Association (GPA). As a parent, you’re automatically a member of the GPA. How you choose to get involved, and the level of your involvement, is up to you. If you live close enough to Bethel or are visiting, you can get involved by volunteering on Family Weekends, at athletic events and other similar opportunities.
Nick and me getting to work in the IDEAS Center on Parent and Family Weekend
If you are not close by, you can host or attend a local Gould event—sharing your Gould experience with other Gould families and introducing new families to Gould. Above all, you can use the GPA as a way to share your ideas and comments with Gould and other Gould families.
As a starting point please join the GPA Facebook page and reach out to Amy Connell, Director of Alumni and Parent Relations. The GPA is looking for parents to participate at all levels.
Learn more about the GPA here!
It’s been nearly 45 years since I, as a very skinny Gould Ninth grader, first made the leap at Frenchman’s Hole near Bethel. Man, that was frosty! Yet as an alumnus, recent Gould parent (Nick ’18), and current trustee, I find I keep diving in. As a former co-head of the GPA, I’m asking you to dive in, too. You have a lot to give, and as a parent, your ideas and support will make a big splash!
Sam Adams ’77, P’18
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