Gould Academy Alumni Weekend 2026: Celebrating a Legacy of Connection

Sep 30 2026

More than 300 alumni representing over 60 years of graduating classes returned to Gould Academy in September for Alumni Weekend 2026—a celebration of the enduring connections, shared experiences, and traditions that make the Gould community special.

A New Era of Reunions

This year marked the successful launch of Gould’s new every-other-year, dual-class reunion model, bringing two classes together to celebrate milestone reunions and reconnect with the school. The response was tremendous. Alumni traveled from across the country and across generations to return to campus, renew friendships, share stories, and experience the place that played such an important role in their lives.

The Classes of 1976 and 1977 celebrated their 50th reunions, while the Classes of 1961 and 1962 returned in particularly strong numbers to mark their 65th reunions. The Classes of 2001 and 2002 also showed up in strong numbers for their 25th celebration.

**2026 Winter Olympic Snowboarder Nathan Pare ’23 with Snowboard Program Director Dustin Holzweiss ’02**

Honoring Community Leaders & Celebrating Gould Olympians

Alumni Weekend also provided an opportunity to recognize members of the Gould community whose leadership and accomplishments exemplify the school’s mission. The 2026 Michael Stowell Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to longtime Board of Trustees member Sarah Taymore in recognition of her exceptional commitment and service to Gould. The Distinguished Alumni Award honored Phil Coupe ’86, founder of ReVision Energy, a certified B Corporation and leader in the solar energy industry. The Young Alumni Award recognized Geo Neptune ’06 for their remarkable accomplishments and contributions to the field of traditional Wabanaki basketmaking as well as a tireless commitment as a teacher and role model for Passamaquoddy and other Wabanaki youth. Gould also honored distinguished athlete and educator Ken Remsen from the Class of 1967 with an induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

The weekend included the induction of three recent Gould Olympians: Nathan Pare ’23, Brianna Schnorrbusch ’24, and Hanna Percy ’25, into the Remsen Olympic Hall of Fame. Nate attended the awards ceremony and thanked Gould staff for the support he received while pursuing his dreams.

**Michael Moore ’75 tells the story of the 1975 Gould State Champion Basketball Team**

Morning Assembly Highlights

The Alumni Assembly brought Gould history and tradition to life. Michael Moore ’75 shared the story of Gould’s 1975 and 1976 State Basketball championships, while Class Speaker Sean Duncan ’01 reflected on the lasting influence of his Gould experience and the importance of alumni engagement. Faith Leader Emily Drummond ’01 offered a benediction, bringing everyone together to honor the importance of place, memory, and connection. Arturo Fernandez ’16, the successful recording artist known publicly as Tristan Simone, performed two musical tracks that mesmerized the crowd. Between his numbers, he reflected on how the stage in Bingham Auditorium was the place he learned how to create, and most importantly, how to make mistakes and persevere.

Alumni Art

The Alumni Art show demonstrated Gould’s continued impact on the artistic world, featuring work by Carley Rudd ’06, Alexandra MacMillan Spencer ’06, Molly Spadone ’06, Miles Spadone ’07, and Morgan Rudd ’04. The Alumni Association held its annual meeting and, with leadership from tish carr ’77, Christopher Drake ’91, and Luke Paliocha ’10, brainstormed how to maximize alumni engagement.

Alumni Weekend celebrated the many ways Gould’s graduates continue to lead, contribute, and carry the spirit of Gould into the world.

“Coming back to Gould for Alumni Weekend is a time not only to reconnect with friends, faculty and staff, but it also reminds me, and I hope others, why Gould is so unique and amazing. There is something truly special about coming together for a reunion, whether you're celebrating 5 years or 50. It’s a wonderful chance to relive cherished memories and rekindle lifelong friendships with classmates and former faculty. Whether you simply want to catch up, help the Alumni Association (please!), the weekend brings our individual stories together to create a shared, lifelong legacy.” - tish carr ’77