More than 700 Biddeford High School (BHS) students in grades 8 through 12 stepped outside the classroom and into the community on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, for their Third Annual Community Service Day. Fueled by the values of Tiger PRIDE (Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dependability, and Engagement), students dedicate their April Tiger PRIDE day to meaningful engagement and community impact by spending the day working to make their community a better place.
The day began with a school-wide kickoff rally and words of encouragement from Mayor Liam LaFountain before students departed for service sites. Students and staff worked in small groups on a wide range of service projects both on campus and throughout the greater Biddeford community. While the schedule differed from a typical school day, it was an essential part of the Biddeford High School experience, one where students actively contribute while earning community service hours toward graduation.
“Community Service Day is a powerful example of learning beyond the classroom,” said Martha Murray, principal of Biddeford High School. “Our students are not only giving back, they are building connections, developing empathy, and truly living the values of Tiger PRIDE. We are incredibly proud of the way they show up for their community.”
Throughout the morning, students spread out across the community to take part in service projects, including trash pickup, winter cleanup (leaves, fallen branches, and debris), painting, assisting at local food pantries, and spending time with elementary school students in classrooms. The experience offered students the opportunity to see firsthand the impact of their efforts, reinforcing the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and civic engagement.
This year, BHS students supported numerous local organizations and sites, including the Biddeford Food Pantry, Youth Full Maine, Biddeford Community Gardens, My Place Teen Center, Biddeford Parks and Recreation, Biddeford Public Works, Biddeford Primary School, Biddeford Intermediate School, Heart of Biddeford, Southridge Rehabilitation and Living Center, St. Andre Health Care, the YMCA, Avesta Senior Housing, Camp Sunshine, The Eastern Trail Alliance, and Biddeford Head Start, in addition to beautification projects around the Biddeford High School campus.
Community partners were appreciative of the support. Holly Culloton of Biddeford Community Gardens said, “The enthusiasm and energy that they brought to each of our projects was astounding, and it made for a very fun, productive and inspiring day! We love having this opportunity every year to show our young people how much they contribute to our community.”
Community Service Day reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to fostering a strong sense of belonging and purpose among students and staff. While strong relationships are forged in the classrooms each day, Biddeford High School works to elevate these efforts with school-wide initiatives aimed at supporting its core values of Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dependability, and Engagement. These opportunities are called “Tiger PRIDE Days.”
PHOTO ABOVE: BHS Senior Anna Johnson helping at Biddeford Community Gardens.
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BHS Freshmen Parker Drouin and Emily Donovan helping at Biddeford Head Start.
BHS Junior Joao Andre helping at J. Richard Martin Community Center.