The Biddeford School Department proudly recognized a transformational $50,000 donation from the St. Louis Alumni Association in support of the Don Wilson Memorial Fitness Center Campaign during a special check presentation held Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Biddeford High School (BHS).
In recognition of the extraordinary contribution, the renovated wellness wing at BHS will be named the St. Louis Alumni Wellness Center, honoring the deep connection between St. Louis High School and Biddeford High School. The wing will house the Don Wilson Memorial Fitness Center, the Ron Cote Coach’s Office, the MaineHealth Sports Performance Center Athletic Training Room, and two student locker rooms.
Wilson, a St. Louis High School graduate and longtime Biddeford High School athletic director, educator, coach, and assistant principal, dedicated 37 years to the Biddeford School Department and remained deeply involved in the community long after retirement. Known for his warmth, humor, and unwavering support of students, Wilson helped shape generations of Biddeford athletes and was instrumental in the growth of Waterhouse Field and numerous athletic programs throughout the city.
The renovation project, estimated at approximately $200,000, aims to create a modern, inclusive, and student-centered wellness space that supports fitness, rehabilitation, athletic training, physical education, and overall student well-being. With this substantial donation, fundraising contributions, and the district’s commitment through capital improvements, the campaign has reached $159,000, with donations continuing to be accepted as the project moves forward. Renovations will be phased and adapted based on fundraising progress, with work expected to begin July 2026 month with a grand opening date of September 2026.
“Don Wilson, Ron Cote, and Brother Richard Hebert represented everything that was special about St. Louis High School and Biddeford High School athletics: commitment, pride, mentorship, and community,” said Roger Normand, Chairman of the St. Louis Alumni Association. “Don, a 1965 St. Louis graduate, and Ron, a 1968 graduate, both had illustrious and cherished careers as teachers and coaches while Brother Richard, a member of the Brothers of Christian Instruction, was a teacher at St. Louis High School and later became became the BHS Athletic Director for many years after St. Louis closed.”
Normand went on to say, “There was always a fun and competitive spirit between St. Louis High School and Biddeford High School; we were two schools, one community,. We are proud to honor the past while investing in the future through the single largest check ever written by the St. Louis Alumni Association. We are now one school, one community.”
The St. Louis Alumni Wellness Center will serve as a lasting tribute to the shared history between the two high schools, creating a connection between generations of students and athletes. In addition to housing the Don Wilson Memorial Fitness Center and Ron Cote Coach’s Office, the renovated space will provide expanded wellness, athletic training, and rehabilitation opportunities for current and future students. Planned features include updated fitness equipment, improved accessibility and layout, modern locker rooms, and enhanced support spaces designed to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
“Our goal is to ensure that home income never separates a student from opportunity,” said Jeremy Ray, Superintendent of Schools. “The renovated fitness center will provide all students with access to a welcoming, high-quality space that supports both their physical and mental well-being. The St. Louis Alumni Association was a natural partner in this effort, creating a meaningful way for the eagle to be remembered alongside the tiger while honoring the rich heritage and shared history between St. Louis High School and Biddeford High School.”
It has been 14 years since the addition of the Don Wilson Memorial Fitness Center at BHS. While it has served the school community well, much of the equipment is now outdated, and the current layout can feel intimidating or unwelcoming for some students. The planned renovation represents an opportunity to create a modern environment that better meets the needs of today’s students, supporting athletes, non-athletes, and those participating in physical education, health, and rehabilitation programs.
Additional major donors supporting the campaign include PeoplesChoice Credit Union with a $10,000 contribution, the Biddeford Athletic Association with a $5,000 donation, and Firecracker Basketball with a $1,000 contribution.
Community members interested in supporting the Don Wilson Memorial Fitness Campaign may still make donations by visiting https://givebutter.com/DonWilsonFitness or by contacting Shelley Kane, Director of Community Outreach and Development for the Biddeford School Department, at 207-391-6885.
PHOTO ABOVE: Representatives from St. Louis Alumni Association, Biddeford School Department, Biddeford High School Athletics, and MaineHealth Sports Performance Center gather to celebrate the donation to the Don Wilson Memorial Fitness Center renovation project
(Front Row, L-R) St. Louis Alumni Association Chairman Roger Normand, Biddeford High School student athletes Lola Laverriere and Addison Barrs, and Biddeford Superintendent Jeremy Ray.
(Middle Row, L-R) St. Louis Alumni Association Past President Paul Therrien, St. Louis Alumni Association Member Jeanne Valliere Gall, BHS student athlete Colton Sirois, St. Louis Alumni Association Member Pat Boston, BHS student athlete Joey Davis, BHS Athletic Director Dennis Walton, MaineHealth Sports Performance Center Athletic Trainer Zach Chase, and Biddeford Curriculum Director Mandy Cyr.
(Back Row, L-R) Biddeford Assistant Superintendent Chris Indorf, BHS Principal Martha Murray, St. Louis Alumni Association Secretary Roger Gobeil, St. Louis Alumni Association Treasurer Richard Dutremble, St. Louis Alumni Association Vice President Mike Pendergrass, St. Louis Alumni Association Member Chico Tardif, St. Louis Alumni Association Member Ray Lafortune, St. Louis Alumni Association Member Rick Grenier, and Waterhouse Field Association President Jim Godbout.
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