Staff Writer
ASHLAND – The Hornets can now showcase their school spirit to everyone driving past the boys soccer field at Ashland High School. Spearheaded by parent John Casey, community members, businesses, and soccer players combined forces to construct new dugouts emblazoned with their orange and black school colors.
“They do grab your attention,” laughed assistant principal and activities coordinator Chris Hallett. “John headed it up. The girls had them, but the boys didn’t. We had quite a few organizations that made donations.”
During a parent/coach meeting at the beginning of the soccer season, Casey brought up the issue of the missing component to the soccer pitch. Attendees agreed that the boys needed dugouts to protect them from the northern Maine weather.
“I was tired of watching the boys play in the pouring rain in late October,” Casey explained. His son and friends participate in Ashland soccer.
Shortly after, Casey and Hornet sportsmen canvassed the community looking for donations to the project. Fraser Timber Limited contributed the lumber for the buildings, but the volunteers still needed funding for paint, nails and other tools necessary for completion. Casey also approached NorState Federal Credit Union and spoke with branch manager, Denise Moro.
“I spoke to our marketing manager and CEO. and we decided to give $250,” said Moro.
Casey’s motivation for the project impressed marketing manager, Stephen Gagne. “Fundraising for the smaller schools is difficult. It’s interesting that a private person took it on himself to do something. It stops and makes you think about how important it is for local businesses to support the schools.”
After acquiring all the necessary supplies, coach Kevin Paradis, Hornet players, parents and other Ashland citizens converged on the field to construct the 7-foot by 16-foot buildings. Kevin Baker even built a hitch to make the dugouts mobile. This addition allows for easy pushing and pulling movement if anyone should ever need to remove the dugouts, or if the soccer pitch changes shape.
“We have a very close-knit community and the school is the center of that and everything that goes on here is important,” Hallett commented. “It doesn’t surprise me how much the community gave.”
The Ashland boys soccer team would like to thank every individual and business involved in the project. The timely completion of the dugouts means Ashland can present a better-equipped field hosting any playoff matches even if the Aroostook weather turns harsh early.
Contributed photo
MAKING A CONTRIBUTION–Christopher Hallet, Ashland Assistant Principal and Activities Coordinator accepts a donation from Denise Moro, NorState FCU branch manager in Ashland. 
