Page 18 - Fall 2025
P. 18
Spotlight on Alumni, continued...
manager for Star 97.7 in Ellsworth. “We’re classic He is very nostalgic about his years at HHS and says the
hits station totally dedicated to the community. The High School Circus is one of his favorite memories. “I
station is known as Maine’s Premiere Community Radio also enjoyed attending basketball games in the gym,
Station and that’s a title we earn each day.” taking field trips, building snow sculptures during the
Winter Carnival, discovering a great new book at the
Mike can be heard each morning from 6am to 9am school library and talking music with my friends.”
(with WHOU alum Paul Dupuis) on the Star 97.7
morning show He also hosts the Totally Rad 80s Hour One of his favorite stories from high school happened
Countdown each weekend. Outside of Star 97.7, he can during his senior year. “We were given the option of
also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio. taking a regular gym class or going bowling at Hilltop
Lanes. Guess which option we chose? We called our
“I host Military Musicians Showcase each Monday team the Bowling Stones and our soundtrack was Start
at 9:00 am. I interview veterans and active-duty Me Up. It was the big hit at the time, and we played
personnel who are musicians. Some are currently it endlessly. At one point Orville Boutlier, the owner,
involved in military ensembles; others are band leaders unplugged the jukebox as he couldn’t take it anymore.”
and singer/songwriters. Each episode features several
examples of each guest’s music. It can be heard at Mike is very quick to point out the teachers at Houlton
WreathsAcrossAmerica.org” who had a positive impact on him. “I was a big fan of
principal Elwood Scott. He was firm but fair and a great
Mike says his only regret in life is that he didn’t serve leader for our school.
his country when he had the chance. “I am so grateful
for the service of our veterans and those currently Ralph Prince, Peter Blood and Bud Anderson were
serving. It’s an honor to speak with them each week.” so kind in helping get my head around mathematics
– my arch nemesis. Mark Scally was an incredible
music teacher, so creative with an endless passion for
Michael Dow-- another Houlton music that made us want to learn. English teachers
High School graduate making a Betty Stone and Evelyn Putnam fostered my love for
difference in their community. language and the classics. I also enjoyed those 5th
period classes when Miss Avery would pull down the
screen to share a slide show featuring her little dog,
Tige. Scott Emack, in addition to being a wonderful
Mike has many favorite memories of growing up in English teacher, also taught guitar lessons and spent
Houlton. endless hours helping me become a reasonably
“First, I can’t imagine a better place to grow up. I had passable player. Gary Bossie and Jerry Tweedie were
an idyllic childhood with an amazingly supportive also wonderful teachers. Shop class with teacher
family. I loved everything about it, including movies Alan Hale gave us some valuable skills. I have fond
at the Temple Theatre, walking through downtown at memories of Driver’s Ed with instructor Wayne Quint.
Christmas time, listening to the Rotary Radio Auction I laughed as much as I learned during those months –
on WHOU, French fries from Don’s Lunch Box! Buying great times.
Beatles albums at York’s Book Store and meeting I’m also grateful to my Guidance Counselor, John
students from all over the world at Ricker College. Turner. He cemented my career choice when, after
What a time and place to grow up.”
18 www.houltonalumni.com
