Page 4 - Spring 2026

The Houlton High School Alumni Association Today

A Foundation of Support. A Future of Opportunity.

By Jon McLaughlin ’73,
HHSAA Executive Director

Editor’s Note: I am asked quite often, “What is the Alumni Association and what, exactly, does it do?” I have been thinking
about this and thought that it would be worthwhile to develop a set of narratives on the Association and the important
programs it has developed the past few years. As a result, here is an article on the Association and a trilogy of pieces
outlining three of our outstanding programs that have developed due to needs of our alums. I hope this explains what we do
and how important this wonderful organization is.

For more than a century, Houlton High School has been A key partnership helps make this work sustainable:
a place where young people begin to shape their futures.
Behind that tradition stands an organization working The Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF)
quietly—but powerfully—to ensure those opportunities professionally manages the Association’s endowment
continue to grow. funds—ensuring long-term growth, stewardship, and
stability for future generations.
The Houlton High School Alumni Association exists for a A Strong Financial Foundation
simple but meaningful purpose:

To provide scholarship aid to assist Houlton High School Today, the Alumni Association’s endowment has grown
graduates, to support faculty professional development, to over $4 million, representing decades of generosity
and to meet educational and infrastructure needs not from alumni and supporters.
covered by public funding. That growth has translated into real impact:

While that mission has remained consistent, the way • Nearly $1,000,000 in scholarships awarded to
it comes to life today is stronger, broader, and more Houlton High School graduates
impactful than ever before.
• Over $80,000 will be awarded to the Class of
“What started with one $500 2026 alone
scholarship has grown into a • Support drawn from nearly 30 individual

legacy of opportunity.” named scholarship funds
What began nearly three decades ago with a single $500
Who We Are and How We Operate scholarship has evolved into a program that now helps
dozens of students each year take the next step in their
The Alumni Association is a nonprofit organization, education.
governed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of
Houlton High School alumni who care deeply about the Because the Association operates from an endowment
future of the school and its students. model, these scholarships are not one-time gifts —
they are sustainable, annual commitments that will
Unlike many organizations, the Association does not continue for generations.
have formal “members.” Instead, it is supported by a wide
and growing network of alumni, friends, and community
partners who contribute through annual giving, special
campaigns, and long-term endowment funds.

4 www.houltonalumni.com