Page 55 - Spring 2026
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Alumni Association Board Member, Rick
Nickerson ‘81, Publishes His Personal Memoirs
In this heartfelt memoir, Richard Nickerson reflects
on the lessons that mattered most—not the ones he
taught, but the ones he learned.
Set against the backdrop of rehearsals, concerts,
and the classroom, this book weaves together
unforgettable moments with students who
challenged, surprised, and quietly changed him.
Intertwined with these stories are glimpses into his
personal life: the doubts that followed him offstage,
the joys and losses that shaped his voice as a teacher,
and the people who helped him on his journey as a
music educator.
This book is a love letter to teaching, to music, and to
the power of community. Anyone who has ever been
shaped by a teacher—or discovered that learning
goes both ways—will find something authentic and
resonant within these pages.
Editor’s Note: A wonderful closing gift from an
outstanding educator at the end of a storied career.
Available for purchase now at Amazon.com
Two of Houlton’s own win awards at recent
Maine Music Educators Association event
Rick Nickerson ’81, of Windham, and Kevin Mania, HMHS Music Department
Chair, respectively were honored with a Hall of Fame entry and the 2026 MMEA
Educator Appreciation Award.
www.houltonalumni.com 55
