This fall, Biddeford High School’s (BHS) student-athletes are making a significant impact both on and off the field. As part of the school’s athletic mission to promote "Education-Based Athletics," the fall teams have taken the initiative to give back to the community, demonstrating the importance of service and social responsibility.
The Girls Soccer Team organized a highly successful food drive for the Local Food Pantry, collecting numerous non-perishable goods and $235 to help local families in need, as well as volunteering at Biddeford Parks and Recreation Kindersoccer on Saturdays. Meanwhile, 50 members of the Football Team spent hours assisting with post-construction cleaning at the new My Place Teen Center on Bacon Street, contributing their efforts to create a positive space for local teens.
The Boys Soccer Team focused on the environment, conducting a beach cleanup at Fortunes Rock, while the Cross Country Team volunteered at the A Running Passion’s Shoe Jamboree held at Waterhouse Field. The Cheering Squad lent a hand to the Local Oldies Group, assisting with the setup and breakdown of an Oldies Dance at the Eagles Club, where all proceeds were donated to the Portland Ronald McDonald House. They also visited Wardwell to celebrate "National Assisted Living Week" with its residents.
The Field Hockey Team held a "Stick it to Cancer" game, raising $739 for the American Cancer Society, and became landscapers to transform the overgrown BHS Courtyard. The Golf Team held a drive-a-thon and donated $200 to Seeds of Hope in support of our unhoused neighbors. The Volleyball Team will be partnering with the Heart of Biddeford to help with the placement of Christmas lights in local parks, bringing holiday cheer to the community.
In addition to the athletic teams, the BHS Choir and Pep Band will perform for the residents of St. Andre’s in November and December, respectively, bringing music and joy to local seniors during the holiday season.
“We’re incredibly proud of our student-athletes for not only representing Biddeford High School with skill and dedication but also with heart,” said Dennis Walton, Biddeford High School’s Athletic Director. “Their commitment to community service reflects the values of teamwork, leadership, and care that we aim to foster within our student-athletes.”
Superintendent Jeremy Ray added, “These students embody what it means to be community leaders. They show that education extends beyond academics and sports; it’s about character. The impact they’ve had on those around them speaks volumes about the power of giving back.”
These service projects reflect the character and values that Biddeford Schools strive to instill in its students. “It’s truly inspiring to see our athletes, coaches, and volunteers come together to help make our community a better place,” adds Walton.
Each season, teams within each sport choose various community projects to participate in. If your organization has a worthy project, please reach out to BHS Athletic Director Dennis Walton at dwalton@biddefordschools.me.
(L-R) Biddeford High School Football players Ernest Doore and Landon Sirois mop the floors at the new My Place Teen Center following construction.