Hall of Honor - Class of 2021
9th Annual Induction Ceremony held on Saturday, April 30th, 2022
Inductees: David Heffernan '50, Debra (Petit) Lagasse '72, Michael Redmond '80, John St. Onge '91, Normand Trottier '62.
David Heffernan is a 1950 graduate of Biddeford High School. He is entering the Biddeford Athletic Hall of Honor for his many contributions to our athletic programs and the community of Biddeford.
David became involved with the Biddeford Athletic Association (BHS Athletic Boosters or BAA) in 1962. Over the course of 58 years, he served the Association in the role of Président, Treasurer, and volunteer. David was involved in several BAA initiatives and was instrumental in the vast improvement made to the community's beloved Waterhouse Field over the decades. He also served as a Trustee of the Waterhouse Field Committee.
David worked at Hussey Seating Company for 28 years. Along with his passion for high school sports, he served the community he loved. David was a Lay Minister and served on the Parish Council, School Board, and Financial Committee at St. Andre's Parish. When David wasn't serving his parish, he could be found at Biddeford High School athletic events supporting the Tigers.
David passed away on March 22, 2020. His passion, dedication, and efforts will forever be appreciated by our school and community, and his induction into the Biddeford Hall of Honor will ensure that his contributions and legacy are forever remembered.
Debra (Petit) Lagasse is a 1972 graduate of Biddeford High School. While at BHS, Debra participated in basketball and gymnastics, the only two female offerings prior to the 1972 Title IX amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, banning sex-based discrimination in educational programs.
As a basketball player, Debra was the leading scorer of the Tiger freshman basketball team in 1969, scoring half of the team's points that season. That year she was named "most athletic” in her class along with Steve Randall, BHS Hall of Honor Inductee - Class of 2017.
Debra was an outstanding gymnast for BHS. As the team's co-captain, she led the Tigers to a state championship in 1971. At the state championship, Debra scored 1st place finishes in floor exercise and vaulting; she also scored a 3rd place finish on the uneven bars. Debra's 18 total meet points was the highest total of the 140 girls competing. During her senior year, Debra scored a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finish; unfortunately, a collarbone injury prevented her from competing in the State Competition. That same year, Debra was named Most Valuable Player of the Gymnastics team and recipient of the BHS 1972 Girls' Sportsmanship Award.
Following graduation, Debra earned her Associate's Degree in Legal Studies from Andover College in 2008 and a Bachelor of Science Degree magna cum laude in Business Administration from Husson in 2013.
Today, Debra resides in Biddeford with her husband, Dennis.
Michael Redmond is a 1980 Graduate of Biddeford High School. While at BHS, Mike lettered in three varsity sports: football, indoor track, and baseball.
Mike was an All-State football player as a fullback and middle linebacker for the Tigers. He was an instrumental player during Biddeford's 25 game winning streak. Wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson, Mike rushed for 850 yards in nine games during his senior year. In 1980, Mike was the recipient of the school's Stephen F White Award, presented annually to the top male athlete at Biddeford High School.
Upon graduation from the University of Southern Maine, Mike returned to Biddeford, where he taught and coached for 32 years. As the head middle school and freshman football coach, Mike compiled a 44-0 record in football. As an assistant coach with Mike Landry, the team had a 22-1 record. In 1990, Mike became the head coach for the Tiger Outdoor Track & Field Team. During his tenure, the Tigers earned three (3) conference championships, a Western Maine Regional Championship, and the school's lone State Championship in 1995.
Today, Mike is a school administrator for the Sanford School District and resides in Kennebunkport with his wife of 32 years, Karen Elizabeth.
John St. Onge is a 1991 graduate of Biddeford High School. While at BHS, John lettered in three varsity sports: football, basketball, and baseball.
John made his most significant impact on the gridiron; he was a 3-year starter on offense and co-captain on the 1990 State Championship football team. During his senior year, John led the state in both rushing yards and touchdowns. He was First Team All-State both as a junior and senior and was the Fitzpatrick Trophy recipient his senior year.
On the diamond, John was a 3-year starter for the Tigers. In 1990, John helped lead Biddeford to a Telegram League Championship. He was selected to the Southwestern Maine Activities Association All-Conference team both his junior and senior year as the team's starting catcher and surpassed a 300 batting average both seasons. John was also the co-captain of the team his senior year.
Upon graduation, John enrolled at the University of Southern Maine, where he played baseball for the Huskies. After a year at USM, John transferred to the University of New Hampshire to pursue a degree in business administration.
Today, John resides in Connecticut with his wife, Cindy, and their two daughters, Leah and Ruby.
Normand Trottier is a 1962 graduate of St. Louis High School. Normand was a standout football and baseball player for the Eagles.
Normand was a member of the 1961 Maine High School football championship team as the Eagles running back. That same year he was named to the Maine Sunday Telegram All-State Football team. Then in 1962, he was named to the Maine Sunday Telegram All-Star Baseball team. A phenomenal baseball player, Normand was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1961 Own Davis Post-American Legion State Championship team. In the championship game, he threw a no-hitter.
Following graduation, Normand attended the University of Connecticut (UConn), where he played center field for the Huskies in 1963. In 1964, Normand also lettered for the UConn football team as a running back. Following his stint with UConn, Normand coached basketball, football, and baseball at Warren High School (Maine) and the Maine Central Institute. Shortly after, Normand became the Foreign Language Chair at Thornton Academy and coached baseball for 26 years, the final 14 as the school's head coach. In 2004, Normand was inducted into the Maine High School Coaches Hall of Fame.
Today, Normand resides in Naples, Florida with his wife, Marianne.
