đź“°BIDDEFORD | St. Louis Alumni Association Makes $50,000 Gift to Don Wilson Memorial Fitness Campaign
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By Karen Garnett, Biddeford School Department, Contributing Writer
May 28, 2026, The Biddeford School Department proudly recognized a transformational $50,000 donation from the St. Louis Alumni Association in support of the Don Wilson Memorial Fitness Center Campaign during a special check presentation held Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Biddeford High School (BHS).
In recognition of the extraordinary contribution, the renovated wellness wing at BHS will be named the St. Louis Alumni Wellness Center, honoring the deep connection between St. Louis High School and Biddeford High School. The wing will house the Don Wilson Memorial Fitness Center, the Ron Cote Coach’s Office, the MaineHealth Sports Performance Center Athletic Training Room, and two student locker rooms.
Wilson, a St. Louis High School graduate and longtime Biddeford High School athletic director, educator, coach, and assistant principal, dedicated 37 years to the Biddeford School Department and remained deeply involved in the community long after retirement. Known for his warmth, humor, and unwavering support of students, Wilson helped shape generations of Biddeford athletes and was instrumental in the growth of Waterhouse Field and numerous athletic programs throughout the city.
The renovation project, estimated at approximately $200,000, aims to create a modern, inclusive, and student-centered wellness space that supports fitness, rehabilitation, athletic training, physical education, and overall student well-being. With this substantial donation, fundraising contributions, and the district’s commitment through capital improvements, the campaign has reached $159,000, with donations continuing to be accepted as the project moves forward. Renovations will be phased and adapted based on fundraising progress, with work expected to begin July 2026 month with a grand opening date of September 2026.
“Don Wilson, Ron Cote, and Brother Richard Hebert represented everything that was special about St. Louis High School and Biddeford High School athletics: commitment, pride, mentorship, and community,” said Roger Normand, Chairman of the St. Louis Alumni Association. “Don, a 1965 St. Louis graduate, and Ron, a 1968 graduate, both had illustrious and cherished careers as teachers and coaches while Brother Richard, a member of the Brothers of Christian Instruction, was a teacher at St. Louis High School and later became became the BHS Athletic Director for many years after St. Louis closed.”
Normand went on to say, “There was always a fun and competitive spirit between St. Louis High School and Biddeford High School; we were two schools, one community,. We are proud to honor the past while investing in the future through the single largest check ever written by the St. Louis Alumni Association. We are now one school, one community.”
The St. Louis Alumni Wellness Center will serve as a lasting tribute to the shared history between the two high schools, creating a connection between generations of students and athletes. In addition to housing the Don Wilson Memorial Fitness Center and Ron Cote Coach’s Office, the renovated space will provide expanded wellness, athletic training, and rehabilitation opportunities for current and future students. Planned features include updated fitness equipment, improved accessibility and layout, modern locker rooms, and enhanced support spaces designed to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
“Our goal is to ensure that home income never separates a student from opportunity,” said Jeremy Ray, Superintendent of Schools. “The renovated fitness center will provide all students with access to a welcoming, high-quality space that supports both their physical and mental well-being. The St. Louis Alumni Association was a natural partner in this effort, creating a meaningful way for the eagle to be remembered alongside the tiger while honoring the rich heritage and shared history between St. Louis High School and Biddeford High School.”
It has been 14 years since the addition of the Don Wilson Memorial Fitness Center at BHS. While it has served the school community well, much of the equipment is now outdated, and the current layout can feel intimidating or unwelcoming for some students. The planned renovation represents an opportunity to create a modern environment that better meets the needs of today’s students, supporting athletes, non-athletes, and those participating in physical education, health, and rehabilitation programs.
Additional major donors supporting the campaign include People’sChoice Credit Union with a $10,000 contribution, the Biddeford Athletic Association with a $5,000 donation, and Firecracker Basketball with a $1,000 contribution.
Community members interested in supporting the Don Wilson Memorial Fitness Campaign may still make donations by visiting https://givebutter.com/DonWilsonFitness or by contacting Shelley Kane, Director of Community Outreach and Development for the Biddeford School Department, at 207-391-6885.
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