Achievement Hall of Fame Inductees 2024

David Belyea Class of 1978, Deanna Wade Class of 1961, Justine Ferland Class of 2000, Alex Gray Class of 1994, Bernie Yvon Class of 1982, Gary Thorne Class of 1966, Kelly Thorne Class of 1988, Anita Leonard Class of 1949.

Link to Achievement Hall of Fame Photo Gallery from May 17, 2024

https://rachmariephotography.pixieset.com/othsachievementhalloffame2024/

https://starphotography85.pixieset.com/2024othsachievementhalloffame/

David Belyea, Class of 1978, Professor at George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences, MD, MBA, FAAO, FACS

In June of 2023, The George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) and the GW Medical Faculty Associates (GW MFA) announced the appointment of Professor David A. Belyea, MD, MBA, FAAO, FACS, as the fifth chair of the GW Department of Ophthalmology. With this appointment, Dr. Belyea becomes the inaugural holder of the endowed Daniel P. Shepard, MD, and Dennis Shepard, MD, Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology. Previously, Belyea served as the interim chair of the department since January 2021. Belyea assumed the role of Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology on March 1, 2023, and was installed as the Shepard Chair on April 28, 2023.

“I am most grateful to Dr. Belyea for his leadership of the Department of Ophthalmology in an interim capacity over the last two challenging years – and I am pleased that he has now joined us as the leader to guide the future development of this department. Dr. Belyea’s vision for the department and his longstanding demonstrated commitment to excellence in guiding the clinical, educational, and research missions of the department’s faculty, are the skills and qualities that will propel him as a great leader for this department,” said Barbara Lee Bass, MD, professor of surgery, Walter A. Bloedorn Chair of Administrative Medicine, vice president for health affairs at GW, dean of GW SMHS, and CEO of the GW MFA. 

As chair of the department, Belyea will lead the faculty, residents, and staff to promote clinical excellence in an academic setting while supporting outstanding education and training for GW’s learners and overseeing meaningful research to improve care. He will also guide the recruitment and professional development of faculty, as well as the data-driven clinical operations in the department. Christopher T. Smedley, MPM, chief clinical affairs and strategy officer, the GW MFA said of Belyea’s appointment, “As an innovative and motivating leader, Dr. Belyea is committed to high-quality care for our patients. We are pleased that he has taken on the role of chair and are confident that he will lead the department to academic and clinical preeminence.” 

Belyea joined GW in 2000, as an assistant professor and director of the Glaucoma Service. Since 2000 he has served in many roles with leadership responsibility including as program director of the residency in ophthalmology since 2019, as founder of the glaucoma fellowship, and as vice chair of the department of Ophthalmology – while rising through the academic ranks to Professor of Ophthalmology in 2022.

Before he arrived at GW, Belyea led a distinguished career as a physician in the US Army Medical Corps. That service included assignments as assistant director of the U.S. Army Health Clinic, Herlong, California; assistant chief of Ophthalmology at Womack Army Medical Center, North Carolina; site ophthalmology residency program director for the University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill; and director of the Glaucoma Service at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. In addition to GW, Belyea has also held faculty appointments at UNC, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and the University of Vermont College of Medicine. He also continues to serve on the faculty of the Department of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine. 

Belyea retired as a U.S. Army Colonel on Dec. 31, 2017, receiving an Honorable Discharge after 32 years of Active and Reserve service. Belyea’s military service took him to many hospital facilities around the globe with key leadership responsibilities at every site, including Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington; U.S. Army Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany; a total of four deployments for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom with service at Camp Liberty in Iraq; and Operation Inherent Resolve at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

He has earned many military awards and honors for his service to the U.S. Army including the Legion of Merit, the U.S. Army Surgeon General “A” Proficiency Designator in Ophthalmology (Top 5% of Army Medical Officers awarded this distinction), induction into The Order of Military Medical Merit, and two Combat Service Identification Badges.

Belyea’s clinical research interests include the application of novel technologies, procedures, and surgical treatments for cataracts and glaucoma. He has published widely on these topics and on the use of simulation in surgical procedural training. A gifted and dedicated educator, Belyea has received nine ophthalmology teaching awards.

A 1978 graduate of Old Town High School, Belyea was a three-year contributor to the men’s swim team, a Dirigo Boys’ State delegate, a three-year participant in the chess club, and a performer in Junior Exhibition. An outstanding student, he was elected to the National Honor Society as a junior. After he graduated from OTHS, Belyea completed his BA at the University of Maine and earned his MD at Tufts University School of Medicine. He completed an internship and an ophthalmology residency at Letterman Army Medical Center, Presidio of San Francisco, California followed by a glaucoma fellowship training at California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, California.

(material used with permission of Josh Grossman, Executive Director of Media Relations & University Spokesperson at GWU)

Deanna Cunningham Wade, Class of 1961, Volunteer and Community Activist

It goes without saying that Deanna always had a passion for helping others. Her service to others started as a trained flight attendant with Northwest Orient Airline. 

In 1964, Deanna married her husband Larry and together they raised four daughters. 

She served on the Old Town School Board from 1985-1988 and trained as a CNA with St. Joseph Hospital. This started Deanna’s long list of volunteer hours. 

She trained as a Hospice Volunteer and volunteered with New Hope Hospice for over 20 years. Deanna also volunteered as the Animal Orphanage manager from its beginning and continued on for 15 years.

Deanna has been a member of the Orono Old Town Kiwanis since 1994 (30 years) and has served on the Board of Directors and has been committee chair during these years.

She volunteered at Cancer Care of Maine and was assigned to the Lafayette Family Cancer Center. Deanna also volunteered as a NICU Cuddler at Eastern Maine Medical Center.

She has trained three and certified two Newfoundland Therapy Dogs. With these dogs, she has amassed over 1200 visits to troop greetings, hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.

In 2014, Deanna received NewCenter’s “2 Those Who Care” award. An award was given to recognize some of Maine’s top volunteers.

If that didn’t fill her time enough, while in her 30s, Deanna took up running and trained to do marathons. She is also an avid quilter and has made a quilt for each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren unique to each person. 

Today, when she’s not volunteering, you’ll find Deanna walking Maddie, her Newfie, around Spring Hill Farm, or doing other chores around the farm. Deanna and Larry have 4 daughters, 11 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

I think many here today would agree that Deanna while wearing the many hats of wife, homemaker, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, mentor, and volunteer, is also one of the world’s best listeners.

Justine Ferland, Class of 2000, Director of UK Charity, Let Yourself Trust

Justine is the Executive Director of UK charity Let Yourself Trust (www.letyourself.net), founded 10 years ago by herself and her husband, UK-based internationally acclaimed musician Martyn Joseph.  Let Yourself Trust aims to make a difference out of great love and commitment by challenging injustice wherever it’s found, educating via advocacy, campaigning for human rights, and raising issues that have been forgotten or ignored via fundraising initiatives, thus bringing about greater awareness for beautiful people in powerless situations. Justine is responsible for overseeing the charity’s management, fundraising, donor communications, program growth, project management, volunteer trips, and liaising with the Board of Trustees. Let Yourself Trust changes projects every 6 months and in the last ten years has raised over £600,000/over $750,000USD, worked with 18 main projects and 24 community development projects, run 4 volunteer trips, and worked in 19 countries including West Bank of Palestine, Uganda, Haiti, Nepal, Gaza, Kenya, Tanzania, Guatemala, Nigeria, India, Canada, America, South Africa, Mexico, Wales, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Europe (Belgium and Greece).

Justine previously worked in the music industry for 7 years in the USA as Vice President of Ralph Jaccodine Management, a personal Artist Management company, as well as Black Wolf Records, an independent record label. She was involved with promoting, marketing, and managing creative talent, helping to build their careers via realistic strategies for releases, tours, publishing, press and promotional campaigns, as well as running two highly successful 6 figure fundraising campaigns and managing a staff of interns.  

Justine graduated from four amazing years at Old Town High School in 2000. During her years at OTHS, she was an honor roll student and was named All-State in Soccer, Basketball, and Softball.  Upon graduation, she attended Bates College on a full basketball scholarship, and after a transfer to the University of Maine Orono, was a Dean’s list recipient and graduated with honors with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Biology. Post-graduation, she went on to work in a psychiatric hospital for two years before switching gears to the music industry. She is bilingual, an avid runner working on her 13th marathon, and recently retired after 5 years of playing semi-professional basketball in the WBBL in the UK for the Cardiff Archers, as well as currently still playing for National Team Basketball Wales Senior Women.  Justine resides in Wales in the UK where she lives with her husband Martyn and their young son Jack.

Alex Gray, Class of 1994, Waterfront Concerts Founder

Alex Gray is a national concert and music festival promoter who has become a household name among New England music fans.  He is a well-respected promoter in the music industry who has made a transformational impact on Maine’s entertainment scene.  He has hosted hundreds of concerts at nightclubs, halls, auditoriums, fairgrounds, and public parks throughout the State of Maine.

Alex was born into a family with generational roots in Old Town.  He attended local schools from kindergarten to grade 12 and graduated from Old Town High School in 1994.  He continued his education at the University of Maine where he earned a B.S. in Construction Engineering Technology.

As a boy, Alex had a budding entrepreneurial spirit that was fueled by his passion for music. In 1987, at the age of 12, he started Jazzman DJs with the help of his grandfather and father.  His first major gig as a DJ was a dance at Leonard Middle School.  He went on to provide DJ services for weddings and other social events throughout the State of Maine.  From these varied experiences, Alex gained valuable knowledge of the music industry and musical production.  In 1995, he created Jazzman Productions, which specialized in concert production services, including sound production.

Over the past 29 years, Alex’s ability to bring the cultural value of music to life has profoundly shaped Maine’s entertainment environment.  He helped rejuvenate local economies by filling entertainment venues in Orono, Bangor, and Portland with some of the largest concerts and music festivals in the history of Maine.

In 1999, Alex purchased Geddy’s Pub in Orono and transformed it into Ushuaia, a favorite nightclub for University of Maine students and area residents.  In a few short years, Ushuaia became one of the premier entertainment venues north of Boston and drew music lovers from all over New England as it hosted popular national musical acts of that era.  In January 2005, Alex expanded Ushuaia with a 3,000-square-foot addition to accommodate the growing number of patrons.  This modern addition included Finger Rock Restaurant which could seat 100 people.  

In the summer of 2001, after a complete renovation of the former 16,000-square-foot Miami North complex in Bangor, Alex opened Russell’s, a family entertainment center that included a cinema, billiards, video games, and a nightclub.  He renamed the revitalized business Russell’s in memory of his best friend, Russell Crouse, who died in an automobile accident in 1995.  Alex credits Russell with getting him involved in the night club business.

The success of these upstart businesses validated Alex’s belief in the power of live music and outdoor concert entertainment, so he set out to revive this long-cherished tradition in Maine.  Beginning in 2008, Alex worked with Bob Duteau of Live Nation New England; in 2010 he created and promoted the Waterfront Summer Concert Series in Bangor.  To reflect Maine’s eclectic musical interests, the concerts included a mix of renowned country, rock and roll, and adult contemporary artists such as Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Charlie Daniels Band, Jason Mraz, Godsmack, Five Finger Death Punch, and Celtic Woman.  Never had so many big-name, diverse musical acts been featured in a single concert series in Maine!

The hundreds of thousands of fans who attended the first three years of summer concerts represented a broad cross-section of Maine’s concertgoers.  Their attendance in such numbers confirmed Maine hungered for live music, and Alex tapped into this momentum.  As the forerunner in concert promotion in Maine, he was determined to satisfy patrons’ diverse and burgeoning demands for live music.

The following articles, printed around the beginning of the summer Waterfront Concerts, underscore the impact they had on Bangor: “We’ve been talking about something like this for years, but nobody ever went out and did it until now,” Bangor Police Sgt. Paul Edwards said in a BDN story on the series. “I think he’s done a hell of a job with everything, and I hope he continues to bring this type of entertainment.”

“You can’t measure the economic impact, but you know it’s there, “John Porter, president of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, told the BDN. ” And it doesn’t benefit just Bangor. Commerce doesn’t begin and end at the city line.”

A BDN article printed on January 14, 2013, stated, “The Waterfront Concerts Series and its big-name acts have generated more than $30 million for the local economy in its first three years, according to a University of Maine study.”

Alex and his Waterfront Concert team were presented the Bion and Dorain Foster “Entrepreneurship Award” by the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce in 2011.  More recently, they were honored with the 2023 Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce’s “Spirit of the Region Culture Award”.

In 2017, Alex bought 283 Main St., the former Number Ten North Main, in downtown Old Town.  Working with local architect Robert Ervin, Alex, and his team transformed the blighted space into Kanu, a chic, 3-story restaurant, nightclub, and rooftop patio where they could present live music and serve the kinds of cuisine they prepared backstage for prominent musicians at the Waterfront Pavilion.  They hoped this venue would attract Old Town locals, UMaine students, and people of all ages throughout the Bangor region.  The name Kanu is a nod to both his Gray family forebears who started Old Town Canoe Company in 1903 and the City of Old Town nicknamed “Canoe City”.  Kanu went live on November 27, 2020, in the middle of the Covid pandemic.  Alex wryly commented he wouldn’t recommend that to any start-up business; however, Kanu’s doors remain open 5 days a week.

Over the span of nearly three decades, Alex has striven to fulfill the expectations of club and concertgoers in tandem with the ups and downs of nightclub and concert markets. He firmly believes that recruiting talented artists and focusing on the audience’s experience are the mainstays of a successful outdoor concert.  To that end, Alex’s primary goal is to create an atmosphere conducive for artists and audiences to transcend the boundaries of their daily lives.

Bernie Yvon, Class of 1982, Actor

Bernard George Yvon was born in Northampton, Massachusetts on July 21, 1964, third child and beloved only son to Bernard and Gail Yvon, and baby brother to sisters Jay and Renee. To them – and to anyone who knew and loved him – Bernie will be remembered first and foremost as a “best friend ” and a great example of “equal respect and love for all”.

Bernie’s talent and love for music and theatre were obvious even in his early years. His first role was singing “Michael, Row Your Boat Ashore” in kindergarten, sitting in an actual boat!  By second grade, he became Bashful in Snow White!

Bernie grew up in Old Town, and his musical and other talents quickly became apparent. He played saxophone and clarinet (to include being selected for the Maine All State Band and Orchestra for all four years in high school ), while also excelling in theatre, academics, and swimming.  And who can forget his widely respected role in the publication of “Calculator Fun” with his family!

Bernie graduated from OTHS in 1982, and enrolled in Northwestern University’s prestigious School of Communication as a theatre major. Consistently ranked in the top five Performing Arts schools in the country, Northwestern admits only 7% of its applicants. Bernie thrived in this environment, earning his equity card while still a student and becoming a true “triple threat“  in acting, singing and dancing.

After graduation, Bernie was a mainstay in Chicago theatre, performing with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and numerous other venues, and receiving multiple award nominations. However, his talents, humility, and hard work also saw him perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC in The Producers, as understudy to Donny Osmond in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, as John Adams in 1776 at Asolo Repertory and American Conservatory Theater and on Broadway as Harry Houdini in the original production of Ragtime, The Musical.
Some of Bernie‘s favorite roles were in shows that appealed to young and old alike – Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, Horton in Seussical,  Gene Kelly’s “Don Lockwood” character in Singin’ in the Rain, and Bert in Mary Poppins.

Kelly Thorne, Licensed Psychologist, Class of 1988

Kelly Thorne was a stand-out athlete and student at Old Town High School, graduating from Old Town in 1988. During her time in high school, Kelly assumed the role of Class President and was a member of the National Honor Society. Kelly’s athleticism was noted early on in her career at Old Town High School when she became the first female ice hockey player for the school. This groundbreaking moment has paved the way for other female athletes to develop as hockey players across the state. Kelly was also lettered in softball and field hockey respectively. Kelly also was a member of the OTHS Band. 

Kelly’s athletic prowess carried her to the University of New Hampshire where she skated for the Wildcats helping them post a 70-15-3 record during her four seasons in uniform. She helped lead UNH to their first 20-win season and was a part of the 200th win in the program’s history. For her many accomplishments as an athlete, Old Town High School inducted Kelly into their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015.

  When Kelly graduated from UNH with a degree in psychology and knew she wanted to pursue an advanced degree and following her passion for sports led her to Purdue University, where she received her master’s degree in sports psychology. She continued her studies to earn her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Denver. In 2017 Kelly co-authored the article, “Outreach as Intervention: The Evolution of Outreach and Preventive Programming on College Campuses.” The article examines the practices of College Counseling Programs and looks at preventive and proactive interventions to support students’ mental and emotional well-being. 

New England was calling her back and Kelly landed a position as Licensed Psychologist in the Department of Athletics at the University of Vermont. She provides direct care to student athletes and consults with athletic medical staff, coaches, and athletic support staff to provide a well-balanced college experience for the student athletes. These students benefit from their direct support from an academic, emotional, and athletic point of view. Her professional interests include developmental issues of college students, anxiety, depression, body image & disordered eating, relationships, substance use on campus, wellness, diversity & social justice, outreach, and supervision. She was most recently the Director of Living Well at UVM.

Kelly lives in South Burlington with her husband Damian, her son Giovanni and daughter Rosa.

Gary Thorne, Sports Broadcaster, Class of 1966

Gary Thorne is a well-known sportscaster, lawyer, and teacher with a broadcast career spanning over four decades. Gary is a 1966 graduate of Old Town High School where he served as the class President. He went on to the University of Maine (1970), Maine School of Law (1973), and Georgetown School of Law (1976). He previously worked as the Assistant District Attorney for Penobscot County and was admitted to the Bar for the United States Supreme Court in 1977.

From 1977-1986, Thorne provided commentary for hockey games on radio and television stations in Bangor, Maine. Thorne gained recognition in the Maine broadcasting scene by commentating play-by-play for the University of Maine’s hockey matches on Bangor radio station WABI and WBGW. Between 1985 and 1988, Thorne served as a New York Mets broadcaster on WHN-AM and on television from 1994-2002. He has also been the TV play-by-play announcer for the Baltimore Orioles and the Chicago White Sox. Before that, he was the play-by-play announcer and broadcasting director for the Maine Guides in 1984, a Triple-A baseball team that he co-owned from 1984 to 1988. He was lead play-by-play announcer for NHL games on ESPN. He was the primary hockey play-by-play announcer for NBC’s broadcast of the 2002 Winter Olympics and covered rowing and kayaking at the Sidney Olympics. Additionally, he covered speed skating and acted as a reporter for CBS during the 1998 Winter Olympics in Japan.

Thorne’s engaging commentary style and deep knowledge of the sports he covers have made him a beloved figure in the world of sports broadcasting. Throughout his career, Thorne has worked for several major networks, including NBC, ESPN, ABC, and CBS. His versatility and professionalism have earned him numerous awards and accolades. Off the air, he is known for his charitable work and dedication to various causes. Gary Thorne’s passion for sports and dedication to his craft have solidified his reputation as one of the most respected and talented sportscasters in the industry.

Gray Thorne was inducted into Old Town’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013 and the University of Maine Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.