In the early days of the Gorham Times newspaper, a conversation with Cindy O’Shea, who was the principal of Narragansett School for many years, sparked the idea for writing a column that would feature the accomplishments of Gorham High School graduates.The idea dovetailed with a state grant whose goal was to encourage high school graduates to further their education by attending a four-year college, community college or trade school, or by pursuing another means of furthering their education, such as an internship.

The Gorham Times also believed that “Where Are They Now” columns would promote community pride by demonstrating that our local investment in education pays off. Our Gorham High School grads go on to do amazing things. For over 30 years, the Gorham Times has enjoyed recognizing their success by writing about a number of graduates in many different occupational fields. Some have achieved wider fame, while just as importantly, others have made their mark closer to home by living and working here in Maine.

The list of grads is long and varied. A GHS grad conceptualized and launched the idea of the Food Network in the early days of cable TV. Others have been active in the arts, becoming writers, creating memorable films or performing on stage, film and TV. One grad, along with a team of animators, created the iconic image of Gollum in the “Lord of the Rings” film as well as other animations for Academy Award–winning “Avatar” films. 

Many GHS grads have stayed in Maine and become public servants, health care providers and educators. Some have started businesses, like an ad agency whose work was instrumental in the passage of Maine’s historic same-sex marriage legislation. Their ad campaign was so effective, it became the model that other states used to pass their own laws. 

Some of the ideas for “Where Are They Now” articles are suggested by family members, so please keep us in mind if your graduate has been out in the working world for at least five years and is doing interesting work here in Maine or elsewhere. Gorham Times also publishes “Meet Your Neighbor” articles about residents (not necessarily GHS grads) who are doing interesting work as well. We are always happy to hear from our readers. Please email ckck5@icloud.com with Gorham Times WATN as the subject.