James Jones (graduate from the class of 1990) recently rode in the Patrick Dempsey Challenge for Cancer in Lewiston, Maine. He rode 102 miles in 5 hours and 10 minutes raising $500!

Jennifer Weeks Fuller (graduate of the class of 1994) played video games for 24 hours straight for the Children’s Miracle Network. Proceeds went to the chapter associated with Eastern Maine Medical Center.

GPCS Expresses Sorrow

GPCS is sad to announce the passing of Mrs. Jan Pillsbury. She died Thursday, September 1, 2011. She and her family have been a part of GPCS for many years. GPCS was blessed to have had Jan serve on the school board.

Mallory and her brother, Drew.

Dear GPCS Family, on March 17, GPCS lost a graduate of the class of 2008. Her obituary reads:

“Mallory’s greatest love was serving Jesus. Her actions imitated Him as she ministered to all who know her. She always had a smile and a kind word for everyone, and her love for Jesus shone in her eyes. Mallory grew up at Grace Baptist Church. She sang in the choir, and for 10 years volunteered at the homeless shelter. After graduating high school Mallory moved to Boston where she became very involved in Life Church, ministering in the nursery, mentoring teens, and participating in music.

Mallory attended GPCS and Boston Baptist College. She planned to attend Colorado Christian College this fall to complete her music degree. Mallory was in the Honor’s Society and won the Master Teachers Scholarship Award from GPCS in 2008.”

The service for Mallory was held on Friday, March 25. It was truly a celebration of her life and her love for the Lord. We were treated to Mallory performing and singing 3 songs– BEAUTIFUL!

We thank our school family for your prayers during this time. It is a comfort.

This year’s award went to Alexandra Fillmore (GPCS alumnus 2003), Girls Program Supervisor, who has been on staff since May 2007. According to her coworkers, Alex is completely dedicated to Advent, constantly advocating for the clients, and diligently working across departmental lines. She also has the wonderful ability to create an amazing experience for all the kids.  Alex focuses on teaching the  Advent core values of authentic Christian love, as well as Christian principles of community, grace, health, hope, integrity, quality, and serving. And she is an incredible representation of Christ’s love and truly implements His word and is a wonderful example of “walking the walk.” But most important of all, Alex frequently reminds the staff of Advent’s missions statement—Remember our purpose. She is an encouraging example of living out these principles. 

Alex responds, “I was truly blessed by the honor and recognition. I wish I could have acknowledged each one for his/her specic impact that led to my winning the award. I could not have done it alone! I am so thankful that the Lord has chosen to call me to Advent.”

This summer a letter went out concerning Mary Willink’s retirement.  An excerpt from the letter follows.  “It was with great sadness that the GPCS Board received the announcement of Mrs. Mary Willink’s retirement, effective in late August. Mary and her husband have been seeking God's leading regarding their future and feel that now is the time for them to move closer to their families in Michigan.”

On August 10, GPCS held a farewell party for Mrs. Willink.  It was a nice evening at First Baptist of South Portland.  Alumni from the 80’s, the 90’s, the 00’s, and the 10’s were in attendance!  It was such a blessing to see so many of you and we were honored.  There was a time for alumni, faculty, board, & friends to share and say good-bye.  Below is a letter from Mary thanking everyone.

Thank you sincerely for the very touching, emotional, and fun Farewell Party!  It was so wonderful to see and talk to many teachers, parents, alumni, and current students!  Thank you, Mrs. Woodward, Miss Will, and others I am not aware of, for providing refreshments and decorations.  The sunflowers were and still are stunning!  The painting of the school by Diane Eastwood is a gift I will treasure forever!  I will prominently display it in my new home in Michigan and will constantly entertain Michigan family and friends with stories about GPCS!!  Thank you, Mrs. Keenan, for the nostalgic slide show!  It's good to know that "Education is Happening."  Thank you, Mr. Bamford, for being such a gracious host.  Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Hasbrouck and the clean-up crew, for hanging around to clean up and lock up. 

Thank you to all of the wonderful people (you know who you are) who have touched my life during my 40 years in Maine.  Each one of you has shaped and enriched my life, and I thank God that He provided the circumstances for our paths to cross.  Leaving Maine is a very bittersweet experience.  I feel as if I am leaving one very dear family to go to my other very dear family. Upon parting may God bless us and keep us and grant us His peace.  "To God be the glory, great things He hath done;..."

Blessings and bye for now,
Mrs. Mary Willink

Stay Connected

1.  Join the "Gpcs Lions" Facebook group.
2.  Follow on Twitter, gpcslions.
3.  Read the alumni blog, "gpcsalumniupdate" at blogspot.
4.  Receive an Alumni Newsletter 4 times a year.  Make sure GPCS has your current mailing address.

How Can You Help?
There are many ways for you to join in with help for your alma mater! And it's fun.
- Prayer
- Sending in Campbell Soup Labels and Box Tops for Education
- Sending in Hannaford Dollars for Education
- Giving to the Masters Teacher Scholarship, Capital Campaign, or general fund
- Volunteering your time, for coaching, etc.