ASHLAND, Maine – A small gathering took place Sunday, Aug. 29 outside of the new Ashland District School to celebrate the life and memory of Travis Grover. The Class of 1990 presented the school with a new bench that overlooks the playground area. The bench has a plaque engraved with a formal dedication. Grover graduated with his class June 8, 1990, a goal of his from a very young age when he was diagnosed with cancer. He succumbed to the illness just a month after graduation.
The event was attended by classmates, friends – including a close friend, Natalie (Nadeau) Ringuette – and family who remembered Grover for his optimism to live life to its fullest potential. The ceremony began with an opening prayer given by classmate David Morton. Travis’ mother, Chris Grover, spoke to the class members, who both she and husband, Ron, fondly refer to as “their kids.” Giving her thanks to the class, she said, “They say it takes a village to raise a child; in Travis’ world you were a big part of his village.”
Classmate and friend Anthony McPherson also paid tribute to Travis and the Grover family with a few of his own personal words. A release of balloons in the Boston Celtics’ colors of green and white (Travis’ favorite basketball team) were applauded as the children in attendance and friends and family cheerfully let them fly to the sky.
With help from classmate Susan (Theriault) Rogers, who suggested the idea of a bench, and classmate Lendell Buckingham, who was primarily responsible for making the project a reality, the bench was revealed and presented to Christopher Hallett, principal of Ashland District School.
The class president, Julie Graham Berry, then announced to the Grover family that the Class of 1990 would be contributing the remaining balance of their account, approximately $300 to the Travis Grover Memorial Scholarship Fund. The 1990 alumni recently celebrated their 20th reunion, but during the celebration, the life of one of their very dear classmates was fondly remembered and will never be forgotten as his lessons taught by courage and perseverance are now remembered in a way that can be passed on to future generations who attend the Ashland school.
If you are interested in contributing to the Travis Grover Memorial Scholarship Fund, you may send donations to: Lynwood McHatten, Ashland District School, P.O. Box 369, Ashland, Maine 04732.
