Letter from our new Principal, Adrian Alford
Hello Memorial Elementary School families and community members!
My name is Adrian Alford and I am the new principal here! I wanted to say hello and share a little bit about myself. I was born and raised in New Hampshire and have three wonderful older sisters making me the baby. I moved to Maine over a year ago which was a surreal feeling as I’ve never deviated outside of living in New Hampshire. With my big move to Maine, I’m fortunate to have my wife, Ashley, and two rescue dogs, Lilly and Louie.
Educationally, I attended Oyster River High School, then Keene State College for my B.A. in Psychology. After attaining my B.A., I went to work at John Powers Alternative School in Somersworth, NH. While working at John Powers, I obtained my M. Ed. in counseling from the University of New Hampshire. With my new degree, I transitioned to the Somersworth School district (SAU 56) and became a school counselor at Maple Wood Elementary School then Idlehurst Elementary School for six years.
After Somersworth, I became the Assistant Principal at Northwood School. Being an administrator has allowed me to grow professionally and personally. As an administrator, I’m able to assist students academically plus still use my counseling skills. My first administrative experience is what most would ask for! The Northwood community is extremely supportive, the school board is active, and values what is shared by school staff.
I want everyone to know how fortunate I feel becoming the principal of Memorial Elementary School! From all the people I have spoken to and met so far, it has been nothing but compliments about everyone here and how wonderful it is. I am excited to meet everyone and get to know you, not just in a work sense, but you as a person.
—Adrian Alford
Letter from our new Assistant Principal, Meredith Davine
Hello Memorial Elementary School families and community members!
My name is Meredith Davine, and I am so very happy to be joining your school community this fall. Ever since I became a special education teacher, my goal has been to impact the lives of all students. I have had the opportunity to be a Special Education Coordinator in Merrimack for 9 years, and accepted my first Assistant Principal position in Amherst last year, at Clark-Wilkins Elementary School. As a special education coordinator and assistant principal, I have had the freedom to shape young minds as well as making it possible for teachers to do what they do best!
I live locally with my ten-year-old daughter, Elsa, and dog, Scout. We like to spend our time skiing on those cold winter days, or in Maine during the hot summer months. I am looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you very soon!
—Meredith Davine