With a goal to promote the welfare of the school system and the larger community the Yarmouth Alumni Association has funded and supported a number of school and community programs since its inception.
Yarmouth Alumni Association Award in honor of Ben Soule
In 2018, the YAA established an annual award for a member of the graduating class who exemplifies the qualities that Ben Soule, a longtime teacher, coach, and original YAA Coordinator, brought to the Association and the Yarmouth schools throughout his career: dedication, selflessness, humility, and school spirit.
This recipient of this award is honored during the senior awards assembly each spring.
2022 Award Recipient: Alice Donahue
2021 Award Recipient: Camden Olson (Ithaca College)
2020 Award Recipient: Ella Caruso (Boston College)
2019 Award Recipient: Ben Pearl (George Washington University)
2018 Award Recipient: Sean Moore (McGill University)
Financial Assistance to School System & Community
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the YAA donated funds to support our community through YCAN (Yarmouth Cares About Neighbors).
In 2010, the YAA made a donation to help purchase a new piano for the Yarmouth Performing Arts Center. Since that time, the Association has funded additional school-related projects including improvements to the Rowe School Playground and several PTO programs.
School Garden Program
Starting in 2008, the YAA has supported the School Garden, which is located behind the Yarmouth Elementary School. The YAA funds a summer job for a 10th or 11th grader, who assists the Garden manager, to complete chores ranging from weeding and planting to assisting other volunteers who come to the garden.
Produce from the garden is used in the school nutrition program, and as a “lab” for the students at the Elementary School.
Independent Grants for Students
Creating connects between current students, alumni and the Yarmouth community is another goal of the YAA. With this in mind, the Association started funding grants to students for projects which would benefit the Yarmouth community, near and far. Several of the grants were awarded to students working with local organizations such as: Royal River Conservation Trust, Skyline Farm, and the Yarmouth Historical Society.
The YAA began sponsoring an independent film series in 2012. The first film, in honor of the 50th anniversary of Yarmouth High School, focused on YHS in 1961-62. Subsequent films have addressed topics such as safety in the Yarmouth schools, the Yarmouth Clam Festival, and extracurricular activities of YHS students.
Our House II Campaign
Members of the Yarmouth community have embarked on a private fundraising campaign to continue enhancements to the Yarmouth Sports complex – home to many Clipper teams as well as regional and state tournament games and meets.
The project successfully met its goal of $200,000 to cover these important items:
- Construction of Restrooms
- Improvements to Snack Shack
- Updating of Team Shed
- Upgrades to Electrical Panel
- Installation of Signage
Construction is set to begin during the summer of 2023. Thank you to all who contributed to the success of this campaign. We couldn’t have done it without you!
