Concord High School 'Wall Of Fame' Concept Moves Forward

CONCORD, NH — Eight students, educators, retirees, and others met with Concord High School’s principal on Wednesday to move forward on the concept of creating a wall of fame to honor past graduates and others who have made significant contributions to the school and its students.

Michael Reardon said the concept, which he hoped would be up and running by the fall, with the first honorees to be announced during the spring of 2023, would recognize the “long tradition of excellence” of the school’s graduates, while also utilizing the tradition as “a motivation and guide” for students. He told attendees it was “an exciting and elegant undertaking” which, he believed, would allow students to find aspirations from others.

Attendees included two high school students, a number of retirees and educators, and past graduates. After addressing key questions and issues, including a mission statement, where the wall might be located, and who and how inductees would be selected, they agreed to share some prior conceptual ideas of wall of fames at other locations, including Pembroke Academy and Boston University.

No specifics have been decided; the effort is still in the conceptual phase.

Reardon and others agreed that the quality of the former students, and what their roles were like would be considered, as well as a broad sample of categories like athletics, arts, medicine, and politics, along with a mix of ages, and an online interactive component, possibly similar to the Humans Of New York series. Inductees who were still living might be asked to speak while a dinner or an event could be tied to the concept.

Reardon also said it was important that he not be the one to lead the effort.

Another meeting will be held in late June.

Anyone interested in participating can email Reardon at mreardon@sau8.org.

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