BIDDEFORD — Two unselfish champions of education in Biddeford were honored for their contributions to academics during the Second Annual Pillars of Pride event at the University of New England in Biddeford on Oct. 14.

Biddeford High School graduates Lou Chantigny (Class of 1966) and Bonita Pothier (Class of 1971) received awards at the event for their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of students and the community.

The dinner and silent auction at the event helped to raise nearly $17,000 for the Biddeford Education Foundation, which provides resources outside the normal school budget to augment teaching, encourage academic excellence and to maximize opportunities for students in Biddeford schools.     

Biddeford Schools Superintendent Jeremy Ray said both Chantigny and Pothier were deserving of the honor.

“It is no secret that Bonnie Pothier and Lou Chantigny are leaders and take humble steps to improve our community,” Ray said. “This event not only recognizes two individuals who give back, it is our main fundraiser for the reinstated Biddeford Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which will enrich the educational experience for the students of Biddeford.” 

Ray said that Chantigny is known by many in the city for his kind spirit and philanthropy.

He founded TJ’s Pizza in 1982 and has been a strong supporter of Biddeford schools throughout his career.

“He not only gives profits from Pizza Sports Fundraising Nights and offers discounts, but also established a scholarship for graduating seniors, named in honor of his late wife of 49 years, Denise M. Chantigny Memorial Scholarship,” Ray said. “In addition to this scholarship, he offers a TJ’s Pizza Scholarship for BHS and Center of Technology students in which $1 from each Tiger Pride Pie pizza purchased is designated to the scholarship program To date, they have given over $5,000 in Tiger Pride Pie Scholarships.”

According to Ray, Pothier also has demonstrated her support for Biddeford students on countless occasions through the years.

She served as an educator at Biddeford Junior High teaching Home Economics and Health for nine years and then went on to manage multiple businesses in Biddeford, and worked on many levels to boost economic development. Pothier is currently the York County Regional Representative for U.S. Sen. Angus King.

“She believes strongly in supporting our youth through strengthening business relationships and is a true advocate for education,” Ray said. “Bonnie has served on countless boards and committees, including the Downtown Development Commission, St. Andre Health Care facility, the Primary School building committee, and Biddeford Savings Bank Board of Corporators. She is a Saco Bay Rotarian, was the first female Chamber of Commerce president, and was also elected and served as Biddeford’s first female mayor from 1989 to 1991.”

Senator King could not attend the event, but Ray read a letter from him to the audience.

“Lou Chantigny has a reputation as a true community leader. Raised in a home that instilled the importance of giving back at a young age — he has lived his life doing just that for Biddeford and has passed that trait on to his children as well as his grandchildren,” King wrote. “From supporting local charities and school events with donations, to starting and naming a scholarship for his late wife and in countless other ways that most of us may never know, he is a true community servant. This type of individual is rare and I am honored to add my heartfelt congratulations to him.”

He also praised Pothier for her devotion to the community.

“I may be a bit biased regarding this accolade — but I just am thrilled to send my warmest appreciation to all that Bonnie has done — both for the city of her roots and for what she has done and continues to do for me every day in York County. I know personally the passion Bonnie has for making a difference in the lives of the people of Maine,” King wrote. “Bonnie’s long history of community service, passion for learning, engaging people in ways that build bridges and seeking positive outcomes make her not only the perfect staffer, but also the perfect community member. That is just who Bonnie is. I am honored to call her my teammate and friend.”

Ray said that he concurs with the senator’s assessment of Chantigny and Pothier.

“I could not agree with Senator King more – Bonnie and Lou are a reflection on the Biddeford Education Foundation’s goals — to maximize opportunities for our students in Biddeford — and we are fortunate to have these pillars in our community,” he said.

For their accomplishments, Chantigny and Pothier were presented with silver brass plaques that will be placed in Biddeford High School to highlight their contributions. Chantigny’s plaque will be situated outside the Tiger Gym concession window and Pothier’s plaque will be enshrined outside the Jobs for Maine’s Graduates classroom.

Ray thanked event sponsors including Biddeford Savings Bank; Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating;  Maine Magazine; Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial; P&C Insurance; Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution; Biddeford Saco Rotary Club; AT&T; Bangor Savings Bank; Coastal Winair Co.; Haley’s Sheet Metal; Rotary Club of Saco Bay; Town & Country Federal Credit Union; and the University of New England.

The Biddeford Public School Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and was created to manage and distribute funds raised to enrich the educational experience for the students of Biddeford. 

For information about the Biddeford Education Foundation or to make an end-of-year gift, visit biddefordschools.me, click on the Alumni and Giving Tab/Biddeford Education Foundation or call 391-6885.

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or  by email at editor@journaltribune.com.