PARIS – Retiring schools Superintendent Mark Eastman was honored Friday night with a surprise $1 million donation to a scholarship fund being established in his name.

The announcement was made during a retirement dinner and party attended by close to 300 people, including family members, Oxford Hills School District staff, former colleagues and legislators at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School.

William Medd of the Oxford Hills Scholarship Foundation presented the $1 million check on behalf of Bob and Sandra Bahre of Paris Hills and Alton, N.H. The money will be added to $12,610 raised by the school and larger community for a scholarship in Eastman’s name.

Eastman said the honor is a legacy whose true value is being able to give it back to the students.

Eastman, 64, of Paris, will retire June 30 after 15 years as superintendent and close to 40 years in public education.

Assistant Superintendent Rick Colpitts of Peru, who will take over for him July 1, led the festivities Friday night. During the more than two-hour program, participants learned that Eastman inspired his staff to sing, taught them that inspiration comes from human touch, and extolled the virtues of public education and the importance of paying forward.

“Mark has set the standard and he set it high,” Colpitts said.

Speakers included Eastman’s wife, Cille, his children, Amy and Andy Eastman, school board members, legislators and school administrators. They recalled everything from his plaid jacket and love of the Kingston Trio, Platters and Aspire to Be Higher Singers, to his work on behalf of the school community and community at large.

“Your greatest legacy to us is what we have learned from you,” Curriculum Director Kathy Elkins said.

ldixon@sunjournal.com

Copy the Story Link