Science teacher Ken Baker prepares grilled cheese sandwiches Wednesday night, Aug. 28, during the open house at Spruce Mountain High School in Jay. Burgers, hot dogs, salads and desserts were also available for students, staff, family and community members to kick off the start of a new school year. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser

JAY — The open house Wednesday evening, Aug. 28, at Spruce Mountain High School in Jay was an opportunity for students to reconnect with friends and staff, parents to tour the facility and everyone to enjoy a good meal.

Science teacher Ken Baker was kept busy turning out grilled cheese sandwiches on one of several grills set up outside doors leading to the gym and cafeteria.

Industrial arts teacher Dan Latham grills hamburgers Wednesday evening, Aug. 28, during the open house at Spruce Mountain High School in Jay. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser

Industrial arts teacher Dan Latham, who teaches industrial arts took time out from grilling hamburgers to chat with Regional School Unit 73 director Andrew Sylvester of Livermore about bringing his antique truck in for students to see. “Things are looking very good for the start of the year,” Latham said later. This is his second year at the school where he teaches woodworking, metals, small engine repair, basic home repairs and automotives.

Principal TJ Plourde, second from right talks while a family from Livermore which includes from left Scarlett Gray, Travis Dube and freshman Huck Dube listen Wednesday night, Aug. 28, during the open house at Spruce Mountain High School in Jay. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser

Huck Dube, a freshman from Livermore said he was looking forward to school although he has no favorite subject yet. “I hope to play baseball this year,” he noted.

“I am looking forward to new people to meet,” Noelle Hughes, a freshman from Livermore said. “My favorite subject is ELA [English language arts].” She said she doesn’t participate in afterschool activities or sports and that her favorite thing to do is sleep.

Freshman Noelle Hughes of Livermore is seen Wednesday night, Aug. 28, at the Spruce Mountain High School open house in Jay. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser

Former director Phoebe Pike of Livermore Falls said exciting things are happening. The prom dress program she started a few years ago is continuing, she said. “PTO [parent teacher organization] is restarting for the elementary school.” she stated. “So far 20 people have signed up. I am pretty excited.”

Students, staff and family members gather in a hallway Wednesday evening, Aug. 28, during the open house at Spruce Mountain High School in Jay. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser

Principal TJ Plourde stopped to talk with students and their families while also making sure the burgers and other food items were kept replenished.

“I am happy there are a lot of people here right now,” he stated.