JAY — Spruce Mountain’s 2026 Rock of Ages band, Forget Me Knots, performed May 22 for a full house in a show that also honored longtime music teacher Dianne Fenlason before her retirement.

The band performed for the middle school in the morning, the high school in the afternoon and the community that evening, with another performance May 29 at the high school cafeteria.

This year’s setlist included “Pinball Wizard,” “Enter Sandman” and “Bring Me to Life,” according to information provided by Fenlason. A video of the show can be viewed on the high school VEROA YouTube channel.

Many alumni returned for the Friday evening show to honor Fenlason for her years producing Rock of Ages. Fenlason, who has led the program since 2008, is retiring at the end of the school year.

The night was emotional for Fenlason and her students, according to the information provided. Fenlason thanked her students, the community and her family for supporting her and the program.

Senior Blake Gemelli said performing in Rock of Ages this year was “an especially fun opportunity,” especially because it was Fenlason’s final year leading the program.

“With Mrs. Fenlason retiring this year, we really wanted to make it special for her,” Gemelli said.

Gemelli said the band worked hard throughout the year, and “preparation was of the utmost importance.” He said his favorite moments May 22 came at the end of each performance.

“No matter who we had as a crowd, whether it was children, teenagers or adults, the reception from each of them was outstanding,” he said.

Being part of Fenlason’s final Rock of Ages was personally meaningful, Gemelli said.

“She’s been a huge part of my life for over half a decade and pushed me to pursue music the whole time — thank God she did,” he said.

Gemelli said the band had to overcome struggles during the year, especially with new members and approaching deadlines.

“For many new members, deadlines came up on them quickly, and the first couple of rehearsals were very shaky,” he said. “There were doubts, but they each did their individual work and we pulled through with a great show.”

Members of Forget Me Knots include sophomores Zach Gordon, Elyssa Yannelli and Jackson Archer; juniors Alissa Tompkins and Landon Hatch; and seniors Olivia Mancine, Kaz Townsend, Nathalie Baker, Annalaya Spear and Blake Gemelli.

Supporting Sponsor for Franklin Journal, Livermore Falls Advertiser, Rangeley Highlander and Rumford Falls Times.
Keeping communities informed by supporting local news. franklinsavings.bank