Ashland’s Hall receives Lifetime Achievement Award

 It’s not unusual for a teacher throughout their career to have an impact on several students, but it’s rare to find one who’s affected the lives of hundreds — not just in one school in one community but in several schools spread throughout an entire county. But that’s the case for the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Larry Hall, of Ashland.
Hall was recognized during the CACC’s annual dinner, held Jan. 22 at the Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center.
CACC member Sarah Brooks had the honor of making the announcement.
“Criteria for this award is that it goes to someone who’s made a difference in the lives of people in Aroostook, is involved in education and also involved with entertainment. Does that describe Larry Hall?” said Brooks.
Brooks gave an overview of Hall’s life, starting with his earliest days as a music teacher, as many of his past students who attended the dinner listened and recalled fond memories of their former teacher.
“At the age of 19, he came to Ashland as a music teacher. Ashland was known for Mr. Hall’s band, which often consisted of 100 students or more. He was known across the state. He wanted his students to experience being a part of something. He instilled confidence — made them feel like someone,” she said.
She recalled how Mr. Hall, as so many still refer to him, wrote “Here Boys” — a familiar school song to those who attended in Ashland. In the mid-1960s, Hall created the Just Folk Singers — with members reuniting years later to perform concerts in Ashland.
“Larry has now organized the Aroostook River Voices,” said Brooks.
Brooks told of the posts on the Chamber’s Facebook page, following the announcement that Hall was this year’s honoree.
“One post noted Hall was a ‘music teacher who made a difference in my life,” said Brooks.
According to Brooks, Hall also spent a number of years as a Scout leader, with a number of youth earning Eagle Scout status under his direction.
“Larry did much, much more. One thing he’s always done and takes pride in is giving back to the community. As a music teacher, he required his students to march in the Memorial Day Parade,” she said.
Retired from teaching, Hall now works at KMH Music in Presque Isle, alongside former student and store owner Chris Morton and Randy King.
“He now works on school instruments, for students in fifth grade on up, from Millinocket to Fort Kent,” said Brooks, noting Hall continues to devote much of his time to improving communities through music.
But of all his accomplishments, Brooks said Hall’s family is his greatest achievement.
“I know how important his mother is to him. Family is so important to him,” said Brooks. “On behalf of the CACC, Presque Isle Kiwanis Club and Presque Isle Elks, I’m happy to have Mr. Larry Hall as the Lifetime Achievement recipient.”
In lieu of a plaque, Brooks said a tribute donation was made toward a new sound system at Ashland District School. Hall also was presented with a legislative sentiment from both Sen. Angus King and Sen. Susan Collins.
“No one walks down the road with a modicum of success without help. That’s you,” said Hall, addressing those in attendance. “My accomplishments are nothing compared to Gail (Clukey, named Citizen of the Year) and Irving (J.D. Irving Limited, named Business of the Year) putting people to work.”
“Thanks go to those who inspired, taught and sustained me,” said Hall.
Sherri Calhoun, Melissa Baker Hall and Joel Hall then took the stage to honor Hall with a song, Blood, Sweat & Tears’ “And When I Die.”
“He taught four things: a love of music, to believe in the power of education, the value of working hard and giving back tot he community. His legacy is alive and growing,” said Calhoun, as she went on to read a list of several former students and their achievements, including Hall’s son, Joel, who serves as the principal in Ashland and Ben Lothrop, who serves as assistant principal in Van Buren.
“He’s influenced child after child. His influence only continues to grow,” said Calhoun.