Distinguished Alumni: Mary "Beth" Grover Jones '66

The Fryeburg Academy Alumni Association presents the Distinguished Alumni Award each year during reunion weekend. A committee reviews nominations and selects an individual who – “has rendered meritorious service to the school and/or community.” 

Beth Grover Jones ’66 fits this description perfectly, and we are honored to celebrate her today.

Beth Grover Jones ‘66 has worn many hats at Fryeburg Academy, making it difficult to summarize her contributions in one short speech. During her student years, Beth was a four-sport athlete, excelling in softball, field hockey, and basketball. She received All-Star recognition as a field hockey goalie and a softball catcher. Beth also enjoyed the arts and was a four-year chorus member. After FA, she graduated from Husson College, where she continued to participate in basketball, softball, and field hockey.

Beth worked for GE Credit Corp and then Noyes Tire Company, where she was reputed to be the first woman tire salesperson on the Eastern Seaboard. She joined the Fryeburg Academy faculty when then-Headmaster Phil Richards hired her to teach math. Beth lived in Frye Hall as a dorm parent and taught math and business law. After a brief return to Noyes, Headmaster Harry True convinced her to return to the Academy in 1979, where she stayed until her retirement in 2018. Over the years, Beth taught math, typing, office practice, business management, and business law. In the early ‘90s, she took a one-year sabbatical to complete her MBA at Husson University.

In addition to teaching, Beth coached field hockey and softball, served as a dean, a dorm parent, a bus driver, and an IT department technician. She served as the president of the FA Alumni Association for four years and led the FA Teachers Union on three separate occasions. In 2012, she was inducted into Fryeburg Academy’s Hall of Excellence in recognition of her athletic and extracurricular achievements. Her son, Luke, is also an FA grad – a member of the class of 2005. 

What truly makes Beth exceptional is her compassion, kindness, and genuine care for her friends, family, and community members. Since retiring from the Academy, Beth has spent most of her time volunteering. She is active in her church, is a current member, and served as the president of the Oxford County United Parish. She stands in as Minister when one is not available. Beth is a member of the Oxford Union Associated Maine UCC, the Retired Teachers of Oxford County Association, and the Daughters of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, – and as one of the younger members of the Grange, she is the “go-to” driver, transporting displays to several county fairs throughout the season. She cooks weekly for church suppers, drives friends to doctor’s appointments, and takes care of her cherished granddaughter, Leona, who recently turned three.

Beth stays connected with FA and currently serves on the Hall of Excellence Committee and continues as a member of the FA Alumni Board of Directors. In 2012, she established the Grover Women’s Athletic Scholarship at FA, awarded to a graduating senior girl. She is committed to growing the award and has made plans to endow it to ensure it continues in perpetuity. Beth keeps in touch with the recipients as they make their way through college and is honored and proud to see them become happy, successful, and meaningful members of their communities.

Beth Jones loves Fryeburg Academy, and she has spent most of her life showing us all what true dedication looks like.