Longtime Raymond volunteer Kevin MacDonald honored - By Jim Beers

The Raymond Rec Sports Department took time on Saturday to honor one of its own, longtime volunteer and director of many rec programs, Kevin MacDonald. For nearly 20 years he has dedicated his time and energy to the town, the rec programs and its athletes. 

MacDonald was responsible for rec soccer and basketball for many years. He ran the programs from the top, and was involved in every aspect of the seasons. Spending countless hours away from his family, his dedication has been the blueprint for the volunteers that have come behind him. He is responsible for instituting several ideas that the programs still follow today. In addition to the rec sports, Kevin also had a big hand in the baseball and softball summer leagues in Raymond. Raymond has him to thank for how great the ball fields are on Mill Street, many times driving his own tractor from home to get the diamonds ready to host regular games, and playoff and tournament weekends in Raymond. 

"I’ve always tried to maximize the amount of play our kids had available to them," MacDonald said. "Being a small community has made our rec programs very special, and it's the volunteers and helpers that have made it a huge success year after year." 

The current Raymond rec basketball program members presented MacDonald with a plaque that will hang in Jordan-Small Middle School. With friends, family, and current and former athletes there to support him, MacDonald was humble and taken aback by the outpouring of thanks for all he has done for the town. Stepping down is bittersweet for MacDonald, as his love is helping those on their way up. He now will take the time to watch his daughter Lindsey, who attends JSMS, and his son Ben, who is a freshman at Windham High School, as they each are involved in many endeavors both academically and athletically.

Raymond is sad to see him depart from the spotlight, but his lasting legacy will carry the town and it's rec sports programs a very long way. 

"It has been a satisfying run with the rec sports in this town, and I'm pleased with how it's looking going forward. The more volunteers and helpers that get active in the programs--the better, and that seems to be going strong right now," MacDonald said.

Photos by Melissa Foss