Two sports devotees will be honored at Gorham’s 4th of July celebration

GORHAM — Gorham’s 4th of July Committee will dedicate this year’s celebration to Michael Gaydo of Berlin, and Mike Howard of Glencliff.

Gaydo began his career at Berlin High School in 1968, teaching English for four years before joining the Social Studies Department. He taught World History and N.H. History for 36 years prior to his retirement in 2003. During those years, he served as a NHIAA high school softball and baseball umpire, a high school basketball referee and an ASA umpire. Mike also played many years in the City Softball League, Candlepin Bowling League and Horseshoe League. He started his sports writing career in the 1960s, writing during vacations and summers for the Daily Eagle in Claremont. He also wrote for the UNH school paper and served as its sports editor, and he wrote for the Berlin Reporter serving as its sports editor. In 1991, Keith Parent and Bill Goodrich created the Gaydo Cup, which is awarded to the winner of the Berlin High School/Gorham High School soccer game and is displayed at that school for one year. Upon his retirement in 2003, the Berlin Coaches Association created the Michael Gaydo Commitment Award, which is given to an unsung BHS male and female senior athlete for their work ethic and commitment to their sport and teammates. In 2004, he was elected to the NHIAA Hall of Fame as a contributor/writer. The athletic field near Berlin High School, dedicated in 2010. is officially named "Gaydo Field.”