A Noble Legacy of Excellence, Humility, and Heart

Kelly A. Bourbon was born in Sanford, Maine in February of 1965 and lived with her (6) siblings and parents in North Berwick, Maine through graduation from college. Kelly attended Noble High School from 1979-1983 where she was an honor student and two sport standout athlete. Kelly played both basketball and softball and was a member of the varsity team in both sports all four years of her high school career. Although Kelly’s memory is more recalled on the hardwood of the gymnasium playing basketball, Kelly also excelled as a softball player where she was a perennial all-star. Kelly’s true passion however was as a basketball player. She was a highly skilled competitor in all phases of the game which was a result of countless hours of practice. Kelly recognized her skills and enjoyment that she received from the game of basketball noting they were gifts from God. This appreciation and mindset kept her grounded and humble regardless of her success and accolade. In addition, Kelly recognized the recipe for her success was an equal mix of unconditional support from her loving family, being surrounded by talented teammates and friends, and led by the many adults in her life that provided life lessons through their roles as parents, mentors, teachers and coaches. Kelly reached the 1,000 point milestone during her junior year which, by the way, was prior to the addition of the 3-point line. During Kelly’s senior year at Noble she surpassed the milestone of 1,000 career rebounds and set an all-time Noble High School basketball scoring record of 1,608 total points. In addition, Kelly and her teammates of the 1982-83 Noble Knights girls basketball team completed an undefeated regular season and were named that year's SYSSA Champs. Prior to graduating from Noble High School, Kelly was completely caught off guard when her basketball jersey number “21” was retired. An honor that completely overwhelmed Kelly and her family which has kept her memory alive in the athletic halls and facilities of Noble High School. After graduating from Noble High School in 1983, Kelly accepted a full-ride basketball scholarship at Bentley College located in Waltham, MA. After one year at Bentley, Kelly transferred to New Hampshire College (NHC) located in Manchester New Hampshire where she was also awarded a full-ride basketball scholarship. Kelly was extremely grateful for the opportunity to get an education due to her basketball talent, but knew her academic studies were equally important and a means for gainful employment after her playing days were complete. Kelly continued to make headlines during her college career at both Bentley and NHC where she received numerous awards and commendation for her basketball efforts. Kelly graduated from NHC with a degree in communications and upon graduation began a career teaching and coaching at Hesser College where she continued to experience significant success. Kelly had a deep passion for teaching whether it be in a classroom or in the gymnasium. Because of this passion she enrolled in graduate school at Notre Dame College located in Manchester, N.H. where she was awarded a Master’s Degree in counseling. After receiving her counseling degree she took a Guidance Counseling position at Central High School also located in Manchester, New Hampshire where she immediately made a positive and lasting impact on students and staff alike. Kelly had just completed one year as a guidance counselor at Central High School when she was diagnosed with brain cancer. A brief time after being diagnosed with cancer, Kelly was called home to be with the Lord in 2005 at the young age of 40. Kelly Bourbon, a great Noble High School athlete, but an even better Human Being. Kelly was and always will be a proud Knight of Noble High School.