Local Spotlight: Hunter Frechette

The word fear is not part of Hunter Frechette’s vocabulary.

Hunter, 20, was born with Down syndrome, a genetic disorder that can affect and cause physical and intellectual disabilities. He has also been diagnosed with autism, ADHD and Tourette syndrome.

But Hunter refuses to let his diagnosis sideline him or prevent him from living his best life with sheer energy, a razor-sharp wit and a heart that seems to be on high gear constantly.

Hunter lives with his mother, Diane, in Biddeford. We caught up with Hunter last week to talk about some of the many things he has accomplished and his hopes for the future.

Hunter grew up in Biddeford and attended local schools. He graduated from Biddeford High School in 2023. But get this: Hunter was the first person in the nation with multiple disabilities to graduate as an honorary member of the National Honor Society.

Hunter earned that NHS designation by demonstrating leadership, participation in extracurricular activities and by volunteering in the community.

Hunter was nominated and voted by his peers to be inducted into the National Honor Society, a prestigious organization that recognizes high-achieving high school students nationwide.

Hunter just shrugs and offers a sly smile when asked about school.

“I liked to bug Miss Libby,” he grinned, recalling his former teacher. “It was a lot of work.”

Biddeford High School principal Martha Jacques had high praise for Hunter in her prepared remarks for a school publication.

“Despite his unique challenges, Hunter demonstrates outstanding character by being a positive role model, Jacques said. “We are extremely proud of him. His dedication to his school, commitment to service, and leadership skills inspire all of us. He has shown that anything is possible with hard work and determination."

Diane Frechette said she couldn’t help but cry at the induction ceremony.

"I am so incredibly proud of him, and to watch him receive this honor brought me to tears,” she said. “This is a kid that doctors said wouldn’t ‘make it.’ He continues to prove that he is not only surviving, but thriving.”

Only hours before our scheduled interview last week, Hunter learned that he had been hired for his first “real job” at the Biddeford hospital, SMHC. He will be working in the laundry, sorting and folding linens, stacking carts with supplies and helping with other tasks in the environmental services department.

“I really like to fold laundry,” he said.

His mother says that Hunter enjoys organizing and cleaning tasks at home.

“It’s just something that appeals to him,’ she said. “He likes things to be neat and organized. He usually does all the laundry.”

But the hospital job won’t really be Hunter’s first job, Diane Frechette said. Hunter has worked with a skills coach at a number of places, including the Wells-Ogunquit Resort, Goodwill and the Wells Reserve at Laudholm.

Hunter, however, is not an all-work, no-play kind of guy. On hot summer days, you might find him enjoying time with a Jet-Ski on Sebago Lake.

“I like jumping through the waves,” he said.

He also “loves” surfing at Mother’s Beach in Kennebunk. He also enjoys going to the movies and getting ice cream at Fielder’s Choice Ice Cream.

Hunter also enjoys spending time with his pets, including his dog, Simon; his cat, Sweetie Pie; and his rabbit, Harley.

Hunter has a solid reputation for not hesitating to say what’s on his mind and being direct.

This upcoming basketball season will be Hunter’s last as a member of the Unified Team. Last year, he was the team’s highest scoring player.

Hunter will be participating in the Bridges Program, a transitional academic program that connects graduating high school students with real-life learning skills, vocational training and college classes through the University of New England as part of the Best Buddies program.

According to their website, the Best Buddies program is the largest organization globally serving individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. Their mission is to end the “social, physical and economic isolation of the roughly 200 million people worldwide with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

Best Buddies programs help students develop meaningful friendships with their peers, secure jobs, improve communication and advocacy skills, and live independently, while also offering support for their families.

Hunter says he is looking forward to participating in the Best Buddies program.

Diane Frechette says her son has a significant impact on the people he meets. “His sense of humor is well-known, and people have their favorite “Hunterisms,” phrases that Hunter uses on a daily basis,” she laughed.

But Hunter also offers his peers and others with a calming presence, a source of inspiration and tranquility in a world often tangled in anxiety.

“I’ve had many people tell me that Hunter is so helpful by just reminding us all to be real, genuine and compassionate,” Diane says. “He just has this instinct about how to connect with people. He is full of love has an incredible supply of empathy.”

Hunter is never afraid to try new things, and he’s always up for a challenge and hanging out with his friends McKenzie, Connor, JoJo and Parker. He enjoys adaptive sled ice hockey and playing baseball. In fact, he ended up becoming a coach in the Challenger League, part of the Little Leage program.

Despite his enthusiasm and willingness to push through boundaries, life is still sometimes difficult.

When asked about his biggest challenges, Hunter is quick to say that he gets annoyed with his parents. He yearns for independence but still requires help and gentle direction.

Hunter loves cheeseburgers, peanut butter ice cream and spending time with his dog. His smile lights up a room, and he is quick to offer his help.

As our interview drew to a close, we asked Hunter what one piece of advice he wanted to share with our readers.

“Be nice,” he said. “Try new things.”

Randy Seaver is a freelance writer living in Biddeford. He is a former newspaper reporter and editor and is the principal of a small strategic communications firm. He can be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com.