CLASS NOTES
1960s
Michael Prejean ’ 61 tells us he ’ s still traveling in his motor home and enjoying lots of line dancing .
Cathy ( Roberts ) Larkin , Gloria ( Benoit ) Leonard , and Kathie ( McGovern ) Anderson ( left to right ) from the Class of 1962 visited our campus recently . Cathy writes , “ After living in the Bangor area for 40 years , my husband , Gary , and I moved back to this area in 2009 . We live in Ocean Park . It has been nice to hook up with old friends , many from grade school , since our return .” Gloria is retired and lives in Lakewood , Colorado . She continues to travel and has visited every continent . Katie has retired from nursing and lives in Saco near family and friends .
Richard A . Pelletier ’ 63 is a full-time caregiver for wife , Marie , who suffered a spinal stroke in 2022 . Richard writes , “ Spending a lot of time with visits from our four children , their spouses and our 12 grandchildren . We count our blessings every day !”
1970s
Ronald-Stéphane Gilbert ’ 73 published his first novel , Conversations with My Mother : A Novel of Dementia on the Maine Coast , through Rootstock Publishing . Ronald- Stéphane , a retired global communications professional , lives in Ohio .
Paula ( Perreault ) Bedard ’ 76 was honored with the 2024 A . William Kany Jr . Community Service Award by Saco & Biddeford Savings . The award recognizes individuals who embody his spirit of generosity and public service . Bill Kany ’ 77 , Executive Vice President at the bank and son of the late A . William Kany , presented the award to Paula : " Whether it ' s through her smile , willingness to engage , or unparalleled generosity , Paula is constantly helping those in need ." Paula , who works as a Legal Administrative Specialist at
Saco & Biddeford Savings , just celebrated her 14th year at the bank . A . William Kany was a member of the Class of 1949 . Paula ' s photo is by Krysteana Scribner ’ 12 .
1990s
After working for Saco Parks and Recreation for nearly 15 years , Erika ( Lowe ) Dube ’ 97 is the new Deputy Director of Recreation for the Biddeford Recreation Department . In addition , she serves the Maine Recreation and Park Association as the state ’ s Advocacy Committee Chair . Her focus in the recreation field is on developing unique programming for all ages , promoting health , well-being and community through activities and events , providing connections to nature in parks , trails , and outdoor spaces , and advocating for the essential services that each municipal recreation department provides to their community .
Class of 1990 35th reunion is set for summer 2025 ! Stay updated on the class Facebook page ( Thornton Academy Class of 1990 ) or watch for a mailed flyer early next year . To update your info , email your class agent and TA Alumni Relations Coordinator , Giselle Tardiff , at giselle . tardiff @ thorntonacademy . org .
2000s
Brian Dunphe ’ 02 , was recognized in October as the City of Biddeford Employee of the Year . Brian has worked for the city as a Recreation Program Coordinator since 2006 . In his 18 years of service , he has developed , implemented , and contributed to the development of many programs , facilities , and events that have had an everlasting effect on the city . “ Brian is the driving force behind many of the standout Outdoor Recreation programs that offer residents unique access to our natural resources , may that be guided hikes and snowshoeing on our beautiful trail systems , canoeing and kayaking lessons on the Saco River , Wood Island
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