Dear Alumni , Parents , and Friends of Thornton Academy ,
Saco is a special place , from our beautiful beaches and working waterfront , to sprawling farms and vibrant downtown . Thornton Academy sits proudly on Main Street , in the heart of our city .
As students , my neighborhood friends and I walked through the streets of Saco to school , books under our arms . As headmaster , I realize the importance of being located in the midst of our wonderful city and of being an active member of this dynamic community .
We ’ re honored that our campus can be a part of important events : Linnell Gym serves as the polling location for the City of Saco and the annual Saco Middle School 8th-grade promotion ceremony ; Garland Auditorium welcomes the Saco school community for a variety of performances – including the CK Burns choir concert and Saco Middle School play – and TA hosts the Saco Police Department ’ s annual “ National Night Out ” celebration in our quad .
Our athletic contests and arts productions draw people from Saco and beyond , and the TA band is one of the highlights of the annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades . There ’ s no better place to be than Main Street , Saco .
Our alumni also recognize the importance of community . David Pendleton , featured on our cover , has made a career of serving his community , as a deputy fire chief , harbormaster , and president of our alumni association .
Inside these pages you ’ ll also read about the popular Twin City Arts Camp , which was founded by one alum , is now operated by a second , and features a team of counselors composed almost exclusively of recent TA graduates .
You ’ ll also see on page 8 that our Best Buddies program received national recognition for ensuring that all students feel valued , welcomed , and part of the Thornton community .
I ’ m deeply grateful for the community support provided to our Headmaster ’ s Student Assistance Fund , which helps students in need by providing items such as warm winter coats , eyeglasses , school supplies , and other necessities to ensure that all students have what they need to thrive at TA . The Headmaster ' s Student Assistance Fund also supports TA ’ s free breakfast and lunch program . You can learn more about the impact of this fund on page 13 .
To those who have , and continue to support our students through our annual auction or by a dedicated contribution , thank you . It truly takes a village .
Best ,
FROM THE HEADMASTER
Rene M . Menard ’ 88 , Headmaster
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