Former TA headmaster Carl Stasio poses with his family , including wife , Barbara , daughter , Jenny ( Stasio ) Parise ’ 03 , son-in-law Brandon Parise , and grandchildren . As the daughter of the headmaster , Jenny grew up on campus , and now she and Brandon are dorm parents who are raising their children at TA ( Brandon also teaches history at TA ). And which dorm do they call home ? Stasio Hall , of course , named after Carl , whose vision led to the international program . Onehundred-sixty-eight students from 27 countries are enrolled at Thornton this year .
Thornton Recognized for Inclusion and Friendship
TA was honored as an Outstanding Chapter by the Best Buddies program at their Annual Leadership Conference in Bloomington , Indiana .
Best Buddies promotes one-to-one friendships , integrated employment , leadership , inclusive living , and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities .
“ We are so proud of the students involved in Best Buddies programs at your school and are extremely impressed by their dedication to our mission ,” said David Quilleon , Senior Vice President at Best Buddies . “ Award winners were chosen based on the quality of oneto-one friendships , group outings , chapter involvement , community awareness , and chapter communication . The Thornton Academy chapter went above and beyond in each of these areas , truly living the mission of Best Buddies .”
Above , TA Best Buddies team members with founder Anthony Kennedy Shriver , from left : Sami Woodcock , Brooke Helgesen , Sarah Helgesen , Jillian Kurkul , Stella Foy , and Kiley Willette .
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Maroon and Gold Going Green
Dale Pierson ‘ 73 of Pierson ’ s Nursery stands beside a Black Tupelo tree planted on campus this August , marking the start of Thornton Academy ’ s
Community Forestry Project .
After storms and infestations damaged several campus trees , including the iconic quad tree , Thornton began this project to restore the landscape with a diverse array of native trees for future cooling and shade .
Dale collaborated with science teacher Josh Delcourt and Saco Parks and Recreation to plant trees like black tupelo , maple , hickory , and oak . Supported by grants and private donations , including a gift from the Class of 2024 , the project seeks additional sponsorships . For details , contact Jennifer
Day , Director of Development , at Jennifer . Day @ thorntonacademy . org .