2025 ALUMNI AWARDS
Unsung Hero: Roberta( Sargent) Gallant ' 62
Roberta may be the ultimate TA volunteer.“ Roberta doesn’ t do anything except at full commitment. If something needs to be done, she is one of the first to volunteer,” says friend and classmate Susan( Willey) Marston.“ When the TA Auction began, Roberta was part of the auction committee and did everything, except be the auctioneer.”
Roberta continues to support the auction, as well as many other efforts. She and Susan serve as co-class agents.“ Without Roberta I don’ t think the classmates would have the same connection as we do today. It’ s amazing to be so close to high school friends, 63 years later,” says Susan.
Roberta is also a member of the Alumni Association( her second stint). You’ ll find her braving the December cold to ring the Salvation Army bell with fellow alumni, and helping prepare meals at the Saco Meals Program Soup Kitchen. Her volunteer experience also includes the Senior Alumni Reunion, Mary’ s Walk, planting the garden outside of the Alumni House, the Children’ s Carnival, and TA’ s 200th anniversary celebration.
Public Service Award: Jim Godbout ' 80
Jim is known throughout the area as a successful businessman – he owns Provencher Fuels and Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating Inc.— a dedicated volunteer, and generous supporter of countless causes. He recently led the $ 3.7 million efforts to convert the former St. Andre’ s Church in Biddeford into a My Place Teen Center, a haven for youth that provides them with comfort, meals, resources, and hope. He joined other Rotarians to raise money and build a splash pad in Saco, providing a safe, fun, and inclusive waterplay area.
Mainebiz named Jim one of its 2025 Business Leaders of the Year for his work with My
Place Teen Center. When asked by the publication about his role models, Jim said,“ My grandfather, step-grandfather, many coaches, teachers and older bosses when I was in cooperative education, and old friends had a direct impact on me. They taught me that sacrifice and caring for others are the most important things we can do in life.”
“ He has bailed us out many times and I am truly thankful for all he has done for Thornton Academy,” says TA facilities director Matt Cook’ 91.“ His generosity is second to none. If we had more people like Jimmy the world would be a much better place.”
Distinguished Alumni Award: Hon. Robert Rancourt( ret.)’ 69
Judge Rancourt retired as a Minnesota district court judge in 2020, after 18 years on the bench. He worked tirelessly on behalf of youth who were using drugs and alcohol, and sought ways the judicial system could positively intervene to curb the rising levels of juvenile substance abuse. As Chair of the Tenth District Judicial Task Force on Innovative Judicial Interventions, he established a Juvenile Substance Abuse Court in Chisago County. Judge Rancourt also served on the advisory council for the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Judge Rancourt has presented nationally and internationally, including at the United
Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and before the U. S. Senate Judiciary Committee. His many accolades include the Stanley Goldstein Treatment Court Hall of Fame Award from All Rise, a training, membership, and advocacy organization for improving justice system responses to substance use and mental health disorders at every intercept point.
At TA, Judge Rancourt was class president and co-captain of the 1968 football team. An all-state fullback, he scored three touchdowns to lead the Trojans to victory in an important game against Biddeford.
“ Bob Rancourt has produced a wonderful footprint for students to follow,” reads his nomination.“ Bob has gone from an outstanding student athlete of Thornton Academy to the honorable judge Robert Rancourt, appointed by the governor of Minnesota the Chisago County Court in the Tenth Judicial District.”