FROM THE HEADMASTER
Dear Alumni, Parents, and Friends of Thornton Academy,
The start of a new school year is always an exciting time on campus – the weather has changed, and our classrooms and playing fields are once again abuzz with activity. We reserve the first day of school for new and incoming 9th-grade students only, to orient them to the campus, our traditions, and to help them navigate the transition to high school. As I moved from one activity to another throughout that day, I marveled at the juxtaposition of issuing students their individual iPad devices on the same day they learn to sing our alma mater, a tradition every TA student has followed since the early 1900s.
We are a school steeped in tradition, grounded by the values and experiences that have shaped generations of TA alums. Yet we are equally committed to the future— constantly seeking new ways to enhance the student experience and prepare our students for a changing world.
To meet that challenge, we have made a significant investment in our campus facilities, and I’ m pleased to announce that our new, 4,000-square-foot Fitness Center opened to students and staff this summer. This top-tier facility enables Thornton Academy to offer new courses and activities that promote physical fitness and mental well-being, as well as a premier training facility for our student-athletes. Construction on the new field house is approximately two-thirds complete, and we eagerly look forward to its opening this spring.
As an independent school that receives no taxpayer support for construction or renovation projects, Thornton Academy is proud to provide these dynamic new wellness and athletic facilities for the benefit of our students and the greater Saco community. Our continued investment in the campus, academics, the arts, and athletic programming reflects our longstanding commitment to the students, families, and communities we serve. That commitment is not borne alone, and we are grateful for the generosity and support of our alumni, family, and friends, recognized in the Annual Report of this Postscripts edition.
In this issue, you’ ll read about the latest developments on campus, as well as alumni who dreamed big and are doing what they love – working for the Red Sox, teaching Irish Literature to Harvard students, and serving as a pediatric dentist in their hometown are just a few examples. Many of those dreams were formed and nurtured here at TA, and years from now, with your support, we hope to share similar stories about our current students. Together, we not only honor our past – we’ re shaping the future.
Best,
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Rene M. Menard’ 88, Headmaster