AROUND TA
Kate Chadbourne ' 87, PhD, returned to campus in May to teach several interactive English classes, covering a variety of topics, including poetry, writing, storytelling, and even a bit of Celtic folklore. An accomplished singer and musician, she also sang and played a harp and tin whistle during her classes.
Classes were moved to the library to accommodate larger groups, which included students from Freshman Honors English to AP Literature.
“ Kate ' s visit showed the value and application of reading, writing, poetry, and music,” says Ben Grasso, Assistant Head for Faculty and Academic Affairs.
ALUM DONATES ' WORLD CLASS ' ROCK COLLECTION
Thornton Academy now boasts a geological rock and mineral collection that rivals most college geology programs. A lifelong rock hunter, Richard DesRoberts’ 61 donated a large portion of his collection to Thornton for students to study and enjoy.
“ This is truly a world-class collection of mineral specimens that Richard painstakingly identified, organized, and displayed,” says science teacher Dan Frost, pictured with Richard.“ Outside of the Harvard Peabody Museum, I don ' t remember the last time I ' ve seen such an expansive collection together. These samples will be utilized to tell the stories of oceans opening, mountains building, climate changing, and even where we look to mine our energy futures whether it be in uranium or lithium ore.”
Richard’ s collection features local rocks found in Maine, and as far away as Brazil. It even includes a piece of fossilized dinosaur dung.
His gift will play a central role in our classrooms, from introductory physical science courses covering the formation of the universe to chemistry classes exploring atomic bonding.
“ In an age where we ' re glued to screens, these beautiful samples can still manage to stop us in our tracks and pause to admire the unique colors, crystal forms, and stories each mineral tells,” says Dan.
“ As an alum, she showed the value of her studies at Thornton, and how keeping a connection to your alma mater can be beneficial.”
Dr. Chadbourne, a scholar, poet, singer, and storyteller, earned her PhD in Celtic Languages and Literature from Harvard University, where she teaches Irish language and folklore at both Harvard College and the Harvard Extension School.
8 8