TA Postscripts, Spring 2024 | Page 2

Dear Alumni , Parents , and Friends of Thornton Academy ,

As I walked across campus on an early spring morning , I paused to admire the historic brick buildings where Thornton Academy has educated students since the 1880s . The halls and classrooms are steeped with memories and traditions that have been handed down for generations , and it is an honor to be entrusted as a caretaker of these traditions .
As I passed students on their way to class , I was struck by how we honor
Thornton ’ s proud history while also adapting to changing times . We offer a depth and breadth of courses unmatched in our school ’ s history . Coupled with an endless list of extracurricular opportunities , today ’ s students are empowered to carve their unique paths to success at TA and beyond .
This issue of Postscripts shares stories of alumni who took different paths to success .
Our cover story introduces you to Alicia Milne ’ 07 , a member of the Maine Celtics front office . Interestingly , Alicia didn ’ t play basketball at TA , nor was she a big fan of the sport . As you ’ ll read , she landed the job because she impressed the team ’ s leadership with her energy , work ethic , and experience .
In contrast , Karen Reardon ’ 76 , a two-sport athlete at Thornton , followed her love of sports into a 40-year career as a teacher and coach .
We ’ ll look back on life in the 1940s with Bob Pate ’ 50 , who delivered milk from the back of a pick-up truck as a youth , and later became one of Saco ’ s most respected business leaders .
These and other stories demonstrate that a Thornton Academy education can take you anywhere . Not coincidentally , that ’ s the theme of this year ’ s Thornton Fund Auction , on Saturday , May 18 . The event , now in its 17th year , raises funds to help us provide support for students in-need , expand academic opportunities , and enhance campus life .
If you can ’ t make our in-person event , please consider bidding for one of the great items in our on-line auction . We also have a raffle for cash prizes ranging from $ 1,000 to $ 10,000 .
You can learn more at www . thorntonacademy . org / auction I hope to see you there .
Best ,

FROM THE HEADMASTER

Rene M . Menard ’ 88 , Headmaster
2