Thornton Academy Postscripts Alumni Magazine Fall 2010

Postscripts Thornton Academy 438 Main St Saco ME 04072-1565 NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID Portland, ME 04101 Permit #218 Change Service Requested The Face Behind TA’s Alumni Facebook Page More than 1,600 people are a part of TA’s Alumni Facebook group thanks to Carl Paradis ’94. He’s shared administrative responsibilities on the site with the Alumni Office at Thornton, so becoming a member enables you to maintain contact with classmates and keep up-to-date with what’s happening with events on campus. Here’s what Paradis had to say about Facebook, his memories of TA and what he’s been doing since graduation. What do you remember about your high school experience? Apart from the typical teenage drama many experience in high school, for the most part, my four years at Thornton Academy (1990-94) cultivated as an experience packed with many opportunities to not only learn the subjects a student should learn, but also the subjects that really peaked my interest. I consider myself blessed to have been taught from educators like Ray Lund, Mark DeFrancesco (’80), George Mendros (’76), Bill Ouellette, Mr. Tate, Mrs. Audiffred (‘64), and Dr. Al Roper… as well as countless other teachers able to cut through the drama with a passion for education. During my 4 years, I became heavily involved with Art, specifically drawing, computer animation and video direction and editing. At the time, I became friends with other students that had the same interest in creating stellar quality SVHS video. Five of us, Michael Macomber (’94), Matt Gilbert (’94), Ken Booker (’94) and Jason Lund (’95) became known as the Video Frēx (Pron. Freaks). Together, we wrote, produced, directed several short videos, one of which received acclaim in a state film/ video competition (“Devil’s Luck”). I have heard they still air some of these in the wee hours of TATV. Another memorable experience: My senior year, I also had the chance to participate in a production of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” The last outdoor play on the Thornton Gazebo before it was moved for the new Arts & Media building. I had the benefit of not only acting in the play under the direction of Bill Ouellette and Chris Queally, but Carl Paradis ’94 also working as the play’s art director, under the tutelage of Ray Lund. Throughout the 4 years, I also played sports. As a tall and skinny kid, I was pretty speedy. I excelled at hurdles as well as running sprint relays on the winter and spring track teams. Although I loved running in the spring Continued on page 15

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