Thornton Academy Postscripts Alumni Magazine Fall 2014 | Page 21

Alumni Awards

The Thornton Academy Alumni Association sponsors the Alumni Awards to recognize the accomplishments
and volunteerism of alumni and community members.
2014 Distinguished Alumni Award
Dr. James Waterhouse III, Class of 1968 was honored for his successful

career as a dentist in Saco and South Portland since 1978, and his many years
serving as: a baseball coach for Little League, Senior League, and Saco Middle
School, a Thornton Academy Trustee, and a Trustee of Advent Christian
Church of Goodwins Mills. Dr. Waterhouse grew up on a farm in Dayton.
He received undergraduate and graduate degrees in biochemistry from the
University of Maine where he graduated with high distinction. He then
pursued a dental program at Tufts University. In 1973 he married his high
school sweetheart Jayne Lumb ‘69. They have three sons, James IV ‘96, Joshua
‘99, and Jacob ‘00, and “three beautiful daughters-in-laws and five perfect
grandchildren.”

2014 Public Service Award
Linda Zello Ladakakos, Class of 1963 was an accomplished baton
twirler her senior year of high school, and was also the head majorette
for TA’s majorette squad and marching band. She has taught “twirling” to
young women in the Saco community, known as the Saco Jets, for over
fifty years. Her involvement has included countless hours of instruction,
travel, recitals, competitions, and fundraisers. Linda has served as a
tremendous role model, mentor, and friend to thousands of young women
in Saco and to her peers in the twirling community. She is honored and
humbled to be part of so many young lives over the years and has no plans
of retiring anytime soon! Linda is pictured center with her daughters, Jodi
Field ‘89 and Jami Ladakakos ‘95.
2014 Unsung Hero Award
Robert W. Moody, Jr., Class of 1978 was honored for his generosity

for lending and donating plants and materials to TA for occasions over
the years including graduation, homecoming, and the Auction. He has
helped enhance the overall appearance and maintenance of the campus by
offering landscape designs and assisting with installation projects. Rob’s
father, Robert W. Moody Sr., and grandfather, Charles F. Moody, are also
TA alumni, along with his wife Julie Levesque Moody ‘78 and daughter
Rachel Moody ‘13. Rob attended the University of Maine at Orono for
two years studying in the Plant, Soil, and Horticultural Program before
transferring to the University of Southern Maine, earning a degree in
Industrial Technology. He is a member of the Biddeford-Saco Rotary, The
Maine Landscape and Nursery Association, and the Independent Gardens
Association.

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