Thornton Academy Postscripts Alumni Magazine Spring 2015 | Page 7

Honoring Beloved Teachers The Philip Curtis, Dominic DiBiase, & Richard Parker Classroom Goal: $50,000 In September, the new STEM Center will feature eight new classrooms, one of which will be named the Philip Curtis, Dominic DiBiase, and Richard Parker Classroom. Please join us in honoring them. Thornton Academy’s STEM curriculum is among the most advanced in the state, in part because of these teachers who implemented curricula that paved the way for today’s high-tech learning. Please join us in honoring their legacy. Gifts toward naming this classroom in their honor are welcome in any amount and can be made online at www.thorntonacademy.org/give or by contacting the Development Office at [phone]. Honorees and their families will be provided with a list of donors. Those who donate $5,000 or more, payable over five years, will be listed on a plaque as donors to the Curtis-DiBiase-Parker Classroom in the new STEM Center. Philip Curtis, Math Teacher at TA 1962—1993 Mr. Curtis taught several levels of mathematics classes during his 32-year career, including college level. He wanted to help students think logically and find innovative ways to solve problems. He enjoyed challenging students to reach their full potential. In 2008 he was inducted into the Thornton Academy Athletic Hall of Fame for his many years of successful coaching. Mr. C. and his wife, Catharine, currently live in the Fortunes Rocks section of Biddeford. Dominic DiBiase, Math Teacher at TA 1959— 1992 Humorous yet demanding, Mr. DiBiase was the first teacher to introduce computers to TA. He also created the first calculus course, and a matrix/ linear algebra course that went above and beyond the curriculum. He adapted his teaching to meet the needs of his students and inspired them to learn more. He also served as a track coach and was known as a rather dapper dresser. Mr. DiBiase passed away in 2002. Richard Parker ’60, Chemistry Teacher at TA 1964—2000 Mr. Parker had high standards and an incredible memory for detail. Many students said he taught the most challenging course in high school and that college chemistry was easy because of him. When giving a lesson about entropy (organized chaos) he would exclaim, “just look at my desk!” Mr. Parker introduced AP Chemistry to TA, coached track, and served on the Alumni Board for nine years. He currently lives in Saco. The DiBiase Family will match all donations made by June 30 to the STEM Center, up to $10,000 total. Gifts can be made online at www.thorntonacademy.org/give FMI: Contact the Development Office at [phone] [email protected] 7