Thornton Academy Postscripts Alumni Magazine Spring 2019 | Página 2

COVER PHOTO IN THIS ISSUE 2 From the Headmaster 4 Cover Story 9 Middle School 10 Athletics MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER With over two hundred years of school history behind us, Thornton Academy is rich with stories of student accomplishments. We have seen students grow and mature in our classrooms, on our playing fields, in performances, and serving in the community. Over decades this school has advantaged countless young people with broad opportunities here on campus, and guided them to post-secondary activities that further cultivated their individual interests and skills. The result is an active and vibrant alumni association with over 11,000 alumni, with TA alums living in all fifty states and in 46 countries around the world. Thornton’s strong tradition of positive contribution and community connection is among our school’s finest legacies. Whenever I meet alumni and their families, I most enjoy hearing their TA stories. I am always struck by how vivid their Thornton Academy memories are, and by how universally I hear the conviction expressed that their TA experiences were key in preparing them for the life success they subsequently enjoyed. One such alumna is Donna Houde Prigmore ’81. Donna’s military service, first in the Air Force and later in the Air National Guard, began just a year after her Thornton Academy graduation. Like so many other prominent alumni I have met, she attributes her professional accomplishments to the fine educational foundation she received here at TA, and supported by her lifelong friendship with many of her TA classmates. This issue of Postscripts carries the story of Donna’s legacy of military excellence, starting on page 4. Dominic Ferry ’23 & Quiet Cries Lords of the Rings: The Lynn brothers and Thornton Academy's football success Player of the Year -Anthony Bracamonte ’19 On behalf of their teammates and the TA football community, team captains Athen Gikas ’19, Ethan Logan ’19, Ean Patry ’19, and Anthony Bracamonte ’19, present Headmaster Rene Menard ’88 with a donation to the Headmaster’s Fund at the last regular season home game on October 20, 2018. Dear Alumni, Parents, and Friends of Thornton Academy, Donna Houde Prigmore ’81 flies high in the Air National Guard Other examples of student and alumni legacy are profiled in this edition. Read stories that highlight the legacy of helping others through community service, the legacy of athletic excellence that runs through the generations in TA families, and the legacy of lifelong learning as evidenced by original scientific and historical research. Finally, I want to take this opportunity to invite everyone to attend our upcoming Thornton Academy auction on Saturday, May 4. This annual event supports our students, programs, and all the good work that allows Thornton Academy to continue building the tradition of which we are so proud. Hope to see you there. Rene M. Menard ’88, Headmaster 12 In the Classroom From the arctic to Saco, one teacher shares original research with his students 14 Student Spotlight 15 TA Treasure Staying on her toes: Madeleine Walsh ’21 competes in Irish Step worldwide Reunions & Gatherings 18 Alumni Spotlights Jeff ’90 & Jen ’90 Fournier Homestay Parent Spotlight Kim Dao ’10 pushes forward to give back 20 Class Notes 22 In Memoriam & 1811 Society Corrections to Fall 2018 Postscripts 1. Corrections to Report of Gifts – Leonard Johnson ’47 gave at the Academy Club level ($5,000-$9,999), Todd ’81 & Michelle ’82 Davis gave at the Posterity Club level ($1,000-$2,499). A memorial gift was made in memory of Mark Duranceau ’72 by classmate Mark McInnis ’72. 2. Corrections to class years- Jack Morrison ’74 & David Sherman ’54. 3. In Memoriam update – Nick Hadiaris ’36 passed away in 2015 at the age of 99. Katy Nicketakis is the Associate Director for Marketing and Summer Programs. She relishes the opportunity to share the stories of Thornton Academy with the world to help others discover what a great school we have! Haley Thompson is the Director of Development and enjoys providing opportunities for TA alumni to stay connected and engaged with their alma mater. Outside of work, you will find her spending time with family taking advantage of all that the great Maine outdoors has to offer. Sydney Menard joined the Thornton Academy Development Office in August, 2018 and has enjoyed getting to know the Thornton community. Outside of work, Sydney co-founded and manages Camp Kita, a therapeutic summer camp for children bereaved by suicide loss. Gary Stevens is the Athletic Administrator at Thornton Academy and is an adjunct instructor at Saint Joseph's College. He enjoys researching and sharing stories about Thornton’s rich athletic history. Development Associate Giselle Tardiff ’90 enjoys helping with fundraising events, alumni functions and connecting with the alumni community. Postscripts is published twice a year for the Thornton Academy community by the Communications Office. Please contact [email protected] with corrections or story ideas. This issue was designed by Alina McGinty. 2 CONTRIBUTORS Linnell Gymnasium 16 Cover photo: Donna Houde Prigmore ’81 stands proudly at her promotion to brigadier general for the Oregon Air National Guard. Cover story: pages 4-5 Brittany Brown recently took a new position at the University of New England. She thanks the Thornton Academy community for many great memories and relationships. Brittany will stay on at Thornton Academy as a dorm parent in Stasio Hall. 3