LEARNING
OUTDOORS
IN THE CLASSROOM
Life at Thornton Academy is about more than just academics within the traditional walls of a classroom learning environment . With more than 40 clubs , students are encouraged to find their passion , develop a talent , nurture an interest , make new friends , or simply do something they enjoy . The breadth of programming and the wide range of experiences that faculty bring as club advisors creates an opportunity for students to be who they are , discover who they want to be , and make supportive connections along the way .
THE ANGLERS ’ SOCIETY
Science teacher Josh Delcourt started the Anglers ’ Society when he arrived at TA in the fall of 2013 . Since then , club members have met weekly to chat about fishing and participate in monthly open water or ice fishing outings . The club is a popular one , with as many as 40 students taking advantage of the opportunity to join their classmates and enjoy one of Maine ’ s favorite pastimes .
The Anglers ’ Society also creates a vehicle for students to actively learn about environmental responsibility and safety on the water . “ Much of our learning in the Anglers ' Society revolves around the life histories and ecology of the species we are after , as well as the management systems put in place by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to ensure the future sustainability of fishing here in Maine . Before heading out , we discuss the regulations pertaining to each body of water we are fishing in , and the reasoning behind them . Additionally , students who participate in open-water outings develop canoe paddling and safety that will serve them for a lifetime ,” explains Delcourt .
88 Story by Haley Thompson · Photos courtesy of Josh Delcourt and Jonathan Sylvester
Adam Donovan ’ 24 ( top ) and Nathan Lilly ’ 22 hold up their catches from the Anglers ' trip to Barker Pond this past fall .