Thornton Academy Postscripts Alumni Magazine Summer 2012 | Page 5

R et ir em en t

Rene Menard (center) at Graduation

Leading from the Heart
Yesterday, I watched as Carl Stasio
addressed rows and rows of seniors,
proud in their maroon and gold
gowns and mortarboards. I’m sure
his words to them were thoughtful,
inspiring, motivating. I must admit, I
hardly heard a word through the riot
of thoughts in my head. Twenty-six
years is a long time to devote to the
welfare of others, and this was Carl’s
last time presiding as Head over
graduation. The tributes offered to
Carl over the past week have been
moving and well deserved.
In Carl’s 26 year tenure here, TA
has grown in just about every way
possible. As the incoming Head, the
phrase “big shoes to fill” has become more than just a cliché for me.
When considering Carl’s legacy at
Thornton Academy, people think immediately of the new buildings and
broader academic programs that
his leadership has achieved. While
these are impressive elements of h