Editor,

Once again, it’s Homecoming weekend at Thornton Academy! Homecoming reconnects alumni, parents, and friends to TA, reminding us of the special place Thornton Academy holds in our hearts, and I invite our entire community to celebrate with us.

At Thornton Academy we work daily to instill in our students the school’s core values of respect, responsibility, investment, and compassion. On the Friday of Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 19, our students have a special opportunity to practice both compassion and investment in their community. Throughout this month our student body has been actively engaged in a statewide food drive and school spirit challenge organized by WGME Channel 13 to benefit the Good Shepherd Food Bank. Food and donations collected by students will serve to fill the shelves at local food banks, including the Saco Food Pantry, an essential resource for needy families in our area. You can join us by contributing to our school’s food drive; non-perishable food items and donations may be made anytime here at school or at Saturday’s game.

To highlight our school spirit and the commitment of our students in raising as much in food and donations as possible, WGME Channel 13 will broadcast live from TA’s Linnell Gymnasium from 6 to 8 a.m. on Friday morning during our homecoming pep rally. We hope you will watch and participate as well; every donation of food is an act of compassion that will make an important difference in the life of a neighbor.

Homecoming weekend activities will start at 6:30 on Friday evening with the Community Bonfire, a TA tradition we revived last year. This year’s bonfire will feature music, food, games, and the judging of the class floats; join us for this family friendly event on the edge of campus by the Eastern Trail. At 10:00 on Saturday morning, we will honor Art Bishop ’46 (posthumous), Fred Stackpole ’56, Sandy Brochu Bilodeau ’89, Derrick Martin ’92, Craig Thibeau ’87, and the Veterans Basketball Team (1946-47) at TA’s annual Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony. At 11:00 AM the Admissions Office will welcome prospective students for an Open House, and throughout the day families can enjoy contests, pumpkin carving and other activities at the Saco Main Street Pumpkin Harvest Festival. Finally, don’t miss the big football game (versus Sanford) starting at 1:30 in Hill Stadium!

To alumni and friends alike, welcome home! I hope to see you on campus as we celebrate Homecoming this weekend.

Rene M. Menard

Headmaster, Thornton Academy