SACO — Thornton Academy officials have announced that all graduating seniors will march in maroon gowns in June.

For many years, graduating seniors have worn gowns at Thornton Academy commencement ceremonies representing the school colors, with young men wearing maroon and young women wearing gold.

Thornton Academy is a private school, with a high school that serves public students in Saco, Dayton and Arundel through contracts with local school departments, as well as private-pay students.

Last month, the board of trustees at Thornton decided that all graduates would wear maroon gowns.

When the decision was announced to the senior class, some students requested that the board reconsider the decision. An online petition asking that students be allowed to vote on the matter received 200 signatures from students and community members.

Parents received an email from the headmaster’s office on Thursday stating that the board of trustees discussed varying opinions and concerns and reviewed the matter at a recent meeting. The board came to the final decision that all Thornton Academy graduating seniors, going forward, will wear maroon gowns.

Reasons for switching to all maroon robes range from “logistical benefits to the importance of focusing on our commonalities rather than our differences at such an important time in the life of our school,” according to the email.

“We appreciated hearing from those students and parents who felt strongly either in favor or opposition to this change. Thank you for your input and your patience; it allowed trustees to take the time necessary to reach a thoughtful final decision,” the email stated.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be reached at 780-9015 or by email at egotthelf@journaltribune.com.