Adeline Falardeau has been announced as valedictorian for the Thornton Academy class of 2023.

According to a May 10 news release from Thornton Academy, Falardeau is a National Merit Scholarship finalist and received high praise for intellect and work ethic.

“Adeline is easily the most intelligent and successful student that I’ve taught in my 20 years,” said Matt Amoroso, a science teacher at Thornton, in an email. “I’m talking about the vast quantity of knowledge, skills, and understanding she has developed. She does everything I assign her and everything that I just leave lying around as extra problems. She has a voracious appetite for learning and problem solving.”

In addition to her success in the classroom, Falardeau is active in the community, volunteering at the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, and playing cello in the Portland Youth Symphony Orchestra.

“Her work ethic is as strong as her natural cognitive abilities,” said Mark DeFrancesco, a school counselor. “She really is remarkable – one of few of the most academically brilliant and authentically motivated students I’ve counseled in my 37-year career.”

Falardeau plans to study animal and veterinary sciences at the University of Maine.