A popular fall tradition returns this month when Thornton Academy hosts Homecoming weekend on Oct. 18-19, and the community is invited to join in the fun.
The two-day celebration begins with TA’s “Friday Night Bites”, featuring a variety of food trucks, ice cream, games, music by the Thornton Pep Band, a performance by the TA Dance Company, and more, from 5 to 7 p.m.
“In addition to local vendors, some of TA’s clubs and classes will also be hosting games and selling food items to support their group,” said Jennifer Day, Thornton’s director of development and alumni relations. “We invite friends, family, and neighbors to stop by, enjoy some yummy bites, and even show off your cornhole skills.”
Thornton alumni awards
and Athletic Hall of Fame
On Saturday, Oct. 19, Thornton Academy inducts the newest members into its Athletic Hall of Fame: Jim Black ’59, Rod Choroszy ’67, Bill Lombard ’55, Charlotte Pierce ’13, Dorothea Vlahakos ’52, and the members of the 1974 Girls Cross Country Team.
In addition, the Alumni Association will honor three outstanding TA alum: Robert Atwater ’67 will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award; former Board president James Nelson ’67 will be honored with the Public Service Award; and long-time alumni Ernie Huot ’48 will be presented with the Unsung Hero Award.
The recognition ceremony, held at the school’s Harry F. Garland III Auditorium, is free and open to the public, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. A private reception to honor the recipients will follow.
At 1 p.m. on Saturday, Thornton hosts Portland in varsity football at Dr. Paul Hill Stadium, and the weekend concludes Saturday night with the annual homecoming dance for TA’s upper school students.
Harvest Dance to benefit
OOB scholarship fund
The last dance of the fall season to benefit the Old Orchard Alumni Scholarship Fund is happening at Birdie’s Grill and Tavern In Old Orchard Beach Saturday, Oct. 12, from 7 to 10 p.m. The dance is open to the public with a $10 donation for an evening of dancing to music from the 50s to today.
Mark Andrews, former local DJ, comes out of retirement to play all the hits. There will be a cash bar, a 50/50 raffle and hundreds of dollars in door prizes. Tickets can be picked up at MacDonald’s Garage in Old Orchard, Brady’s Screenprint in Biddeford or by calling 207-423-2975.