SACO — A new residence hall for Thornton Academy’s boarding program has been named in honor of Headmaster Carl Stasio Jr. and his wife Barbara, for their service and dedication to the school.

The new dormitory building, located on Main Street, is 21,000 square feet and will house 42 boarding students and four faculty apartments.

This fall marks the third year of the boarding program, and 115 students from 17 countries including the United States will be housed in the campus’ two dormitories or with local families in the homestay program.

Stasio has served as headmaster since 1986. He is retiring in 2012, and Assistant Headmaster Rene Menard will succeed him.

On Thursday night, a dedication ceremony for the Carl and Barbara Stasio Residence Hall was held outside the new building.

Eric Purvis, president of Thornton Academy’s Board of Trustees, said Carl and Barbara Stasio have “unselfishly served” Thornton Academy during the past 25 years. Purvis said Stasio has been a leader, an educator, a mentor and a friend.

“Carl has been the lifeblood of this school, overseeing change throughout his tenure. And the fruits of his labor are clearly visible,” said Purvis. He said Barbara has been supportive of Carl’s efforts and has graciously opened her home on a regular basis for numerous events.

Menard recalled four years ago, he and Carl holding a tape measure at opposite ends walking around campus trying to determine a good place to build a dormitory.

Menard said the boarding program was a result of Carl’s willingness to “dream big,” and his ability to dream would not be possible without the support of Barbara.

Dorm parent Cathy Paradis said being part of the boarding program has enriched her family’s life, and her family has now grown, as the dorm students have become part of it.

“It seems so fitting for this new building, which allows Thornton Academy to expand its on-campus family, to be named after Carl and Barbara, two people who have had such a great appreciation for family, and who have taken such great care of this school and its people,” she said.

Jenny Stasio described her father Carl as a passionate and visionary leader who was always striving to make Thornton the best it can be, and he couldn’t have done it without the support of her mother.

She said while for many students Thornton Academy was a home away from home for four years, Thornton was their family’s home and the headmaster’s house holds many fond memories.

“While it’s hard to leave, it is comforting to know there will always be a Carl and Barbara Stasio residence hall on this campus,” said Jenny. “It is my hope that the students residing in the Carl and Barbara Stasio Residence Hall will feel the warmth and love that my parents gave to this campus, and come to see Thornton Academy as their home.”

Carl said he has been blessed to work at Thornton Academy and thanked everyone who helped the school grow and thrive.

“This is truly a team effort,” he said.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.