TA Players set sail with
Cole Porter’s ‘Anything Goes’

Garland Auditorium on the Thornton Academy campus in Saco will be transformed into the luxury liner SS American as the TA Players present the hit Broadway musical “Anything Goes.”

The musical comedy is set aboard an ocean liner traveling from New York to London, where love, mistaken identities, and zany antics unfold. The story centers around the romance between a stowaway and a debutante, with a colorful cast of characters, including lovelorn businessman Billy Crocker (played by TA junior Josh Dube) and nightclub singer Reno Sweeney (TA junior Sam Lawler).

The production brings to life the iconic music of Cole Porter, featuring beloved songs such as “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” and the title number, “Anything Goes.”

The shows run April 3-6. For times and tickets, visit onthestage.tickets/thornton-academy.

Biddeford seeks volunteers
for Public Art Commission

The city of Biddeford is seeking six community members with interest or expertise in the arts to serve on its new Public Art Commission.

The Biddeford City Council voted unanimously on March 4 to establish a Public Art Commission, which will be tasked with developing, maintaining and implementing a Public Art Master Plan for Biddeford. The commission will also establish procedures and guidelines for the review of proposed public art pieces. Residents of Biddeford, as well as those employed in Biddeford, may volunteer to serve on the commission, which will meet monthly.

At least three of the six volunteer members must have expertise in arts, culture, or humanities, including but not limited to credentials as an architect, museum professional, visual or performing artist, art educator, or manager of a cultural organization. The seventh voting member will be a city councilor. The commission also includes a student representative as an eighth non-voting member to provide a youth perspective.

“Public art brings a little light into our daily lives — it can make you pause, smile, and maybe even dream a little, even on the tough days,” said Mayor Martin Grohman. “This commission is about adding those moments of joy and creativity to our city, making space for whimsy, inspiration, and something for kids to marvel at. If that speaks to you, I hope you’ll get involved.”

Interested applicants may visit biddefordmaine.org/committees to apply online. Applications to serve on the Public Art Commission will be reviewed on April 8. If positions remain vacant, future applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

TA student delegate for
US Senate Youth Program

Sam Drummey, a senior at Thornton Academy in Saco, received a legislative sentiment on  March 18, by Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel, in honor of Drummey being selected as a delegate to the prestigious United States Senate Youth Program.

“I’m honored to welcome an outstanding student from the district here at the State House,” said Ingwersen. “I’d like to acknowledge Sam for his hard work, dedication and vision, as well as extend my heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved honor. His interest in and commitment to mitigating the negative impacts of environmental change is commendable, and I wish all the best for his future endeavors.”

The United States Senate Youth Program was established in 1963 to provide a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. The Program is a week-long government and leadership program that offers students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the federal government and meet with U.S. senators, government officials and military leaders. Only two students from each state in the nation are invited to attend. Each participant is also awarded a one-time $10,000 scholarship for undergraduate studies.

Junior Achievement names
its Volunteer of the Year

Junior Achievement of Maine named Joe Reardon as the recipient of the prestigious Volunteer of the Year award. This honor recognizes Reardon’s exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to empowering Maine’s youth through financial literacy, entrepreneurship and career readiness education.

Joe Reardon, a long-time advocate for Junior Achievement’s mission and retail banking manager at Saco & Biddeford Savings, has been instrumental in delivering impactful programs to students across the state.

Over the past year, Reardon volunteered countless hours mentoring students ranging in age from elementary to high school, sharing his expertise, and inspiring the next generation of leaders, according to a Junior Achievement press release. His passion for education and community service leaves a lasting impression on both students and educators alike.

“Joe’s unwavering dedication to Junior Achievement of Maine is truly inspiring,” said Michelle Anderson, president & CEO of Junior Achievement of Maine. “His ability to connect with students and make complex concepts accessible and engaging is remarkable. We are incredibly fortunate to have Joe as part of our volunteer team.”

Reardon’s contributions extend beyond the classroom. He has played a key role in fostering partnerships with local businesses, ensuring that Junior Achievement programs remain relevant and impactful in preparing students for the workforce. His efforts helped bridge the gap between education and real-world experience, like sharing stories of his own experiences in the Old Orchard Beach school system. Making relatable connections helps to equip students with the tools they need to succeed, and Reardon has found that engages the students, so much so they share sincere gratitude at the end of the lessons.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from Junior Achievement of Maine,” said Reardon. “Volunteering with Junior Achievements has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Seeing the growth and confidence in the students we work with is truly fulfilling, and I’m grateful to be part of such an incredible organization.”

Student achieves
academic honors

Logan Genender of Saco, majoring in Media Arts Production and a member of the Emerson College Class of 2027, made the dean’s list for the fall 2024 semester.

Retired Lt. Gen. Johnson to
give UNE Commencement address

The University of New England has announced that retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson will deliver the 2025 Commencement address at its 190th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 17.

Johnson, from Spencer, Iowa, started out as a small-town cadet and rose through the ranks to become the first woman and 19th superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, a position she held from 2013 to 2017. In this role, which is similar to that of a college president, she served as the military commander of the academy. After retiring from the Air Force, Johnson continued to break new ground as the first woman to serve as senior vice president and head of referee operations for the National Basketball Association.

UNE’s 190th Commencement will take place at 10 a.m. at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. For more information, visit une.edu/commencement.