Thornton Academy announced that 49 members of the class of 2023 graduated Summa Cum Laude, earning a grade point average of 4.0 or better.
Punnisa “Mint” Amornsirikul
Julia Rocque speaks to fellow graduates at Thornton Academy’s commencement. Rocque, one of 329 students who received diplomas, spoke to classmates about remaining open to other views, and the importance of healthy dialogue. “Don’t be afraid to ask your own questions, and don’t shut down others for asking them, even the difficult questions,” she said. “When you disagree with an individual, try to understand the life experiences, the perspective, that brought them to their beliefs. And always remember that there’s a human being across the table, or on the phone, a human being reading your messages, reading your posts.” Courtesy photo/Thornton Academy
Jordan Anderson
Amelia Benoit
Carlotta Boffa of Italy is the daughter of Sabrina Benetton and Ermanno Boffa, received the Honor Roll Award. She was recognized for excellence in Honors Spanish 4, and for achievement in English 4. In addition to excelling academically, Carlotta participated in volleyball, basketball, and tennis. She plans to continue her studies in Italy and would like to study Business Administration.
Emma Boissonneault of Saco, daughter of Jill and Brian Boissonneault, was named to the SMAA All Academic Team, NFHCA High School National Academic Squad, National Honor Society, and Maine Field Hockey Association Academic All-State. Emma was also recognized for achievement in Honors Physics. She plans to study Marketing at the University of New Hampshire.
Amelia Bradford of Saco, daughter of Ben and Mara Bradford, is a member of the National Honor Society, Scholastic Arts Competition winner, and National Latin Exam medalist. In addition to the Honor Roll Award, she was recognized for excellence in AP Literature and Composition, Honors Painting, Sociology, and Treble Choir. She plans to study Anthropology at the University of Maine.
Emma Campori of Vigevano, Italy, is the daughter of Anna Mercalli. She received the Honor Roll Award, and was recognized for excellence in Honors French 1, Modern US History, Monsters & Misfits, Honors Physics and Senior English. She plans to continue her studies in her home country of Italy.
Cole Cochrane of Saco, son of Chani and David Cochrane, is a member of the National Honor Society and received the History Department Award. He also earned awards for excellence in AP Macroeconomics and Honors French 2. Cole was also Policy Director of Maine Youth Action, and a Core member of Maine Youth for Climate Justice. He was also on the TA Debate Team earning second place in states, LD Novice; second place in states, LD Junior Varsity, and second place in states, Varsity. As a member of the TA Model UN, he was named Best Delegate at BOSMUN. He plans to study Government/Economics at Harvard College.
Owen Critchley of Dayton, son of Penny Critchley and Travis Critchley, received the Honor Roll Award, and was honored for excellence in Honors Algebra 1, Literature of American Sport, and Sport Nutrition. Owen plans to study Exercise Science at Dean College.
Jasmine Day of Saco, daughter of Jennifer and Jason Day, is a member of the National Honor Society, and earned the Honor Roll Award. She was honored for excellence in AP Human Geography, Biology, Blind Eye of History, Creative Writing, Honors Arabic III, Honors Modern US History, Peoples & World Cultures, Songwriting, and Visual Arts I. Jasmine was also president of the Model UN, and also ran an independent portrait photography business as well as an original poetry website. Jasmine plans to attend Simmons University to study Sociology with a minor in Gender Studies, and would like to earn a Masters in Public Policy.
Tianyi (Charles) Deng of Beijing, China, is the son of Xioahui Deng. He was recognized for excellence in AP Biology and Trees & The Maine Forest. He plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh.
Rose Dinh of Saco, daughter of Sandy Saunders, was a member of the National Honor Society and earned the Honor Roll Award. She was honored for excellence in multiple classes: AP Biology, AP Calculus BC, Blind Eye of History, Dance 2 and 3, Honors Algebra 2. Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry, Honors Geometry, Performance and Repertory: Dance Company, Honors Physical Science, Honors Physics, Honors Precalculus, Honors Spanish 1 & 3, and Peoples & World Cultures. Rose will attend Lewis & Clark College to major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Isabella DiRisi of Saco, daughter of Liliana Hoyos and Donald DiRisi, is a member of the National Honor Society and received the Honor Roll Award. She was recognized for excellence in AP Biology, AP Spanish Language and Culture and Wind Ensemble; and for achievement in AP Chemistry, America’s Response to a Changing World, Honors Biology, Honors Sophomore English, and Spanish 3. She plans to attend the University of Maine to study Engineering.
Adeline Falardeau of Saco, the child of Lisa and Marc Falardeau, is the class Valedictorian and a member of the National Honor Society. She received the Mathematics Department Award, President’s Award for Education Science Department Award, and Honor Roll Award. Adeline received recognition for excellence in several classes: AP Biology, AP Calculus BC, AP European History, AP Physics C, AP Statistics, AP US History, Blind Eye of History, Foundation of Personal Fitness, Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry, Honors French 1, 3, 4 & 5, Honors Physics, Honors Pre-calculus, Orchestra, and People & World Cultures. Adeline plans to study Animal and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Maine.
Nico Farago Dumsch of Saco, child of Lisa Farago and Drew Dumsch, received the Honor Roll Award and was recognized for excellence in Honors Chinese 1, and for achievement in Honors Chinese 4 and Orchestra. Nico plans to study Computer Science at the University of Maine.
Alicia Figueroa Portolés of Madrid, Spain, is the daughter of Ivana Portolés and Ramiro Figueroa. She received the Honor Roll Award and was recognized for excellence in English 4, Everyday Engineering, Honors Chemistry, Honors Physics, Modern US History. She plans to study Civil Engineering at Manchester University.
Julia Fomichenko of Saco, daughter of Nadine and Peter Fomichenko, was a member of the National Honor Society, serving as its Treasurer, and received the Honor Roll Award. She was recognized for excellence in AP Biology, French 2, Honors Anatomy & Physiology, Honors Drawing, Honors Painting, and Visual Arts I. She plans to attend the University of Southern Maine to study Biochemistry.
Logan Genender of Saco, is the son of Debra and Joe Genender. Logan received the Honor Roll Award and was recognized for excellence in AP Biology, Honors Algebra 1 & 2, Honors Anatomy & Physiology, Honors Chemistry, Honors Spanish 1, Physical Science, and Sophomore English. Logan plans to attend Emerson College to study Media Arts Production.
Emily Hansen of Dayton, daughter of Mary Hansen and Erik Hansen, is a member of the National Honor Society and received the Honor Roll Award. She was recognized for excellence in Chamber Singers, Monsters & Misfits, and Treble Choir, as well as achievement in Blind Eye of History, Chamber Singers, Honors Algebra 2, Honors French 2, 3, 4 & 5, Honors Precalculus, and People & World Cultures. Emily plans to attend the University of New Hampshire to study Health Sciences.
Eden Harriman of Dayton, daughter of Jennifer Harriman and Jarod Harriman, is a member of the National Honor Society and received the Honor Roll Award. She was honored for excellence in AP Music Theory, Choreography Lab, Creative Writing, Dance 1 & 2, Honors English, Honors Forensics in Chemistry, Honors Junior English, Orchestra, and Peoples & World Cultures. She plans to study Music Performance in Violin and English Literature at the University of New Hampshire.
Elle Jowett of Biddeford, daughter of Carrie Jowett and David Jowett, is a member of the National Honors Society, Spanish National Honors Society, and was named the Lions Club Student of the Month. She also played soccer, ran track, and was part of the Best Buddies program. Elle plans to attend The Fashion Institute of Technology, majoring in Fashion Business Management with a minor in Entrepreneurship.
Maya Judice of Dayton, daughter of Kathleen Judice and Stephen Judice, was an All-American track athlete, member of the National Honor Society, received the Honor Roll Award as well as the Arts Department Award – Music. Maya was recognized for excellence in AP Human Geography, Blind Eye of History, Digital Imaging 2, Everyday Engineering, Honors Calculus, Honors Forensics in Chemistry, Honors Chinese 1, Honors Marine Biology, Orchestra, Treble Choir, and Wind Ensemble. Maya plans to study Aviation Flight Science at Western Michigan University.
Madison Laflamme of Saco, daughter of Cara Laflamme and Joe Laflamme, is a member of the National Honor Society and received the Honor Roll Award. She was recognized for excellence in Honors Algebra l, Biology, Dance 2, Honors Sport Nutrition, Junior English, Literature of American Sport, Performance and Repertory: Dance Company, and Honors Physics. Madison plans to study Psychology at Endicott College.
Ethan LeBlanc of Arundel, the son of Shannon and MJ LeBlanc, is a member of the National Technical Honor Society, received the Honor Roll Award, and was named SMAA All Conference Boys Lacrosse. He was honored for excellence in Chemistry, Junior English, and Modern US History. Ethan plans to study Diesel Mechanics at Eastern Maine Community College.
Hyunji Lee of Incheon, South Korea, daughter of Soo young Kim, is a member of the National Honor Society and received the Honor Roll Award. She was recognized for excellence in AP Physics C, Honors Introduction to Engineering, Honors Senior English, and Yearbook Publication, and received achievement awards in Chemistry, Honors Algebra 2, Spanish 1, and Transitional English. She plans to study Mechanical/Civil Engineering.
Xijie (Jessica) Li of Saco, daughter of Yuejuan Sun and Qiang Li, received the Honor Roll Award, and was recognized for excellence in AP Environmental Science, AP Psychology, English, Honors Algebra 2, Honors Anatomy & Physiology, Honors Biology, Honors Geometry, Honors Spanish 2, Monsters & Misfits,and Psychology. She plans to study Nursing.
Maclain Lowe of Saco, son of Amy and Jay Lowe, is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and a Dirigo State Representative. He received the Honor Roll Award and Clarkson College Award. He was also recognized for excellence in AP Physics 1 & 2, Blind Eye of History, French 2, and Honors Chemistry, Honors French 4 & 5, Honors Modern US History, and Monsters & Misfits. Maclain will study Mechanical Engineering at West Point.
Laina Mekonis of Saco, daughter of Sandy Mekonis and Joe Mekonis, is a member of the National Honor Society and received the Honor Roll Award. She was also recognized for excellence in Chamber Singers, Performance and Repertory: Dance Company, Honors Physics, and Treble Choir and achievement in Honors Chemistry, Honors Geometry, Honors Modern US History, and Peoples & World Cultures. She plans to study Forensic Science at University of New Haven.
Janet Newman of Buxton, daughter of Krista and Michael Newman, is a member of the National Honor Society, and received the Honor Roll Award and the The Saint Anselm College Book Award. She was recognized for excellence in Algebra 2, AP Psychology, and Honors French 4 & 5, Honors Modern US History, Monsters & Misfits, and Performance and Repertory: Dance Company. Janet is also a member of Portland Ballet’s Pre-Professional Division, Piano. She plans to attend Providence College and will study English and Global Studies with a minor in Dance.
Anh Minh (Emery) Nguyen, Hanoi, Vietnam, daughter of Yen Pham and Ha Nguyen, is a member of the National Honor Society and received the Honor Roll Award. She was recognized for excellence in AP Human Geography, Honors Calculus, and for achievement in Sociology. She plans to study at University of South Florida.
Eva Northway of Saco, daughter of Claudia Northway and Ray Northway, is a member of the National Honor Society and received the Honor Roll Award. She was recognized for excellence in AP Human Geography, AP Psychology, Honors Biology, Honors German 3 and 4, Honors Physical Science, Honors Physics, Honors Precalculus, Honors Sophomore English, Maine Fish & WIldlife, Monsters & Misfits, Music Theory, Peoples and World Cultures, Piano Lab, and Pottery. She plans to major in Global Studies at Colby College.
Jack Nussbaum of Brunswick, son of Sara and Michael Nussbaum, is a member of the National Honor Society, participated in Student Government and received the Honor Roll Award. He was recognized for excellence in AP Biology, AP Calculus BC, AP US History, Honors Chemistry, Honors Physics, and Senior English, as well as for achievement in AP Environmental Science. He plans to study Political Science at Macalester College.
Yerim Park, of Seoul, South Korea, daughter of Keunhyung Park and Jihyun Kim, received the University of Rochester Award and the Honor Roll Award and is a member of the National Honor Society. She was recognized for excellence in Honors Spanish 2, and for achievement in AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1 & 2, Honors Algebra 2, Honors Biology, Honors Geometry, Senior English, and Honors Spanish 3. She plans to study Biological Science at the University of Rochester.
Claudia Pelletier of Arundel, daughter of Tammy and Mike Pelletier, received the Honor Roll Award, and was recognized for excellence in Chemistry, Literature of American Sport, Modern US History, Principles of Personal Fitness, and for achievement in Biology. Claudia plans to study Architecture at Keene State College.
Tuong (Peter) Pham of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is the son of Diem Nguyen. In addition to the Honor Roll Award, he was recognized for excellence in AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Macroeconomics, Honors Algebra 2, as well as achievement in AP Microeconomics and Physical Science. He plans to study Finance at the University of Georgia.
Jacob Pisani of Dayton, received the RIT Award, Honor Roll Award, and Shirt Off Your Back Award. He is also an Eagle Scout and was honored for excellence in AP Human Geography, Blind Eye of History, and Honors Geometry, as well as for achievement in AP Environmental Science, Honors Algebra 2, Honors English, Moving Making, Peoples & World Cultures, and Trees & The Maine Forest. He plans to study Earth and Climate Sciences at the University of Maine.
Julia Rocque of Portland, daughter of Karen Peterson and Kevin Rocque, received the University of Rochester G. Eastman Young Leaders Book Award, English Department Award, Thornton Academy Pillar Award recognizing demonstration of the pillar of “Respect”, and Honor Roll Award. She also earned Distinction of Excellence in AP Literature and Composition, AP Music Theory, AP Spanish, Chamber Singers, Honors Physics, Honors Spanish 1, 2, & 3, Honors Sophomore English, Freshman and Sophomore Social Studies, Sophomore Fitness, and Performance and Repertory: Dance Company. She plans to attend Boston University to major in Education, with a minor in Theater and Musicology.
Kohei Sato, of Shitzuoka, Japan, son of Naomi Sato and Tomonori Sato, is a member of the National Honor Society and received the Honor Roll Award. He was recognized for excellence in AP Calculus BC, AP Physics C, Honors French 2, Modern US History, and for achievement in AP Physics 1 & 2, Chemistry, and French 1. He plans to study at Denison University.
Trevor Seymour of Scarborough, child of Norine Seymour, received the Dartmouth College Book Award and Honor Roll Award. Trevor, a Professional Ballet Dancer with Maine State Ballet, was honored for excellence in Honors Anatomy & Physiology, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Literature and Composition, Honors Algebra 2, Honors Forensics in Chemistry, Honors Geometry, Honors Junior English, Honors Modern US History, Honors Physics, Performance and Repertory: Dance Company. Trevor plans to study Biochemistry and Public Health at the University of New England.
Anna Smith of Saco, daughter of Brenda Smith and Scott Smith, is a member of the National Honor Society and received the University of Rochester Award and the Honor Roll Award. She was recognized for achievement in Chemistry, Honors Arabic 1, Honors French 4 & 5, Honors Modern US History, and Photography. She plans to study Surgical Technology at Southern Maine Community College.
Harris Stoddard of Old Orchard Beach, son of Lucy and Owen Stoddard, is a member of the National Honor Society, received the SMAA Citizenship Award, earned the Honor Roll Award, and was named All-Academic in Track and Soccer. Harris was recognized for excellence in Everyday Engineering, Honors Forensics in Chemistry, Honors Marine Biology, Honors Sport Nutrition, Honors Sport Psychology, and Maine Fish and Wildlife. He plans to study Power Engineering Technology at Maine Maritime Academy.
Zachary Taranko of Saco, son of Carol and Andrew Taranko, received the Suffolk Book Award, Honor Roll Award, and is a member of the National Honor Society. He was recognized for excellence in AP Human Geography, AP US History, Honors Forensics in Chemistry, Honors Senior English,Honors Spanish 1 and 3, Peoples & World Cultures, Sports Journalism, and Sport Psychology. Zach was a lead broadcaster on TATV, served on the Student Media Marketing Team, and also worked as a media assistant for the Maine Mariners. He plans to study Sports Journalism at Quinnipiac University.
McKenna Travis of Saco, daughter of Tara Travis and Joseph Travis, is Vice President of the National Honor Society, Co-President of the Interact Club, and Senior Leader of the TA Dance Company. In addition to earning the Honor Roll Award, McKenna was recognized for excellence in AP Biology, AP Calculus BC, Dance 1 & 3, and Performance and Repertory: Dance Company. She plans to attend the University of Georgia as a Health Promotion major on a Pre-Medicine Track.
Metis Tucker of Saco, daughter of Catherine Bradford and Kerry Tucker, received the Honor Roll Award, Gold Key for the Scholastic Art Award 2022, and two Silver Keys for the Scholastic Art Award 2023. She was recognized for excellence in 3D Art & Animation, AP Art & Design: 2D Portfolio, Honors Drawing & Honors Painting, Blind Eye of History, Honors Chinese 1 and 2, Honors German 3 and 4, Honors Physics, Honors Sophomore English, Personal Finance,Pottery, and Wind Ensemble. She plans to attend the Rhode Island School of Design.
Thalia Tucker of Saco, daughter of Catherine Bradford and Kerry Tucker, received the Honor Roll Award, 2022-2023 Scholastic Art Awards Silver Key, and 2022-2023 Scholastic Art Awards Honorable Mention. Thalia was recognized for excellence in AP Art & Design: 2D Portfolio, AP Human Geography, Honors Chinese 2, Honors Drawing, Honors Modern US History, and Honors Physics
Aurora Vito, of Rome, Italy, daughter of Maria Teresa lonardo, earned the Honor Roll Award and was recognized for excellence in AP Human Geography and Senior English, and for achievement in Psychology. She plans to return to Italy to continue her studies and ultimately pursue a degree in Law.
Giang (Kylie) Vu of Hanoi, Vietnam earned First Honors and was recognized for excellence in AP Environmental Science, Biology, and Honors Forensics in Chemistry, and for achievement in AP Biology. She plans to study Psychology in the Pre-med Track at York University.
Allison Wagner of Saco, the child of Stephanie and Joe Wagner, is a member of the National Honor Society and earned the Honor Roll Award in addition to recognition for excellence in Biology, Chemistry, French 1, and Honors Arabic 1. Allison plans to attend Bentley University to major in Business Management with a minor in Finance.
Ruijie (Anna) Xu of Xi’an, China, daughter of Xinyu Zhang, received the Honor Roll Award, Student of the Quarter Award (Representative of TA’s pillar of Responsibility) and was recognized for excellence in Academic World Quest, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Environmental Science, AP Macroeconomics, Honors Modern US History, and Music Theory. She plans to study Economics/Political Economics at Pennsylvania State University.
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