SACO, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined officials from Thornton Academy and the University of New England (UNE) to announce a new partnership between the two that will allow qualified Thornton Academy graduates to enter UNE's College of Arts & Sciences with sophomore standing. During the event, King also announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce was awarding Thornton Academy with its Export Achievement Certificate in recognition of the school’s focus on international education.

“Today’s globalized world is one of limitless possibility where information and ideas move seamlessly across borders,” said Senator King. “Our approach to education must mirror this reality, and prepare our students for the new challenges and expanding opportunities that await them after graduation. The partnership announced today between Thornton Academy and The University of New England is a shining example of how educators can think in new and innovative ways in order to provide this and future generations of students with the tools necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing landscape.

“I commend Thornton Academy and The University of New England for their forward-thinking collaboration, and for their dedication to the students they serve. I also congratulate Thornton Academy for receiving a much-deserved Export Achievement Certificate from the Department of Commerce, an award that reinforces the importance of international education in a highly connected and highly competitive global marketplace.”

At the event, Thornton Academy Headmaster Rene Menard and UNE President Danielle Ripich signed an agreement officially launching the partnership between the two schools. Thornton signed a similar agreement with the University of Maine’s College of Engineering last year, making this just the second such partnership in the state.

Additionally, Thornton Academy earned the Commerce Department’s Export Achievement Certificate through its continued work to attract international students and the subsequent economic development that those efforts have contributed to the state. Thornton Academy is the first school in Maine and only the third school in New England to receive the award. Department of Commerce representative Jeffrey Porter joined Senator King in presenting the certificate.

Other attendees included Portland Press Herald journalist Colin Woodard, State Senator Linda Valentino, State Representative Justin Chenette, Mayor of Saco Donald Pilon, local business leaders, faculty, students, trustees and staff.

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