THS 5/23/25

5/23/2025

Hello Thornton High School Community:

As we wrap up another school year at Thornton High School, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our entire community—students, families, staff, and partners—for your unwavering support, hard work, and commitment.

To the Class of 2025—congratulations! You’ve led with heart, grit, and determination. We are proud of your accomplishments and excited to see the impact you will make beyond Thornton.

This year, we’ve grown not only in academic achievement, but as a community. We've deepened our connections, lifted one another through challenges, and celebrated milestones together. Thank you for being part of a school culture rooted in growth, equity, and care.

As we head into summer, I wish everyone a restful, joyful, and safe break. Take time to recharge, explore new interests, and enjoy time with loved ones.

We look forward to welcoming returning students, as well as new students, on Thursday, August 7th for the start of the 2025–2026 school year. Until then, take care and enjoy the well-earned break!

Dennie Marenco, Ed.D.

Principal

Clockwise from top left: Brenda Solorio of Arevon Energy awards Sofia Uribe with the Cormorant Scholarship; Marguerite Machen of the Machen Center awards Joao Oliveira with the Kindness & Cooperation Award; Solorio awards Daniel Gervacio with the Cormorant Scholarship; Machen awards Muntaha Khan with the Kindness & Cooperation Award; Gabriel Perez was one of three graduate speakers; Gina Papan awards Daniel Gervacio with the John Papan Memorial Scholarship.

Clockwise from top left: JUHSD Board President & Thornton alumnus, Jerome Gallegos, Superintendent Toni Presta, and Dr. Marenco present Bryce Robinson with his diploma; Miles Mores with Kristi Stoltz and Ms. Beverly from Hearts of Grace ; Class of 2025; the audience listens to Gina Papan's remarks.

What brought you to Thornton? I came to get my academics in check. Personally, I didn't feel like the traditional schools worked for me.

How has it been here so far? I get more help with my work here because we have smaller classes. I'm earning the best grades ever in my high school career. Plus, I have more energy to do things because I can sleep in a little bit...the extra 30 minutes helps. We need sleep for better health.

Super power or hidden talent? I know how to adapt at everything pretty quickly. I'm a quick learner, from learning skate tricks to muay thai to math problems.

How do you self-care? I remind myself that God has my side, that not everyone is perfect, everyone has their problems. My good friend, Samuel, is a good listener, helps me feel better about myself. Good friends can help remind you of your self worth, no matter how bad the circumstances are.

Can you share an example of when you applied a growth mindset to something? When I feel discouraged and stuck when I'm learning a new skill or new task, I just keep going and trusting the process. One example was when I was struggling to learn how to box, my coordination and breathing was off. I'm still working on this skill, but I've gotten so much better. If you don't believe in yourself or give your 100% to something, then you're bound to fail.

If you could sum up the school year in one word, what would that be? Feel free to explain (or not). Maturing. I met so many different kinds of people and learned how certain people interact and live life differently; it game me a new perspective. How you act a certain way can affect others. I felt like a learned a lot about people - not just at school but in the world.

Anything else you want to share? Stay positive, keep your head up, keep chasing your dreams.

Photo: Adam at the Maker Faire field trip in Quarter 2, wearing his skate-wheel glasses design.

How long have you served at Thornton? How long in education? I've served as principal at Thornton for 8 years. My career in education spans 25 years.

What do you appreciate most about the Thornton community? Relationships, we do our part to model the importance being seen, valued, and heard.

What's a piece of advice you could give to your high school self? Keep chopping wood! It's a motto I learned through football that places emphasis on the present versus focusing on the past and future.

What's your super power? I can reference the sitcom "Seinfeld" to something that has happened on any given day.

How do you self-care? I read, walk, listen to public radio/sports talk, and enjoy my time with my 2 children.

Can you share an example of when you applied a growth mindset to something? It can be hard to receive feedback from people. When those moments happen for me, I try not to get defensive. Instead, I try to seek feedback out and see it as a learning process and experience.

If you could sum up the school year in one word, what would that be? Feel free to explain (or not). Thankful...thankful that I have the chance to be part of the Thornton journey.

Anything else you want to share… Nanakorobi ya oki (Japanese proverb), :"Fall down seven times, get up eight"

Photo: Dr. Marenco at the start of his educational journey: Pre-K

These community service agencies are the first place to contact for emergency assistance.

HEARTS OF GRACE, PACIFICA