Mary Nadeau, Class of 1981, Andrea Stanley, Class of 1985, Troy Randall, Class of 1991, TJ Smart, Class of 1990, Casey Clark, Class of 2010, Kristy Thurston, Class of 1999, Trina Avila, Class of 1992

Mary Nadeau: Educational Leader and Former Principal, Nokomis Regional High School

Mary graduated from Old Town High School in the Class of 1981. At Old Town High School, Mary was a standout athlete and student. Her connection with sports and extracurricular activities shaped her educational philosophy, which she brought to her leadership in the field of education. 

Mary Nadeau is a highly respected educational leader whose career spans more than three decades of dedicated service to students, staff, and the greater school community at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport, Maine.

Over the course of approximately 33 years at Nokomis, Nadeau served in a variety of impactful roles, including teacher, Director of Guidance, Assistant Principal, and ultimately Principal, a position she held for over 15 years. Her long-standing commitment to a single school community reflects both her deep connection to Nokomis and her belief in sustained, relationship-driven leadership.

Leadership and Educational Impact

As principal, Nadeau was known for fostering a student-centered and innovative learning environment. She played a key role in guiding Nokomis through significant instructional shifts, including the development of:

• Project-based and interdisciplinary learning models
• Student-centered instructional practices focused on voice, choice, and engagement
• Career exploration opportunities and real-world learning experiences

Her leadership emphasized authentic learning—ensuring that students were not just completing coursework, but engaging in meaningful experiences connected to their interests and future pathways.

Nadeau encouraged a culture of collaboration and professional growth among staff, promoting risk-taking in instructional practices and supporting educators in developing innovative approaches to teaching and learning. This mindset helped establish Nokomis as a forward-thinking school focused on both academic rigor and student engagement.

Commitment to School Culture and Student Experience

A hallmark of Nadeau’s leadership was her strong presence in all aspects of school life. Beyond the classroom, she was deeply involved in extracurricular activities, particularly athletics. As a former coach and avid supporter of student activities, she even participated in school broadcasting programs, working alongside students to cover athletic events and promote school pride.

She consistently emphasized the importance of students being involved beyond academics, believing that participation in activities is essential to a complete high school experience.

Professional Leadership and Recognition

Nadeau’s influence extended beyond her own school. She served in several leadership roles at the state and regional levels, including:

• Member and Past President of the Maine Principals’ Association Board of Directors
• Northeast Representative on the National Federation of High School Sports Field Hockey Rules Committee
• Member of the Kennebec Consortium for School Administrators

Her excellence in educational leadership has been widely recognized. Notable honors include:

• Maine Principals’ Association Assistant Principal of the Year (2007)
• State Champion for Maine (2017) by the New England Secondary School Consortium and the Maine Department of Education

Leadership Philosophy

Nadeau’s leadership philosophy centers on relationships, authenticity, and student growth. She has often expressed that the most rewarding part of her role is working daily with students and educators, describing them as “smart, funny, interesting, hardworking, compassionate and kind.”

Her work reflects a deep belief that schools should be places where students feel connected, challenged, and inspired—both academically and personally.

Andrea Stanley Hesser: Writer, editor, and nonprofit/community leader focused on international affairs and civic engagement.

Early Life and Education

Andrea Hester graduated from Old Town High School in 1985 before attending Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, along with two of her OTHS classmates and friends, Troy Jordan and John Orcutt. At Tufts, Andrea studied modern European history and French language. During her junior year, she spent a semester at Westfield College at the University of London studying British history and architecture. While in Europe, she also visited her lifelong friend Lisbeth Nielsen, who had been an exchange student at Old Town High School from Esbjerg, Denmark. Andrea graduated from Tufts in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in History, cum laude

Early Career and European Travel

While deciding whether to pursue law school or library science, Andrea accepted a position at the Harvard Law Library. After a year, she realized she wanted a different direction and spent a summer traveling across Europe, backpacking with a Scottish friend through Belgium, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Monaco, and Switzerland.

Career at Harvard University

Upon returning to the United States, Andrea began working as a staff assistant in the Office of the President at Harvard University. She remained there for eight years, eventually becoming Senior Editor/Writer for Harvard President Neil Rudenstine. In that role, she drafted more than 200 pieces of correspondence each month and edited speeches, reports, and other written materials produced by the President’s Office and occasionally the Office of the Provost.

Looking for a more interactive role, Andrea later joined Harvard’s Office of the University Marshal, the university’s chief protocol office responsible for official ceremonies and large events such as Commencement. There she served as Coordinator of the International Visitors Program. Each year the U.S. State Department organizes delegations of emerging international leaders to visit the United States, and Harvard was often a key stop on those tours. Andrea coordinated these visits and helped organize events welcoming foreign heads of state and notable public figures. One of her favorite memories from this time was chatting with Bono, the lead singer of U2, who served as Harvard’s Class Day Speaker in 2001.

Mentorship and Leadership at Harvard

During her time at Harvard, Andrea also served as a Freshman Advisor, helping first-year students navigate their academic schedules and adjust to college life. She was also a Commencement Aide for several years, helping manage the logistics of Harvard’s graduation ceremony in Harvard Yard, which hosts nearly 32,000 attendees.

In 2004, Andrea and two colleagues were recognized as Harvard Heroes, an employee recognition award honoring their leadership during a period when the University Marshal position was vacant and they stepped in to temporarily fulfill those responsibilities.

Graduate Studies

In 2004, Andrea began taking evening courses through the Harvard University Extension School. She completed her Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) degree in Government in 2008. Her thesis examined homegrown terrorism in the United Kingdom.

Family and Return to Maine

Around this time, Andrea met her future husband, Chris Hester. The couple recently celebrated their twentieth wedding anniversary. In 2006, they moved to North Yarmouth, Maine, where they raised their two daughters, Lauren and Caroline. Lauren is currently a sophomore at the University of Vermont, and Caroline is finishing her senior year at Greely High School.

Civic Engagement and Community Leadership

Since returning to Maine, Andrea has been actively involved in civic and nonprofit organizations. She has been a longtime member of the World Affairs Council of Maine, eventually serving on its board of directors and later as president. For many years, she organized and served as head judge for Academic WorldQuest, a competition that challenges high school students on their knowledge of international affairs, world history, geography, and current events.

Andrea currently serves on the board of directors of the Harvard Club of Maine and is the Immediate Past President of that organization. She is also on the board of the Camden Conference, an annual event held at the Camden Opera House that brings together leading foreign policy experts to discuss global issues.

As Deputy Chair of the Community Events Committee, Andrea helps coordinate library talks and book discussions across Maine related to the theme of each year’s conference. She has also participated as a speaker, presenting talks on topics such as Brexit and the European Union, right-wing populism in Europe, and media and foreign policy. She occasionally teaches courses on related topics at the senior college at the University of Southern Maine.

Rediscovering a Love for Theater

More recently, Andrea has rediscovered her passion for theater through her daughter Caroline, who has been involved in local musical theater productions for many years. Watching rehearsals and performances reminded Andrea of her own experiences in drama at Old Town High School under the direction of the legendary Rosemary Canney. One of her favorite roles at the time was Eunice from The Carol Burnett Show.

Inspired by those memories, Andrea has taken acting classes over the past two years and has appeared in several community theater productions. She now serves on the board of the Royal River Community Players in Yarmouth.

Troy Randall: Co-Founder, Ai3 Architects, LLC

As Troy Randall journeyed through his academic career at Old Town High School, his passion for architecture was sparked at an early age. During his high school years, Troy was actively involved in school life, participating in tennis and basketball. As a key member of the basketball team, he helped lead the 1990–1991 squad to a state championship title. Throughout these experiences, his commitment to pursuing a future in architecture remained constant.

In September of 1991, Troy began his studies at the Boston Architectural College, where he graduated in 1998. During his time there, he earned the Commends Award and was named an alternate for the Edwin T. Steffiana Award for his thesis project, “Marine Sound Research and Interpretation Facility.” These honors reflected both his creativity and his strong technical foundation in design.

Following graduation, Troy worked for an architecture firm in Newton, Massachusetts. In 1999, he and three classmates—Scott Dunlap, James Jordan, and Daren Sawyer—took an entrepreneurial leap and co-founded Ai3 Architects, LLC. The firm’s name reflects a thoughtful concept: “Ai3” represents architectural involution, a mathematical idea of raising something to a higher power. The “cubed” reference symbolizes volume and space—core elements of architectural design.

What began as a four-person firm has grown into a highly respected organization. Now based in Framingham, Massachusetts, Ai3 Architects employs approximately 40 professionals. Over the past 26 years, the firm has focused primarily on the design of educational facilities, completing 111 school projects across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as well as internationally in Seoul, South Korea.

The scope and impact of Ai3’s work are remarkable. The firm has been responsible for designing over 8.8 million square feet of educational space, representing more than $3 billion in project value. Through these efforts, nearly 60,000 students have benefited from thoughtfully designed learning environments that support modern education.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Troy and his wife, Nicole, have invested in and manage several properties in Massachusetts. He has also remained deeply connected to his community, dedicating time as a youth sports coach and actively supporting local programs.

An avid runner, Troy has completed the Boston Marathon three times and has participated in the Beach to Beacon 10K in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

Among his many contributions, Troy is also known for bringing energy and personality to his workplace. When asked about his influence on Ai3’s success, his business partners all agreed on one thing:
Troy is well known—and highly respected—for his dancing skills at the annual Ai3 holiday parties.

TJ Smart: Co-Founder of Milestone Funeral Partners

As a 1990 graduate of Old Town High School, T.J. Smart began building the foundation for a career defined by service, leadership, and strong community connections. Growing up in Old Town, T.J. developed an early appreciation for the importance of supporting others—values that would later shape both his professional path and his impact across Central Maine.

T.J.’s journey into funeral service began in 1990 at his hometown funeral home, where he quickly discovered a passion for helping families during life’s most difficult moments. Under the guidance of respected mentors Calix Baillargeon, Lawrence Kiley, and John Birmingham, he developed the skills, professionalism, and compassion that continue to define his work today.

Following his time at Old Town High School, T.J. attended the University of Maine at Orono, where he was a member of the football team, before continuing his studies at the New England Institute at Mount Ida College in Newton, Massachusetts. During his college years, he remained closely connected to his roots, working weekends at Kiley–Birmingham Funeral Home and gaining valuable hands-on experience. These early opportunities reinforced his commitment to both his profession and the communities he serves.

In 1997, T.J. joined Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home in Portland, Maine, beginning what would become a distinguished 22-year career with Service Corporation International (SCI) following its acquisition in 1999. Throughout his tenure, T.J. demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving in a variety of roles including Location Manager, Sales Manager, General Manager, Market Manager, and most recently, Sales Director. For over 15 years, he has been a trusted leader across Central Maine, supporting families and mentoring colleagues with integrity and care.

Building on this extensive experience, T.J. co-founded Milestone Funeral Partners, where he currently serves as Chief Operating Officer. Through this work, he has helped establish a decentralized, locally-led model that honors the traditions and identities of the communities served. Since its first acquisition in October 2021, Milestone has grown to include more than 90 partner locations across New England and New York, with partner firms collectively serving approximately 6,000 families each year.

T.J.’s commitment to service extends well beyond his professional responsibilities. He has been actively involved in Central Maine community initiatives for over 15 years, supporting organizations such as the Mid Maine Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Shine On Cass Foundation, and Hospice Volunteers. In recognition of his contributions, T.J. was honored with the Mid Maine Chamber Distinguished Community Service Award in 2024.

Outside of his professional and community work, T.J. values time with his wife, Kerry, and their children, Hunter and Gabriella. An avid golfer, he also enjoys spending time at their cottage on Messalonskee Lake, where he can appreciate the beauty of Maine and the importance of family.

T.J. Smart’s journey from Old Town High School to a respected leader in his field reflects a lifelong commitment to service, growth, and community. His dedication to supporting others and strengthening the communities he serves makes him a most deserving inductee into the Achievement Hall of Fame.

Casey Clark: Aerospace Engineer • Innovator

Early Life in Old Town

Casey Clark grew up in Old Town, Maine, where he graduated from Old Town High School in 2010  and developed a strong interest in science, engineering, and athletics. Known as a dedicated student-athlete, Casey balanced academics and extracurricular activities before pursuing engineering at the University of Maine.

University of Maine Research & NASA Collaboration

While studying electrical engineering at the University of Maine, Casey became involved with the WiSe-Net (Wireless Sensor Networks) Laboratory, a cutting-edge research facility founded by Professor Ali Abedi that focuses on wireless communications, sensor networks, and aerospace applications.

During his graduate studies, Casey helped develop a wireless leak detection system designed to identify air leaks in pressurized spacecraft structures. The system used ultrasonic sensors and advanced signal-processing algorithms to detect the sound signatures created when air escapes into space and determine the leak’s location.

This technology was selected by NASA and flown to the International Space Station aboard a cargo mission in 2016. The payload included multiple sensors capable of detecting and triangulating leaks to improve astronaut safety and spacecraft reliability.

Three of these wireless leak detectors were sent to the ISS, and after testing they were returned to Earth. One of them is now displayed at the University of Maine’s planetarium as a reminder of the university’s first experiment flown to space.

Aerospace Career at SpaceX

After earning his master’s degree in electrical engineering, Casey joined SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk.

At SpaceX, Casey worked as a Ground Segment Engineer, focusing on the global communications infrastructure required to support rocket launches and spacecraft operations. His work included deploying and maintaining worldwide ground stations that connect spacecraft with mission control teams.

These networks supported missions involving the Falcon 9, SpaceX Dragon, and Starship launch systems, as well as the rapidly expanding Starlink satellite network.

Northwood Space

Today, Casey serves as Head of Sites at Northwood Space, where he leads the development and operation of global satellite ground infrastructure. His work focuses on scaling the ground systems needed to support the growing number of satellites used for internet connectivity, Earth observation, artificial intelligence applications, and national security.

Maine Roots and Inspiration

Despite working in a global industry, Casey remains proud of his Old Town roots and often credits the education and opportunities he received in Maine for launching his career in aerospace engineering. His journey—from Old Town High School to research that flew on the International Space Station and work supporting rockets and satellites around the world—demonstrates how students from Maine can contribute to some of the most advanced technological efforts on Earth and beyond.

Casey Clark’s story is a powerful example of how curiosity, education, and hard work can take someone from a small hometown to the forefront of the global space industry.

Kristy Thurston-Tyler: Physician, Surgeon, and Community Advocate

Kristy Thurston graduated from Old Town High School in 1999.  At Old Town High, Kristy stood out as an athlete and scholar. Her reputation for hard work—both on and off the playing field—laid the groundwork for the success she would later achieve in her professional career.  As Kristy Thurston-Tyler journeyed through her academic career in RSU 34, her passion for science, health, and helping others began to take shape at an early age. Growing up in the Old Town community, she developed a strong foundation through her local school experience—one that emphasized hard work, curiosity, and a commitment to service.

Following her graduation, Dr. Thurston-Tyler continued her academic journey at Colby College, where she pursued her undergraduate studies in the sciences. She then earned her medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, further developing the clinical knowledge and skills that would define her career in medicine.

After medical school, Dr. Thurston-Tyler completed her residency in General Surgery at the University of Connecticut, where she gained extensive hands-on experience in surgical care. She later advanced her training through a specialized fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at the North Shore LIJ Health System, refining her expertise in complex gastrointestinal and colorectal conditions.

Today, Dr. Thurston-Tyler practices with Hartford HealthCare and is affiliated with Hartford Hospital, where she provides advanced surgical care to patients across the region. She is board-certified in Colon and Rectal Surgery and is recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), reflecting her commitment to excellence in her field.

Dr. Thurston-Tyler specializes in colorectal surgery, with expertise in minimally invasive and robotic procedures, colorectal cancer treatment, inflammatory bowel disease, and other complex gastrointestinal conditions. Her work focuses not only on treating illness, but also on improving the quality of life for her patients through thoughtful, individualized care.

Throughout her career, Dr. Thurston-Tyler has earned a reputation for her compassionate, patient-centered approach. She is known for building strong relationships with those she serves, taking the time to ensure patients understand their conditions and feel confident in their treatment plans.

Despite her professional work in Connecticut, Dr. Thurston-Tyler’s connection to Old Town and RSU 34 remains an important part of her story. As a product of the local school system, she serves as an inspiring example of what students from this community can achieve through dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to helping others.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Thurston-Tyler is committed to advancing health and wellness through education and community engagement. Her career reflects a belief that healthcare extends beyond the operating room—it is about prevention, awareness, and strengthening communities.

And finally, while her professional accomplishments are significant, those who know Dr. Thurston-Tyler best would agree that her greatest strength lies in her ability to connect with others—bringing compassion, humility, and a genuine care for people into every aspect of her work.

Trina Avila-Munichiello: Writer and Editor

Katrina Avila grew up in Old Town, Maine, in a family deeply rooted in service and community. Her family history includes educators, clergy, and small business owners. These strong examples shaped her commitment to meaningful work and giving back.

She graduated from Old Town High School in 1992 before continuing her studies at Tufts University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She later completed a Master of Public Health at Boston University, preparing for a career focused on public health and nonprofit service.

Early Career in Public Health and Nonprofits

Katrina spent nearly a decade working in nonprofit administration and development, focusing on organizations that served vulnerable populations. Her early work included time with the HIV/AIDS Bureau at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. She later worked with organizations supporting LGBTQ+ youth, a residential treatment center for adolescent girls, and a public art initiative that connected artists with inner-city youth.

Writing Career and Tea Industry Publications

After becoming a stay-at-home parent, Katrina began writing in her spare time. What started as a personal interest soon developed into professional freelance work. She wrote copy for tea companies, edited a weekly newsletter for the national tea trade association, and served as editor of a monthly retail magazine focused on the tea industry.

Her writing culminated in the publication of her book A Tea Reader: Living Life One Cup at a Time, released in 2011 by Tuttle Publishing.

Through her work in magazine journalism, she also had the opportunity to report from the White House at an event hosted by Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, and Prince Harry.

Editorial Work in Media and Publishing

Katrina later joined America’s Test Kitchen as a copy editor, contributing to the company’s well-known publications, including Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country, along with numerous cookbooks produced by the organization.

In 2023 she began working for GBH Educational Foundation (formerly WGBH) as a Senior Strategic Communications Writer. In this role she promotes some of public television’s most respected programs, including NOVA, MASTERPIECE, FRONTLINE, American Experience, Antiques Roadshow, and GBH Kids programming. She also serves on the organization’s IDEA Council (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility).

Community Leadership and Volunteer Service

Outside of her professional career, Katrina has remained deeply committed to community service. She has served as:

• President of the Friends of the J V Fletcher Library
• Youth soccer coach
• Volunteer manager for a local swim club
• Co-founder and President of S.T.A.G.E. Crew, Inc., an organization dedicated to supporting and funding local theater programs for young performers

Family and Life Today

Katrina lives northwest of Boston with her husband and their three children. Through her work in communications, publishing, and community leadership, she continues to honor her family’s legacy of service while promoting storytelling, education, and the arts.