purple pg 12 6-13-24
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Purple.
from top down:
Iris
Allium
Above: Clematis. Left Mary Frances iris.
spring pg 1 6-20-24
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Roundup
Spring Sports
Awards
handed out
at Academy
What is usually one of the last athletic events at Woodstock Academy? Spring Sports Awards Night.
Student-athletes were recognized for their achievements on the baseball, softball and lacrosse fields, golf course, tennis and volleyball courts and on the track.
The highlight is the Coaches Awards which are decided by the coaching staffs of the individual programs.
Those who received Coaches Awards included:
Boys’ Lacrosse: Varsity-Jared Nielsen, Keegan Covello; JV- Camden Marshall
Girls’ Lacrosse: Varsity - Ava Hovestadt, Abby Converse; JV – Bree Antaya
Boys’ Track: Varsity- Eli Manning, Charlie Caggiano; JV- Cayden Menor
Girls’ Track: Varsity- Julia Coyle, Juliet Allard; JV- Kathryn Dobosz
Boys’ Tennis: Varsity- Tyler Chamberlin, Ryan Chabot
Girls’ Tennis: Varsity-Margaux Reck, Wynter Worth
Unified Baseball/Tennis: Partner: Addy Cournoyer; Athlete: Arianna Fox
Boys’ Golf: Varsity- Brady O’Brien, Logan Rawson; JV- Landon Murdock
Girls’ Golf: Varsity-Reagan Scheck, Lily Moran
Baseball: Varsity- Riley O’Brien, Tanner Graham; JV- Matthew Dearborn
Softball: Varsity- Kaya Nichols, Madison Bloom; JV – Olivia Smith
Volleyball: Varsity- Aiden Finch, Jake Henderson; JV- Ben Da Silva
Those who achieved All-State and ECC and Connecticut Volleyball League All-Star status were also recognized:
Class L All-State and ECC Division I All Star in baseball: Eric Mathewson
Class L All-State and ECC Division I All-Star in baseball: Brady Ericson
Class MM All-State and ECC Division I All-Star in girls track: Isabel D’Alleva-Bochain
Class M 2nd team All-State and Connecticut Volleyball League All-Star in boys’ volleyball: Aiden Finch
ECC Player of the Year in boys’ golf: Logan Rawson
ECC Division I All-Star in girls’ track: Juliet Allard
ECC Division I All-Star in girls’ track: Reegan Reynolds
ECC Division I All-Star in girls’ track: Olivia Tracy
ECC Division I All-Star in girls’ track: Talia Tremblay
ECC Division I All-Star in girls’ track: Ella Lidonde
ECC Division I All-Star in girls’ track: Elise Coyle
ECC Division I All-Star and Honorable Mention in girls’ track: Julia Coyle
ECC Division I All-Star in girls’ track: Greysen Dery
ECC Division I All-Star in girls’ track: Emma Weitknecht
CVL All-Star in boys’ volleyball: Brayden Bottone
ECC Division I All-Star in baseball: Maxx Corradi
ECC Division I All-Star in baseball: Keon Lamarche
ECC Division II All-Star in boys’ tennis: Owen Rigney
ECC Division II All-Star in boys’ tennis: Tyler Chamberlin
ECC Division II All-Star in boys’ tennis: Ryan Chabot
ECC Division II All-Star in boys’ tennis: Steven Shen
ECC Division II All-Star in girls’ tennis: Ellie Bishop-Klee
ECC Division II All-Star in girls’ tennis: Kerrigan Reynolds
ECC Division II All-Star in girls’ tennis: Gianna Musumeci
ECC Division I All-Star in boys’ golf: Donny Sousa
ECC Honorable Mention in softball: Ellary Sampson
ECC Honorable Mention in boys’ lacrosse: Ryan Wallace
ECC Honorable Mention in girls’ lacrosse: Caroline Harris
ECC Honorable Mention in boys’ track: Christian Menounos
ECC Honorable Mention in girls’ track: Lily Morgis
ECC Honorable Mention in girls’ track: Jillian Edwards
ECC Honorable Mention in girls’ tennis: Delilah Kesselman
ECC Honorable Mention in girls’ tennis: Wynter Worth
ECC Honorable Mention in girls’ tennis: Kate McArthur
ECC Honorable Mention in boys’ tennis: Ethan Staples
ECC Honorable Mention in girls’ golf: Reagan Scheck
In addition to the All-Star awards, the ECC also hands out two other awards, the Scholar-Athlete and Sportsmanship Awards.
ECC Scholar-Athletes:
Softball -Ellary Sampson
Baseball – Jack Sumner
Girls’ Golf – Reagan Scheck
Boys’ Golf – Aidan O’Connor
Girls’ tennis– Emma Massey
Boys’ tennis – Cang Nguyen
Girls’ lacrosse – Piper Sabrowski
Boys’ lacrosse- Jared Nielsen
Girls’ track– Corinne LaMontagne
Boys’ track – Charlie Caggiano
ECC Sportsmanship:
Girls’ track– Reegan Reynolds
Boys’ track– Joel Koleszar
Softball – Savannah Schley
Baseball – David Bunning
Boys’ golf – Brady O’Brien
Girls’ golf – Isabella Siwko
Boys’ tennis – Leo Larkin
Girls’ tennis – Peyton Bentley
Boys’ lacrosse – Sam Lescault
Girls’ Lacrosse – Abby Converse
The girls’ track team sported the best GPA of the spring athletic teams and was the first of the 2023-24 school year to have a combined average of over 4.0. The baseball team was chosen best dressed for the occasion.
Centaurs Prep Soccer team celebrates Signing Day
Prep soccer coach Owen Finberg looked on proudly as his players donned their new white team jackets.
For many of them, it would be the first and final time that they would do so around teammates at Woodstock Academy.
The prep signing day marking their final day together as a team.
It was a chance for those who were moving on to announce where they were headed and hand out a few thanks before they left.
“This is the main focus of why guys are here,” Finberg said of his now former players college decisions. “We know the biggest part of our job is to prepare them but also help them achieve that next step. For these guys to know where they are going and to be excited about it, well-prepared, is really a great moment for us.”
Fourteen members of the team will move on to collegiate endeavors in the fall.
“It’s great. I think we have a really strong group of players and students and guys that have found a really great place to go, study and play for the next four years,” Finberg said.
The group produced much in their inaugural campaign.
It was the first under the leadership of Finberg who came over from South Kent School to guide the Centaurs.
His team produced a Premiere Prep League title with a 3-1 victory over the Northwood School in New Jersey.
That win and their success over the season prompted prepsoccer.com to designate the Centaurs as National Prep Champions.
“It was a lot of fun and a big credit to these guys (who announced on prep signing day) because I think they’re, obviously, the leaders of the group because of their age but also in terms of their play and example they set around campus, in the classroom. We have a really strong group of guys in the graduation class,” Finberg said.
That group and where they are headed included Ignacio Hahn (Hamilton College); Kelvin DaCosta (Syracuse University); Addison Bergin (Tufts University); Lucas de Pedro Sanchez (Lincoln Memorial University); Jaiden Banton (Brandeis University); Daniel Valdes (St Olaf College); Harrison Vail (Loyola Marymount University); Charlie Bragg (University of Rochester); Daniel Covelli (University of British Columbia Okanagan); Max Maneke (Marshall University); David Lee (James Madison University); Hendrix Mota (Grand Canyon University) and Calvin Field (Washington College).
It is also a group that will remain special to Finberg because it was the trailblazer for a new program at Woodstock Academy.
“I’m not going to forget this one. It was a magical season, a great group of guys, I can’t say ‘Thank you’ enough to the administration and to the school, because they have been wonderfully supportive. To be honest, I didn’t know exactly how it was going to go. Coach (Todd) D’Alessandro and I have said many times that it went as smooth as we could have possibly hoped. Credit to everyone that was a part of it which is really everyone here at Woodstock Academy. It’s definitely one that we will never forget,” Finberg said.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
Prep Soccer
The prep soccer team recently held its annual college signing ceremony. Honored were, from left: Ignacio Hahn (Hamilton College); Woodstock Academy prep soccer head coach Owen Finberg; Kelvin DaCosta (Syracuse University); Addison Bergin (Tufts University); Lucas de Pedro Sanchez (Lincoln Memorial University); Jaiden Banton (Brandeis University); Daniel Valdes (St Olaf College); Harrison Vail (Loyola Marymount University); Charlie Bragg (University of Rochester); Daniel Covelli (University of British Columbia Okanagan); Max Maneke (Marshall University); Woodstock Academy assistant coach Richard Glemawu. Not pictured: David Lee (James Madison University); Hendrix Mota (Grand Canyon University) and Calvin Field (Washington College). Photo by Marc Allard/Woodstock Academy.
All-Stars
Thirty-six student-athletes were named All-State, ECC or Connecticut Volleyball League All-Stars during the spring athletic season. All were recognized at the recent Woodstock Academy Spring Sports Awards Night. Photo by Jill Grant/Woodstock Academy.
ECC Sportsmanship Awards
From left: Reegan Reynolds, Joel Koleszar, David Bunning, Savannah Schley, Brady O’Brien, Isabella Siwko, Peyton Bentley, Leo Larkin, Sam Lescault and Abby Converse were recognized as ECC Sportsmanship Award winners recently at the Spring Sports Awards Night. Photo by Jill Grant/Woodstock Academy.
ECC Scholar-Athletes
Woodstock Academy athletes were recognized as ECC Scholar-Athletes for their team recently at the Spring Sports Awards Night. From left: Reagan Scheck, Ellary Sampson, Jack Sumner, Aidan O’Connor, Emma Massey, Cang Nguyen, Piper Sabrowski, Jared Nielsen, Corinne LaMontagne and Charlie Caggiano. Photo by Jill Grant/Woodstock Academy.
Signing Day
Woodstock Academy Class of 2024 Senior Signing Day: The Woodstock Academy recently held Senior Signing Day for those student-athletes who plan to continue their athletic careers in college. From left: Keon Lamarche (UConn-Avery Point, baseball); Addison Tyimok (Lasselle University, soccer); Hunter Larson (Wentworth Institute of Technology, basketball); Seated: Rebecca Nazer (Florida Southern, soccer); Kayla Leite (Franklin Pierce University, soccer); Eric Mathewson (Eastern Connecticut State University, baseball); Seated: Sophia Petrella (Eastern Connecticut State University, field hockey); Kendall McCormack (Salve Regina University, soccer); Jillian Edwards (University of Maine, track); Seated: Julia Coyle (Connecticut College, cross country/track); Mia Pannone (Rivier University, softball); Riley O’Brien (University of Southern Maine, baseball); Sarah McArthur (Houghton University, softball).
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Putnam pg 1 6-20-24
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Savannah Loiselle, valedictorian, outside following commencement. More photos on page 6. Expanded photo array Wed. night on our FB page: Putnam Town Crier & Northeast Ledger. Linda Lemmon photo.
Putnam High School graduates set out to 'change the world'
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — The power of positivity permeated almost every speech at the 147th Commencement of Putnam High School.
Savannah Loiselle, valedictorian, recounted how her 58 classmates learned the importance of perseverance as they began high school during COVID-19.
“We were taught to think critically,” she said. Classmates have the power of positivity. “Success is not linear,” she said. “We will navigate with courage and determination. Our adventures are just beginning,” she added.
Salutatorian Lily Goyette told her classmates she values the connections made in high school. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done — even outside the classroom.”
School officials and even the Citizen of the Year, Willie Bousquet, echoed that pride in the class contributions to the community.
In accepting the award, Bousquet commended the families on the way the students were raised. “The Class of 2024 should be citizens of the year for all they’ve done for the community,” he said.
In addition to Bousquet’s award, the Student of the Year award went to Melodie Anderson and the Educator of the Year was Melissa Zablonski.
Class advisors were Shane Donahue and Gretchen Hess.
Kayla Pernini read her class ode “The Clipper Ship.”
Award-winning PHS Acapella, under the direction of Skye Shogren, sang the National Anthem and a second special song.
School Superintendent Steven Rioux called the class a community and said their positive attitude” permeates the halls of the school.”
Heather Taylor, principal, noted the positivity evident in the students. “The world awaits. I have no doubt you will discover your purpose and follow your dreams.” Taylor also said four members of the class were entering the military. She said their courage was “an inspiration to us all” and that their community is extremely proud. The teachers, staff and parents “worked hard to get the students over the finish line.”
The chair of the Board of Education, James Purdon III, noted the class strength of character that “will serve you well.” He added, “When we stand together there’s no limit to what we can achieve.” He also called on the graduates to remember that education is not confined to the half of school.
Loiselle’s final words to her classmates: “Let’s go change the world.”
Graduates:
Kyle Adams, Railey Anctil, Melodie Rose Anderson (HH, NHS), Kayley Asberry, Seanmichael A. Beauregard, Iesha Mackenzie Benoit, Trevor James Bouchard, Ava Briere, Trenton Brytowski, Raquel Calderon, Lucian Canova (HH), Lucas Carita (HH), Aysaiah Chavez (HH), Hunter Cleveland, Grace Holly Collins (HH, NHS), CoraRose M. Desrosiers (HH), Brady Devlin (HH, NHS), Robert B. Dion (HH), Zeynep Ekinci, Adam Ellis, Atiana Estes (HH, NHS), Ean J. Falardeau, Natalie Ferreira (H), Katelyn Fitzpatrick, Travis Fredette (HH), Kaleigh N. Fry, Lily Goyette (HH, NHS), Grant Hart (HH), Kylie Howe-Barnett (H, NHS), Sophia Ionkin, Justin E. Jodoin, Jared L. Jordan, Devan Michael Keenan, Elijah Kelly, Gianni LaPorte, Nathaniel Michael Hunter Lazarou (HH), Danielle June Levesque (HH), Draven Levesque (H), Savannah Loiselle (HH, NHS), Brandon Marcelonis (HH), Colin Joseph Russell Martin (H), Pedro Ortiz III (HH), Kaya Pernini (HH, NHS), Jonathan Plante, Jonathan Racine (HH, NHS), Kai Rosé J. Raymond, Ariana Rodriguez, Noah Rudman (HH), Moses C. N. Ryder, Hunter Salvas, Ryan Schwartz, Jack Seiffert (H), Adam Sekula (HH), Josephine Swan Spalding (HH), Jalicia Tais Torres, Natalia Torres, Isabel Vergoni (HH, NHS), Delta W. Wagner (H), Autumn Crystal Wisnieski.
H = Cumulative average of 85% and above
HH = Cumulative average of 90% and
above
NHS = National Honor Society
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Because pg 2 6-20-24
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Just this past week, I needed to purchase a new computer. It has been a few years since I last purchased a computer and I expected to be bombarded with choices. Did I want a desktop or a laptop? How much memory and speed did I want? How much memory and speed did I really need? What screen size did I feel was necessary? And the list went on and on.
Surprisingly, despite all the choices, I selected the computer I wanted relatively quickly. My decisiveness impressed not only myself, but also my far more knowledgeable husband. I put my selected computer (desktop) into the cart and confirmed what, if any, additional accessories I needed/wanted.
But I had one more choice to make and this one was far more difficult. I had to select a color.
There were six choices. SIX! I hadn’t expected to have color choices for a desktop computer. Every desktop computer I had ever owned or used, up until now, had come in the standard and sleek color of silver. Silver was a choice. I discarded this one rather quickly. The next color choice I considered was orange. I didn’t really care for the tone of the orange. I crossed that one off the list as well. I started looking at the color options from different angles and kept going back to the purple. I like purple. Purple is fun. I chose purple. It showed as unavailable. I moaned. My frustrated husband might have said something like “It’s a computer. Any color makes it work the same.” I wasn’t convinced.
To streamline the remaining color choices, I opted to filter them by what was immediately available. Ironically, the red, blue and green, my remaining choices, popped up. Hmmm? I like red. It’s my favorite color. But there was something about this red that wasn’t working for me. I discarded it. It was now between blue and green. The blue was nice, yet the green felt more dynamic and, perhaps, better suited for the space. After all, green means growth. I certainly wanted to use the computer as a means of creating growth so green felt right. But I really liked the blue one. Hmmm? After a bit more back and forth, I concluded that I liked the green one best. My husband gave an ‘at last’ sigh.
The next day, we went to the store to pick up my new computer. The sales associate brought us to the display of the laptop computers to confirm that what I ordered was, indeed, what I wanted. I confirmed that my selection was correct.
But I couldn’t help but notice that there was also a purple computer sitting on the display shelf. Immediately I started to mentally reconsider my choice. I still liked the green but maybe I wanted purple now? Hmmm? I asked the sales associate why the website had indicated purple wasn’t a choice when here it was? He replied that, at the store, the purple only comes in the higher memory and speed option. I figured that made sense because purple is associated with creativity and that type of computer work often requires more memory and speed. Something to consider for my next one?
Marketing. Genius!
Kathy Naumann, possessor of NATURALLY curly hair and the understanding that you can’t control everything!
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