Putnam pg 5 3-17-22

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Category: Current Issue

    PUTNAM — Five individuals were named as the Class of 2022 for the Putnam High School Wall of Honor. Established in 2016, the “Wall” recognition honors graduates who used their Putnam High education to enhance their career success while demonstrating leadership qualities, high standards of citizenship and ongoing service to their community.  
Fifty-one applications were reviewed by the Wall of Honor committee for this fifth class of inductees which will include:  Robert Miller, Class of 1938; Jonathan Gradie, Class of 1969; Peter Deary, Class of 1973; Laura Phipps, Class of 1976; and Shawn Johnston, Class of 1977.
Miller served on several town and city committees including Board of Selectmen; but is probably best remembered for his knowledge and promotion of Putnam history , leading to his being named First Putnam Town Historian.  Affiliation with Boy Scouts of America spans 33 years; and his progression from foreman, sales manager and vice president at National Chromium started in 1940 and ended at retirement in 1985.
Gradie has been directly involved in the creation and growth of high technology companies.  His astronomy interests in observing solar system objects led to recognition by the International Astronomical Union of Dr. Gradie’s contributions by naming an asteroid after him, No.3253 Gradie.  He was also an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award finalist in 2000.
Deary used his business management degree to expand the long established local family business to 17 convenience stores, while still finding the time to establish a long history of service to various community organizations including board chairman of Day Kimball Hospital.  Lifetime of dedicated service earned him the “Civic Achievement Award” from the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce.
Phipps made an early decision to pursue a career as physician’s assistant and used this as a springboard to focus on women’s health and child sexual abuse victims. As a forensic medical examiner she was instrumental in developing the medical trauma program at “Kid’s House” in Seminole, Fla., which is the initial point of contact for child abuse investigations. “Laura Phipps Legacy Award” presented annually by Rotary Club of Altamonte Springs, Fla.
Johnston lost his father when he was 6 but was blessed by a community that provide much support. He has paid that debt back ten-fold with his ongoing involvement in the Putnam community.  
While serving as a State House of Representative for 16 years, he still donated time and energy to several boards.  And along with family members and friends, started the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Dip which has raised several hundred thousand dollars for Muscular Dystrophy.
In an effort to recognize outstanding individuals who have a direct connection with Putnam High School and to keep alumni connected with the school and community, the Putnam Board of Education conceived the idea of a forum to celebrate graduates’ achievements and the result led to the formation of a Wall of Honor.  To date, 20 past graduates have been honored and the their plaques are currently displayed on a “wall” in a corridor adjacent to the gymnasium. All nominations remain on file for at least five years following submission.
Annual choices have been difficult and tough decisions have been made by the Committee over the past five years.  However, those honored to date have all met the criteria for selection and all have proven themselves in their respective career fields and communities. This represents a positive sign of the quality education that has been provided by Putnam High School through the years.
Members of the Wall of Honor Committee include:  Lee Konicki, chair; Scott Pempek, vice chair; Susan Johnston, secretary; Jeanne Benoit, treasurer; Sandra Ames, Carrie Blackmar, David Gaudreau, James Gothreau, Nelson King, and Carrie Riendeau.

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