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Graduates

Putnam Science Academy held its graduation May 14. Front to back – Jaheam Cornwall, Brandon Hurst, Tyreek Perkins, Saul Phiri, Kevin Smith. Courtesy photo.

 

 

Putnam

Science 

Academy 

conducts 

historic 

graduation

Special to the Putnam Town Crier

A former student and standout basketball player returned to Putnam Science Academy on May 14 to deliver the graduation speech for the 15th commencement ceremony in the history of the school.  The graduation was historic, as it was the initial commencement under the auspices of the ownership and administration of Dr. Tieqiang Ding, who purchased the school in September.

Jordan Butler, a graduate of the Class of 2014, returned to his alma mater and delivered the commencement address.  Butler, a Connecticut native from Hartford’s North End, will begin his junior year at Norfolk State University in September.

He’s the captain of the NSU basketball team and this past season was named the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference Player-of-the-Week three times.  Butler is majoring in sociology at Norfolk. 

“When I entered Putnam Science Academy I was a person trying to find my way in life.  With the help of the teachers and the encouragement of coach Espinosa I was able to take the core courses I needed and improve my academic standing.  Coming to PSA allowed me to receive a college scholarship,” said Butler.

Butler reminded the graduates to work hard and apply themselves in class and heed the advice of their teachers and coaches.  He noted that they would look back on their time at Putnam Science Academy as a place they’ll always consider home.

Headmaster Donald Cushing encouraged the graduates to look forward to the future with great anticipation as they’ll be part of molding not only their lives but in helping others.  He highlighted the many accomplishments of the Class of 2016, including their academic achievements, their community involvement and their outstanding basketball season.

The class featured seven graduates, Jaheam Cornwall, Yunus Demirkol, Hamidou Diallo, Brandon Hurst, Tyreek Perkins, Saul Phiri and Kevin Smith.  Valedictorian Demirkol was unable to attend graduation as he was in his native Turkey, where he anticipates acceptance into Bosphorus and Istanbul Technical University, his country’s top university.  He delivered his valedictory address to his classmates and the audience of approximately 100 via Skype.

“I’m very proud of my four years at Putnam Science Academy.  It’s provided me with a great academic foundation and allowed me to grow in so many ways.  College is only three months away and I’m looking forward to this next chapter of my life.  I wish I could be in Putnam to celebrate with you,” said Demirkol from Istanbul.

“I will never forget you guys.  I hope to see one of my teammates lifting the NCAA Championship trophy someday.  I am sure there is a successful path on your way if you keep working hard,” he concluded.

The ceremony, which was organized by Assistant Headmaster Owen Quantick, opened with the singing of the National Anthem by Putnam native Maurice “Moe” Coderre.  The welcoming address was presented by Ronald P. Coderre, an advisor to the administration.

“Remember, whether you realize it or not, you are models to others who are watching you and how you conduct yourselves.  As you move on in life give back to society rather than thinking what the world can provide for you,” said Coderre.

The graduation featured a brief film produced by graduating student Saul Phiri, highlighting the students’ year at Putnam Science Academy.  Phiri recently accepted a scholarship to play basketball at LaSalle University in Philadelphia.

The graduates participated in the traditional mortar board toss prior to the ceremonial graduation exit procession.  The graduates, faculty and staff and parents and friends joined in a celebratory cookout following the graduation ceremony.

 

Wed. June 1

Fun Runs

W. THOMPSON --- The long-standing 5K summer fun runs, founded originally by Bobby Mayer, takes place every Wednesday until mid-September. Combination of rough pavement and gravel roads. Free. Park and meet at the Ravenelle Rd parking lot. Runners will walk toward the starting line from the lot around 6 and the run will start promptly at 6:15. Newcomers are advised to arrive earlier to get a course description. Info: Martin This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

Exhibit

N. GROSVENORDALE --- Art @ the Library will present “My Love of Quilting” by Irene Rice through June 25 at the Thompson Public Library. Supported by the Friends of the Library. www.thompsonpubliclibrary.org

 

Thur. June 2

Storytime

N. WOODSTOCK --- The North Woodstock Library has moved its Story Time and Coloring Fun to 10 a.m. Thursdays at the library, 1286 Rt. 169. 860-928-2629. 

 

Fri. June 3

First Fridays

PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present First Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m. downtown. This month the theme is "The Windy City. Chicago."

 

Yard Sale

PLAINFIELD --- The First Congregational Church of Plainfield on Norwich Road will hold a yard sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 3 and from 9 a.m. to noon on June 4.

 

Sat. June 4

Farmers Market

PUTNAM --- The Putnam Saturday Farmers Market open today at the Pavilion on Kennedy Drive and runs each Saturday through Oct. 29.

 

Open House

POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open House will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. June 4 and June 5 on Taft Pond Road. An informational panel for parents on the benefits of the camp will be held from 1:30 to 2 p.m. June 4. 

 

Auction/Dinner

DAYVILLE --- The Killingly Grange No. 112 on Rt. 101 will hold a silent auction and roast pork dinner.  Doors open 4:30 p.m. and dinner runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. 860-481-9102.

 

Free Tours

WOODSTOCK --- Roseland Cottage offers free tours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last tour at 4 as part of Historic New England’s Open House day. Memberships in Historic New England will be available at greatly reduced rates on that day.   860 928-4074

 

Bottle Drive

DAYVILLE --- Pet Pals Northeast, a local animal welfare organization, will be collecting redeemable bottles and cans to help homeless and needy animals from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Church on Rt. 101. Dry cat food needed, Purina brands preferred. Cash donations always welcome. 860-317-1720.

 

Trails Day

WOODSTOCK --- The Wyndham Land Trust will take part in CT Trails Day with a tour of the Spalding/Rapoport preserve from 10 to 11:30 a.m. wyndhamlandtrust.org.

 

Trail Walk

POMFRET --- For CT Trails Weekend, the Pomfret Conservation Commission will sponsor a trail walk on the Sarantopolous property on Wright's Crossing Road from 9 to 10 a.m. www.ctwoodlands.org/ct-trails-weekend.

 

Fund-raiser Chess

DANIELSON --- The Steampunk Café in Danielson is  holding a chess competition benefit for the Access Emergency Shelter at 2 p.m. One winner will receive one-half of all tickets sales.  All other proceeds will go to Access Emergency Shelter. $10 in advance at the Steampunk Café.  All coffee sales will go to the Emergency Shelter. Donations welcome. 

 

Greek Festival

DANIELSON --- A Greek Festival sponsored by the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Water Street will be held from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 4 and from noon to 6 p.m. June 5. Free admission. 

 

Mon. June 6

Program

PLAINFIELD --- The Deborah Avery Putnam Chapter NSDAR will present a program, “Choices” with speaker Norman Berman (the story of his parents, survivors of the Holocaust) at 6:30 p.m. at the Plainfield Senior Center on Norwich Road. RSVP: 860-428-0882.

 

Senior Meeting

POMFRET CENTER --- The Pomfret Senior Association will hold its monthly meeting at noon at the Pomfret Senior and Community Center on Mashamoquet Road. The luncheon will be an Italian theme. Members are asked to bring a dish or dessert to share. RSVP to Gail by Friday June 3: 860-974-0426. 

 

Tues. June 7

Exercise Group

WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Senior Exercise Group will meet from 9 to 10 a.m. every Tuesday in the Woodstock Town Hall lower level meeting room. Free for all Woodstock senior citizens 60 and older. 860-974-1050.

 

Wed. June 8

Training

KILLINGLY --- Northeast Communities Against Substance Abuse (NECASA) will be holding  a training from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to train family members and friends of opioid users on the use of Narcan( Naloxone). Due to limited seating, attendees need to register with NECASA: 860-779-9253.

 

Thur. June 9

Senior Program

EASTFORD --- The Eastford Senior Citizens will present a program on honeybees at the town hall, lower level. A buffet will be served at 11 a.m. $4 for members and $7 for nonmembers. RSVP at 860-538-8868.

 

Fri. June 10

History Program

CANTERBURY --- The Canterbury Historical Society will present “Antiques and Collectables Show & Tell” following the 7 p.m. business session at the Community Room of the Town Hall. Bring one or two of your own treasures or curiosities, or just come empty-handed and see what shows up. Free admission and refreshments. All welcome.  www.canterburyhistorical.org, 

 

Sat. June 11

Bike Ride

PUTNAM --- The 2016 IHSP Bell Tower Spring Classic Bike Ride fund-raiser will be held today. There are three routes.

 

Textile Show

WILLIMANTIC --- The Mill Museum – Windham Textile & History Museum on Main Street, will present Quilting and Fiber Arts demo and lecture from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations to benefit the museum: $10 for adults; $5 for kids. 860-456-2178.

 

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Woodstock Elementary

Monday: Pork riblet on wheat rolls, waxed beans, fruit. Tuesday: Pizza, carrot sticks, fruit. Wednesday: Chicken nuggets, black beans, fruit. Thursday: Chef salad, fruit. Friday: Pancakes, hash browns, sausage, fruit.

Woodstock Middle

Monday: Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, waxed beans, fruit. Tuesday: Pizza, carrot sticks, fruit. Wednesday: Chickien nuggets, black beans, fruit. Thursday: Chef salad, fruit. Friday: Pancakes, hash browns, sausage, fruit.

Pomfret Community

Monday: Hamburgers or cheeseburgers, baked beans, fruit. Tuesday: Deli turkey and cheese sandwiches, carrot snacks, Baked Doritos, fruit. Wednesday: Tuna boats, veggie cups/dip, fruit. Thursday: Mr. Fox's calzones, broccoli, carrot snacks/dip, fruit. Friday: Crispy chicken strips, roll, carrots, veggie cups, fruit.

Putnam Elementary/Middle

Monday: Crispy chicken sandwiches. Tuesday - Breakfast for Lunch: scrambled eggs, hash browns. Wednesday: Fiesta taco salad bowls, Spanish rice, Mexicali corn. Thursday: Cheesy breadstick dippers, marinara dipping sauce. Friday - Elementary - Aloha Luau Day: Hawaiian chicken nuggets, tropical sweet and sour dip or Island BBQ sauce, Polynesian rice with mango, Maui roasted vegetables, Big Island pineapple surprise. Friday - Middle: Homemade calzones, salad.

Putnam High

Monday: Crispy chicken chipolte ranch flatbread sandwiches, broccoli. Tuesday: Clipper Burgers, sherbet. Wednesday: Chicken Fiesta Bowls, corn. Thursday (finals): Pizza, cucumber and tomato salad. Friday (exams): Stuffed-crust pizza, salad.

 

Takes part

WILLIMANTIC — The most advanced directing students in the Theatre Department at Eastern Connecticut State University presented “Power Plays,” a series of student-directed one-act plays, this spring semester. “Power Plays” was the culminating showcase for these graduating seniors. Ty Collige ’16 of Woodstock Valley, who majors in Communications and Theatre, directed “Medusa’s Tale” by Carol Lashof and “The Man Who Turned Into A Stick” by Kobo Abe