PUTNAM — The Putnam High School Wall of Honor Committee will honor five individuals in its Class of 2019.
The award honors PHS graduates or those who have provided service to the school through demonstrated spirit, leadership, high standards of citizenship and service to their community. They will be inducted April 27.
This is the third class of inductees and includes: Steven Bousquet, class of 1964; Craig Gates ‘80; Harvey Grinsell ‘45; Kevin Kennedy ‘86; and Steven Townsend ‘71. Bousquet and Grinsell are posthumous inductions.
Steve Bousquet was a four-sport athlete at Putnam High before graduating from UConn. He returned to the community where he established himself as a successful businessman, valuable citizen who served as alderman, received numerous honors and awards for his many achievements, contributed to many local service projects, and spearheaded many fund-raising efforts
Craig Gates is best known for his multiple automobile dealerships; however, many of his numerous philanthropic efforts have flown under the radar. His love of the Putnam community has resulted in the establishment of foundations on behalf of deceased relatives, and during the Christmas season he has truly become a Secret Santa to many.
Dr. Harvey Grinsell, a graduate of Tufts Medical School, touched the lives of many children during his lengthy practice in Putnam. He was founder and director of the Day Kimball Pediatric Center, the first known hospital-based program of its kind in the nation. His early intervention programs for infants and youth resulted in many meritorious awards both at the state and local levels.
Gen. Kevin Kennedy is director of Cyberspace Strategy and Policy in the office of the Secretary of the Air Force. After receiving his commission from the Air Force Academy in1990 his experience includes service on the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He has logged more than 3,400 flying hours including combat missions over Afghanistan.
Steve Townsend retired as co-founder, CEO and chairman of the board from United Natural Foods in 2005 after a 24-year career. The Townsend name adorns the Emergency Center at Day Kimball Hospital due to a significant family contribution. More recently, he and his wife Marge established an annual scholarship fund at QVCC to be awarded to Putnam High School graduates.
In an effort to recognize outstanding individuals who have a connection with Putnam High School and to keep alumni connected with the school and community, the Putnam Board of Education formed an exploratory committee four years ago, and the result was the formation of a Wall of Honor. The board continues to support the efforts of the committee and this year the actual “Wall” will become a reality as it occupies space in the corridor adjacent to the gymnasium.
This class will bring the total number of honored individuals to 15. While choices have been difficult and tough decisions have had to been made, the Committee feels that those honored to date have all proven themselves in their respective fields and their communities, and is 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: Nelson King, chair, Lee Konicki, vice chair; Susan Johnston, secretary; Jeanne Benoit, treasurer; Sandra Ames; Robert Garceau, David Gaudreau, James Gothreau; and Carrie Riendeau. Superintendent William Hull, Carrie Blackmar and Edward Perron represent the Putnam Board of Education.
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DANIELSON — The Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation, Putnam High School and Steven and Marjolaine ’87, ’88 Townsend announced the creation of the Steven and Marjolaine’87,’88 Townsend Putnam High Scholar’s Scholarships, beginning with the 2019 academic year.
Putnam residents are encouraged to apply for the scholarships beginning Feb. 1, through the annual QVCC Foundation scholarship process. Application and additional requirements are online www.qvcc.edu/scholarships . Contact Monique Wolanin for additional information, 860-932-4174.
A full-tuition scholarship of $5,000 will be awarded to one student and is renewable for a second year as long as the recipient continues to meet eligibility requirements. There will also be three $1,500 scholarships awarded to Putnam residents. The cost of tuition and student fees for two semesters, full time (more than 12 credits) at QVCC is $4,400. The full scholarship allows for money for textbooks, as well as any additional fee required by some degree programs.
QVCC Director of Institutional Advancement Monique Wolanin said: “QVCC, The Foundation and QVCC students thank Steve and Marge Townsend, once again, for their continued generosity. The Townsends care deeply about residents of northeast Connecticut and strive to provide a debt-free educational opportunities at QVCC.”
Steve is a nationally recognized business leader who co-founded United Natural Foods (UNFI) in Danielson. A long-time member of the QVCC Foundation, in 2012 Steve was honored with emeritus status for his “extraordinary contribution to the Foundation’s mission.” Marge is an active community volunteer whose hard work and dedication has helped many. Steve and Marge are proud Putnam High School graduates and the first members of their respective families to attend college, starting at QVCC. They hope that in providing these scholarships, students will pursue their dreams and one day be in a position to help others do the same.
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Winter
Clockwise, from top left:
Woodstock: Gravel and ice
Woodstock: Creepy icicles
Woodstock: Bull rushes shadows
East Putnam: Snow, post and lichen
caption:
Honored
Two Pomfret Community School eighth graders were named Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents award winners. Left to right: Gary Valade and Terri Valade (grandparents to Emma); Emma Blanchette, Quintavanh Sangasy, Vanmaly Sangasy (Quin’s mother), and Susan Imschweiler, PCS principal. Photo by Stephen Cullinan, superintendent, Pomfret Community School.
POMFRET — Two Pomfret Community School eighth graders were named 2018-19 recipients of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents award: Emma Blanchette and Quintavanh Sangasy.
Nominating teachers said eighth grader Quintavanh Sangasy, son of Thavanh and Vanmaly Sangasy, is always positive and upbeat. He is an excellent role model as an eighth grader to younger students of all grade levels. Quin helps with younger students in many settings, is a nurturing big brother to his younger brother, and sets a positive example. He is a student who consistently leads by action and good choices. He is outgoing and responsible, always seeking ways to help others. Quin offers help when a task needs to be accomplished; he never seeks affirmation or recognition.
In the classroom, Quin works diligently and strives to do his best in his academics. He is a consistently good student. In group settings, he is able to focus on the task that he is working to complete and is committed to see an idea through. He always sets a good example in the classroom setting. Outside of the classroom, Quin is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, is a key contributor and consummate leader of the boys soccer team, participates in the band and chorus, and is a dedicated volunteer at many school activities and events. Quin is very well-respected by both peers and adults.
Nominating teachers said eighth grader Emma Blanchette, granddaughter of Terri Valade, is a conscientious, compassionate, and hardworking student in and out of the classroom. Emma is respectful of both peers and adults in our school. Emma quietly leads by example and is mature for her age. Emma is kind, generous, creative, and always willing to lend a helping hand to any staff member or classmate. These characteristics have earned her the respect of both adults and peers.
In the classroom, Emma is a hard-working student that, even if she is having difficulty with a task or assignment, perseveres and maintains a positive attitude. She asks great questions, respectfully seeks out feedback, participates, and promotes collaboration in group situations. Emma is self-motivated and she cares about her school, her academics, and her peers. Outside of the classroom, Emma is involved in our school’s literary magazine The Eagles’s Eye, she has participated in the school Drama Club, is a member of the chorus, and ran on the cross country team. Emma is a compassionate and kind individual who is well respected by peers and serves as a positive influence to others in her class and the school.
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