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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