PUTNAM — Dec. 13 nine students were officially welcomed into the Putnam High School chapter of the National Honor Society during its annual induction ceremony. Chapter advisors are Courtney Prendergast and John Allen. PHS Principal Heather Taylor and Putnam Superintendent Daniel Sullivan gave opening remarks.
Inducted were: Alishia Thompson is a 16-year-old junior at Putnam High School.  In the past three years, she has participated in both Putnam’s SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance) clubs.  She is passionate about teaching Martial Arts to young kids at her dojang.  After she graduates from high school, she plans to attend UConn and study psychology to help children and teens fight mental health struggles.
Guinevere Weiker is a 16-year-old junior at Putnam High School. In her time at PHS, she has enjoyed serving as president of the SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) club and is currently also serving as the co-president of the National Student Organization, “Text Less, Live More”.  She is passionate about political science and making change.  In the future, she wants to live unconventionally on a “schoolie” (converted school bus) named Filmore after she has graduated from an Ivy League school.
Ella Schoppe is a 16-year-old junior at Putnam High School.  In her time at PHS, she has enjoyed challenging herself through the most difficult courses offered.  She is currently serving as vice president of the PHS SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Club.  In her free time, she is passionate about art and competitive horseback riding.  While undecided on her plan of study post-graduation, Ella knows she wants to use her love of design to help people.
Emily St. Martin is a 16-year-old junior at Putnam High School.  At this point Emily has accumulated close to 200 hours of community in northeastern Connecticut, spending time working at Daily Bread or through Putnam Leo Club.  In her spare time, she enjoys playing volleyball, basketball, and softball.  After graduation, Emily is planning on pursuing a career in nursing.
Jacob Mailloux is a 16-year-old junior at Putnam High School. Jacob has spent his time at PHS volunteering through the Putnam Leo Club and serving as a team captain on the varsity baseball team at PHS.  He enjoys playing sports and spending time with his family and friends.  After graduation, he hopes to attend a four-year college and study physical therapy or sports medicine.
Enrico Ong is a 16-year-old junior at Putnam High School.  He has served as an officer in the Putnam Leo Club and spends time playing sports through Putnam High School’s boys’ basketball and soccer team.  In his free time he enjoys sports and looking after his younger brother.  While he is undecided on post-high school plans, after he graduates, he hopes to make a difference in people’s lives.
Tyler Fullerton is a 17-year-old senior at Putnam High School.  He has worked hard to maintain high honors while holding down a part-time job and playing soccer, volleyball and football. Tyler served as the co-captain of the first-ever PHS boys’ volleyball team.  In his free time, he enjoys quality time with family and friends.  He hopes to attend UConn to study business after graduation.
Rafaela Araujo is a 19-year-old senior at Putnam High School originally from Rio De Janeiro.  Before coming to America, Araujo volunteered at orphanages, children’s cancer hospitals, and read for people who were blind. Araujo likes spending time with family, friends, and community.  Araujo currently works at South County Hospital in Wakefield, R.I. After graduation, Araujo hopes to become a criminal prosecutor.
Benjamin Northup is a 17-year-old senior at Putnam High School. He has volunteered many times for his class and has been involved in school events.  He has maintained high honors while also managing a part-time job and participating in soccer, volleyball and basketball. He served as the co-captain of the first-ever PHS boys’ volleyball team.  When not participating in school or work, he enjoys watching football and spending time with his family and friends. He hopes to study business at UConn.


.