A recent trend in northeastern Connecticut has been the establishment of an Athletic Hall of Fame by high schools and alumni associations.  Tourtellotte Memorial High School initiated the process in 2010.  Woodstock Academy and Killingly High School have since also followed suit.

Recent discussions at the administrative and Board of Education level in Putnam indicate an interest in the establishment of a Hall of Fame but with a slightly different emphasis.  Rather than strictly limiting the Hall of Fame to athletics, the emphasis has shifted to a scenario that would include Putnam High School alumni from areas outside of and including athletics.

According to Superintendent William Hull and Board of Education Chairman Michael Morrill, they have asked Putnam High School graduate and former Board of Education member Ronald P. Coderre to assist in the development of the concept as well as reaching out to other Putnam alumni to serve on an exploratory committee.

“Putnam High School has a long tradition of excellence and have alumni who have distinguished themselves not only in athletics but in numerous other areas,” said Hull.  “We feel it’s appropriate to find a way to honor their achievements.”

The goal of the committee will be to work deliberately in establishing by laws and selection criteria but to complete the effort in a timely fashion.  As the Putnam High School nine-phase multi-million dollar renovation is expected to be complete in 2017, the deadline for the announcement of the initial Hall of Fame class is May 2017.

“The renovation of the high school is a significant milestone in the history of the Putnam School system.  The idea of a Hall of Fame that encompasses more than simply athletics is unique.  This appears to be the correct time to bring this idea forth and see it to its completion,” said Coderre.

“Putnam High School has had many alumni who’ve distinguished themselves in various fields, including education, politics, the military, business, science and other fields in addition to athletics.  Recognizing these individuals will also serve as an incentive to current students as they embark on future careers,” Coderre added.

Morrill noted the committee will act independently of the Board of Education;, however, it will work cooperatively with Hull and a member of the Board.  Any alumni of Putnam High School interested in being considered for inclusion on the committee is asked to contact Coderre at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by telephone at 860-928-6772 or 860-942-7243. “These are exciting times for Putnam High School.  This project is a way of recognizing outstanding alumni at an historic time in the life of the school.  We’re looking forward to assisting the committee as it moves forward on this important task,” said Hull.