PHS Wall of Honor recipients announced
PUTNAM — The Putnam High School Wall of Honor Committee has released the names of five individuals who will make up the Class of 2025.
The award honors PHS graduates or those who have provided service to the school through leadership in their chosen profession, high standards of citizenship and service to their community. Selection to the Wall of Honor also serves as a reminder to current students that a Putnam High School education can serve as a springboard to successful careers in one’s chosen field. The induction ceremony to honor these individuals will be held in the fall.
This is the eighth class of inductees and includes Stephen Faucher, Class of 1981; Ross Franklin, Class of 1983; Cynthia Morse, Class of 1979; Douglas Porter, Class of 1972; and James Greenhalgh for dedicated service to PHS.
Faucher spent 28 years with the Connecticut Department of Corrections, rising to the position of captain before being appointed statewide CERT Commander. Upon retirement, one of his community roles was to become heavily involved with the Putnam Lions Club where he has served as president numerous times.
Franklin is a renowned photojournalist whose works have been published across the globe. From his start with the Washington Times in 1987, his advancement to the Associated Press, and as a member of the White House Press Corp. he has received numerous photographic awards including; a first-prize award in the White House News Photographers Association presented by President Clinton and as a Pulitzer Prize runner-up in 2003.
Morse spent 37 years as a teacher and coach of both boys’ and girls’ sports at Killingly High School, but made the biggest difference when she established the Unified Sports Program at KHS to benefit those students with intellectual disabilities in athletic competition. For her efforts she was named Connecticut Field Hockey Coach of the year in 2008 and the CIAC Special Olympics United Sports Coach of the Year Award in 2021.
Porter, managing partner of Woodstock Building Associates, has quietly achieved multiple business and community awards over his 45-year career and has had a huge impact on northeastern Connecticut through his community involvement. The former Woodstock selectman is currently a member of the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce and serving his second term as president of Putnam Rotary Club.
Greenhalgh becomes the second inductee to the Wall of Honor for service to the school. From the mid-1940s to the 1970s he was the physical education teacher and head coach of the football, basketball and baseball at PHS before becoming guidance counselor to complete his service to the school. The athletic complex off Wicker Street bears his name and a scholarship is presented annually.
To date, 35 individuals have been enshrined on the “Wall” which is located in a corridor adjacent to the gymnasium. All nominations remain on file for at least five years following submission.
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