Centaurs finish 2nd in state championship meet; have 2 state champs
NEW HAVEN – The Woodstock Academy girls’ indoor track team was only 11 points behind Mercy for first in the Class M state championship indoor track meet with three events remaining.
But coach Josh Welch knew Mercy still had an event that it was going to score well in — the 3200m.
“Mercy has amazing depth in the distance events and we saw it coming,” Welch said. The Middletown school was able to take the second, third and fourth places in the 3200m race and pulled away for the 66-42 win over Woodstock and take the state title in the process.
But the Centaurs were more than happy with the runner-up spot.
Woodstock will get even more chances in the throwing competition with the discus and javelin added to an already great group of shotput throwers who came through again.
Avery Plouffe finished with the second-best throw in Connecticut thus far this year in the shotput, 40-feet, 5 ¼ inches, to win the individual state title.
Teammates Kiley Elliott and Lily Morgis finished third and fourth in the competition, getting personal best of their own in the process.
Senior Emma Weitknecht bettered her own Woodstock school record and won the 55m hurdle championship in 8.33 seconds. That time was fifth-best in Connecticut and 74th best in the nation currently.
Weitknecht will have her name on the record board in another spot as she joined Ella Lidonde, Kaitlyn Teal and Teagan Maloney to finish fourth in the 4x200m relay in 1:51.58.
Lidonde was fourth in the long jump, just missing a school record by a quarter of an inch.
The 4x800m relay team of Olivia Tracy, Nova Almquist, Claire Bruneaux and Bella Amlaw placed fifth while freshman Emme Langevin set a school record in the 1600m (5:17.79) with a sixth-place finish and also had a personal best in the 3200m.
The CIAC State Open championship takes place Saturday at 11:30 a.m. also at the Floyd Little Athletic Center.
As of now, only Plouffe and Weitknecht, by virtue of their first-place finishes, have qualified but Welch feels there will be others.
Boys’ Indoor Track
The boys’ indoor track team had a nice highlight at the Class M indoor track state championship meet: Senior Eli Manning emerged as the winner of the Class M boys’ shotput title with a heave of 51-feet, 1 ½ inches. The Centaurs also saw a school record established. The 4x800m relay team of Lucas Hecker, Sam Greene, Jackson Durand and Ronan Curran finished fourth in a Woodstock Academy school record time of 8:29.7 Senior Abraham McGregor was fourth in the long jump and Owen Williamson was fifth in the 55m hurdles. The Centaurs finished ninth overall as a team in the competition with 20 points.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
caption, page 7:
Above: The girls’ indoor track team. Right: Throwers, from left: Eli Manning, Avery Plouffe, Kiley Elliott and Lily Morgis gathered after the Class M state championship competition. Photos by Gerry LaMontagne.
caption, page 8:
State Title
Emma Weitknecht proudly displays the medal that the Woodstock Academy senior earned on Friday for her first-place finish and state title in the 55m hurdles event at the Class M indoor track championship. Photo by Gerry LaMontagne/Woodstock Academy.
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Patricia A. Drouin
PUTNAM — Patricia (Couture) Drouin, 73, passed away peacefully on Feb. 11, 2026, in the loving company of her family. She was born on July 8, 1952, in Putnam. People who knew her prior to marriage knew her as Patty Couture.
She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Hazel and Pierre Godin, and her brother, Philip, as well as her Aunt Mary Raynsford, who was like a second mother to her.
She leaves her devoted husband of 54 years, Denis Drouin; two daughters, Bonnie (Jason) Gaudreau and Heidi (Chris) Davis; grandchildren, Matthew (Mariette) and Madison (Trevor) Sheldon, Alyssa and Shaina Gaudreau, Claudia (Mack) and Luke Davis; brothers and sisters-in law, cousins and nieces and nephews, all of whom she treasured deeply.
Patricia was a lifelong caregiver whose compassion shaped both her career and her personal life. She worked for many years with the CT State Department of Developmental Services, where she was a dedicated advocate for individuals with special needs. Her work reflected her generous spirit and unwavering commitment to helping others.
She found great joy in gardening, ocean strolls, traveling, and especially spending winters in Florida with Denis, where they enjoyed watching the manatees and sharing laughter with the friends they made there. Pat’s hobbies included studying historical homes, participating in her towns’ historical society events and redecorating the many homes she lived in over the years. She also treasured the companionship of her beloved dogs, Louie and Lily.
Pat will be remembered for her sense of humor, her resilience in the face of life’s challenges, and the deep love she had for her family and friends. Her strength, warmth, and devotion to others leave a legacy that will continue in all who knew and loved her.
Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at the Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam. A short service will be held in the funeral home at 6:45 p.m. Donations: Either the COPD Foundation, PO Box 160112, Miami, FL 33116-0112; or to a local animal shelter of your choice.
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Wed. Feb. 18
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present “Dotting My Days in Colorful Ways” by Alison Ciarlante this month. “Symbols of Spring, Hope and Heritage” by Cathy Shires will be in the display case.
Art Show
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library is hosting its third annual Tiny Art Show. The show involves free form art by teens, adults and seniors. It runs through the end of February - perhaps longer considering many of the works honor the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. 860-963-6826.
Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Edwin Way Teale Artist in Residence exhibit of written and visual works inspired by the 2025 summer residences will be on display at the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret on Day Road through March 28. A group exhibition of visual artists and writers includes: James DeBay, Amanda Giracca, John Himmelman, Elizabeth Strayer and Art Guild Northeast member, Carmine Angeloni. All are participants in the Edwin Way Teale Artist-in-Residency Program Class of 2025.
Photo Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Vanilla Bean Cafe is currently showing an exhibit of photographs by Art Guild Northeast member, Carmine Angeloni, until Feb. 23.
Unique Exhibit
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Arts Council is presenting the avant guard designs in multiple mediums of Jamie Soroka, a Putnam native in the Corridor Gallery at the Putnam Municipal Complex through the month of March. The show, titled “A Quiet Communion with Nature,” features ethically sourced entomology and contemporary taxidermy, photographs, and found objects.
Thur. Feb. 19
Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- A Celebrity Bartender fund-raiser will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Montana Nights Axe Throwing. It will benefit IHSP.
Fri. Feb. 20
Fireside Chat
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society’s Fireside Chat, “The Amazing Mrs. Whistler,” will start at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Vanilla Bean Café. The program is from 7 to 8 p.m. Arrive early to order food and get a good seat. For more information contact
Sat. Feb. 21
Talk and Book Signing
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present an author talk and book signing at 1 p.m. “The Thin Blue Lie: An Honest Cop vs. the FBI.” by Greg Dillion. Snow date: Feb. 28.
Sun. Feb. 22
Pasta for a Purr-pose
PUTNAM --- Paws Shelter will hold a pasta dinner fund-raiser from 5 to 6:3 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus on Providence Street. Eat in or take out - $15. Tickets available at Paws, K of C and Joseph Jewelers on School Street.
Tues. Feb. 24
Al-Anon Meeting
POMFRET --- Al-Anon will meet at noon on Tuesdays at the Christ Church, 527 Pomfret St. Please use the lower level door, near the flagpole. All welcome.
Sat. Feb. 25
Camper Game Day
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp on Taft Pond Road will have Camper Game Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for boys and girls, ages 6-12. Lunch and snack provided. Games, crafts and more. Bring appropriate clothes to be outdoors for part of the day. $30/child:
Fri. Feb. 27
LIR-QV Open House
DANIELSON --- Learning in Retirement (LiR -QV) will hold a Free Open House at 1 p.m. in Killingly Community Center, 185 Broad St. Living History Interpreter Karlee Turner Etter will present "The Arrest of Suffragist Elizabeth Glendower Evans." There will be a preview of spring courses. Light refreshments. Limited seating, no reservation required. www.lir-qv.org
Sat. Feb. 28
Fire & Ice
PUTNAM --- The 15th annual Fire & Ice event will be held from noon to 8 p.m. around downtown Putnam. Ice sculptures, food, drinks, entertainment and much more, all centered around fire and ice themes. Tickets are on sale for the Mystic Aquarium's penguin ambassadors who will appear at the Bradley Playhouse at 2:30. www.discoverputnam.com. In addition the Gertrude Chandler Warner Children Boxcar Museum will be open then.
Open House
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp will hold an Open HHHouse from 10 a.m. to noon on Taft Pond Road. Meet the director & other camp staff, take a camp tour, registration materials available. .
Wed. March 3
Floral Night
POMFRET --- Floral Design Night will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp on Taft Pond Road. $65 per person gets you a beautiful floral centerpiece to take home. Benefits the Jim Logee Campership Fund. Preregistration required: 860-974-1122.
Sat. March 7
World Day of Prayer
DANIELSON --- The Danielson United Methodist Church on Spring Street will be holding a World Day of Prayer service written by Christian Women of Nigeria. The program starts with a Nigerian luncheon at noon, followed by the service that speaks to our need for peace and solace, drawing on their faith and experiences in a world filled with struggles and anxieties.
Fri. March 13
Fund-raiser
CANTERBURY --- United Services, Inc. will host its 23rd Annual Irish Night, Lighting the Way Home, from 6 to 9 p.m. This is United Services’ signature annual fund-raising event that will feature traditional Irish food and music, community storytelling, raffles and silent auction items, and a powerful live “Auction-for-a-Cause” paddle raise highlighting the real-life impact of United Services’ programs. Tickets, info: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/annualirishevent/event/23rdannualirisheventlightingthewayhome/.
Sat. March 14
‘Gardens World’
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present ‘Around the World in 80 Gardens” from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Room 109 in the Putnam Municipal Complex.
Sun. March 15
Owl Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society’s Center at Pomfret on Day Road will present a program on owls at 1 p.m. at the center. Come meet an Eastern Screech Owl, a Barred Owl, a Barn Owl, and a Great Horned Owl! Horizon Wings, a bird of prey rescue in Ashford, is bringing. Seating limited. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers; children aged 10 and under free. Register: between noon and 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday at 860-928-4948.
Fund-raiser Tickets
THOMPSON --- Tickets for the TEEG 25th annual Have A Heart fund-raiser will go on sale March 15. It will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. May 1 at the Mansion at Bald Hill in Woodstock. Tickets are $35 per person and will be available at TEEG’s website. Sponsorships also welcome. 860-923-3458.
Sat. March 21
'Revolutionary Women'
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library and the Aspinock Historical Society will present "Women in the American Revolution" with Eric Chandler at 1 p.m. It's part of the America's 250th Anniversary of the Revolution program.
Sat. Oct. 3
Revolutionary Abington
ABINGTON --- The Pomfret 250th Committee will present a simulated battle re-enactment Oct. 3 and 4 at the Pomfret Recreation Park. There will be two encampments – one British, one American. Battles will be staged at some points Oct. 3.
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$189,000 in scholarships available
PUTNAM — The Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation (NCEF) is offering more than $189,000 in scholarships for the 2026-2027 school year. Scholarships are open to Windham County residents pursuing higher education. There are more than 115 individual awards ranging from $500 to $2,500 for students at Connecticut State Community College Quinebaug Valley or other higher education institutions.
For all information about NCEF’s scholarships, including who can apply, required documents, and specific scholarship criteria, go to necteducationfoundation.org/scholarships/. Completed applications must be submitted by noon on March 13. Scholarships will be presented at the NCEF Scholarship Night May 6 at Killingly Intermediate School in Dayville. Recipients will be notified in advance of the ceremony and are required to attend to receive their award. To learn more about the NCEF, go to necteducationfoundation.org.
Joseph Adiletta, o\president of the NCEF, said: “Scholarships are at the heart of the Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation. They truly are a hand-up for the students we serve. We are grateful to our many donors who believe in the importance of higher education and support our mission.”
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