Putnam Science Academy inducts third Hall of Fame Class
By Ron P. Coderre
The National Prep School Champion Putnam Science Academy Mustangs inducted the 2024 Hall of Fame Class June 7.
In what Athletic Director and Head Coach Thomas Espinosa noted is “one of the most talented group of players in the history of the school,” the Class of 2024 was comprised of six players, one contributor and the team of 2017-2018. The players inducted were: Hassan Diarra, Tyson Etienne, Osun Osunniyi, Kyle Lofton, Jose Perez and Daniel Upchurch. Donald Cushing (who has served as Head of School) was inducted as a Contributor. The newest inductees bring the total number of players to 14, two coaches, three teams and four contributors.
Hassan Diarra, recognized as the sparkplug of coach Danny Hurley’s UConn’s Huskies, joins his brother Mamadou Diarra of the Class of 2021 as a Hall of Fame member. Hassan Diarra led the Mustangs to National Championships in 2018 and 2020 prior to moving on to Texas A&M for two years and his final three years at UConn, where he was part of the 2023 and 2024 NCAA National Championship teams. He’s currently the 2nd leading scorer in PSA history (1469 points in 118 games), all-time career assist leader with 470, and 2nd all-time steal leader with 193 thefts.
Tyson Etienne, currently a member of the NBA Brooklyn Nets, was a prominent member of the 2019 Prep National Final Four team that posted a 38-2 record. Following his time in Putnam, Etienne moved on to Div. I Wichita State University where he was recognized as first-team American Athletic Conference and AAC Co-Player of the Year. He ranks in the top-ten at PSA in single season scoring (571 points) and three-pointers made (80).
Kyle Lofton, led PSA to its first National Prep Championship (2017-2018), prior to moving on to four outstanding years at St. Bonaventure and a season at the University of Florida. He’s in the Mustangs’ top-10 in career and single season assists (241) and career steals (77). Lofton currently plays professionally in Germany.
Daniel (Danny) Upchurch holds the school’s single game assist record (14), which he accomplished twice in his career. He’s also recognized in many of the schools scoring and assists categories. He played two years on the collegiate level at Charleston Southern University and also at the University of New Haven. He played on the professional level in the country of Georgia. He’s currently employed by the State of Connecticut working with underprivileged individuals in the Bridgeport area.
Osun Osunniyi, who was unable to attend because his professional team was playing in the finals in Germany, had a brilliant four-year career at St. Bonaventure University prior to concluding his college eligibility at Iowa State University. Osunniyi led PSA to its 1st National Prep Championship as part of the 2017-2018 team and was named National Tournament MVP. Known for his rugged play in the middle, he holds the school record for taking 31 charges. He’s also among the leaders in career blocks at PSA.
Jose Perez, who ranks in the top-ten in many categories at PSA, went on to a college career at five schools. Perez initially went to Gardner Webb University and ended his vagabond collegiate career at Arizona State. In between he had stints at Manhattan, Marquette University and West Virginia University. He played professionally in Puerto Rico.
Donald Cushing enters the Hall of Fame as a contributor. He became the first PSA Head of School (2015-2020) and returned in 2023. A collegiate player in his day, “Cush” starred at Worcester State University, where he garnered hoop notoriety that enabled him to be elected into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. A huge fan of the PSA basketball program Cushing is known on campus as “The Closer” for his ability in assisting with recruitment. He’s the father-in-law of oach Tom Espinosa.
The 2017-2018 basketball team posted a 38-4 record on its way to the school’s first national Championship. They finished the season ranked #1 in the country. The team saw nine players move on to Division I and two to Division II. Nine players from the team went on to play professionally and two members of the coaching staff moved on to positions on the College Div. I level.
“Seeing these guys return and recognizing all they’ve accomplished, not only on the basketball court, makes me very proud to see the type of men they are. They definitely are models for the current players and for those who will follow in their footsteps,” said Espinosa.
The initial Putnam Science Academy Hall of Fame Class of 2018 was comprised of former players, 7-foot Rundell Mauge, Enes Ulukaya, Taquan Zimmerman, and University of Dayton standout Dayshon “Scoochi” Smith as well as contributors coach Tom Espinosa, Ronald P. Coderre, Bryan Sailor and the 2013-2014 team. The Class of 2021 included former NBA player Hamidou Diallo, UConn Director of Player Personnel Mamadou Diarra, and Quinnipiac University standouts, twin brothers Aaron and Andrew Robinson. Also in the class were contributors coach Josh Scraba and Kenneth Chauvin and the 2015-2016 team.
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Previous inductees to the PSA Basketball Hall of Fame, from left: Mamadou Diarra (UConn Director of Basketball Operations), Ronald P. Coderre (contributor), and coach Tom Espinosa and Class of 2024 inductee, UConn standout and two-time NCAA National Champion Hassan Diarra.
Irene W. Davis
PUTNAM — Irene W Davis, 80, of Putnam died June 7, 2025, at home, surrounded by family. She was born on May 4, 1945, in Putnam, daughter of the late Frederick and Irene (Wanser) Jacobi. She was the beloved wife of William Davis Sr.
Irene loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and her dog Buddy. She worked at Belding in her younger years and then Putnam Supermarket for many years prior to her retirement. She had so much compassion for everyone, the kindest soul this world was blessed to have.
She leaves her husband William Davis Sr. of Putnam; her daughters Michelle Davis of Putnam, Melissa Beauchesne (Shaun) of Putnam; sons, Michael Davis (Rachelle) of Putnam, William Davis Jr. and longtime companion Robyn of Putnam; her brothers Fred Jacobi of Dayville, John Jacobi (Suzon) of Dayville, Robert Jacobi (Marion) of Landsdowne, Md.; her grandchildren, Elizabeth, Christina (and husband Scott), Thaddeus, AJ, Michael (and wife Christina), Zachary, Troy and Abbigail; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Joseph Jacobi.
Per the request of Irene her services will be private. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, Putnam.
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Wed. June 18
Art Exhibit
PUTNAM --- The Putnam CT Arts Council will present “An Abstract Fantasy: An Artist’s Journey of Self Discovery,” featuring the art of Tabitha “Purrmage” Cummings, through June in the Corridor Gallery inside the Municipal Complex.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present, in its Art @ the Library series, “Dimensional Work by Laura Salo” (quiltings). The display case will feature “Thompson Public Library Children’s Department Level Up at Your Library Summer Reading 2025.”
Art Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret on Day Road will present an art exhibition, “Nature Reveals Itself," through June. Free admission.
Sat. June 21
Fine Arts Fest
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Arts Council will present its annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival June 21 and 22 at the Municipal Complex front yard.
Rabies Clinic
DANIELSON --- Pet Pals Northeast is holding a low cost rabies clinic from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital on Rt. 12. $15 cash per animal. Pre-registration and appointment is required: 860-317-1720. This is the last clinic until October. No walkins.
Celebration
PUTNAM --- 85 Main will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary June 21 and 22. It will feature throwback menu specials, giveaways and more. James Martin, chef and owner with partners Barry and Brian Jesserun, and 85 Main have won numerous state and national awards. A defining element of 85 Main’s culinary philosophy has always been its dedication to locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant has forged strong relationships with local farmers, and fishermen. Their forward-thinking vision helped lead local trends long before they became mainstream — including the introduction of alfresco dining and outdoor patio seating at 85 Main in 2008.
Sun. June 22
Exhibit
WOODSTOCK --- The Center for Woodstock History is presenting a photo exhibit, "Woodstock Through the Camera's Eye in Post-Civil War America," from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays. Check for updates: 860-928-1035.
Sat. June 28
Household Hazardous Waste
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will hold a Household Hazardous Waste and Confidential Paper Shredding Collection Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Putnam Middle School. Putnam residents only. Bring ID.
Amateur Radio
THOMPSON --- The Eastern Connecticut Amateur Radio Association (ECARA) will be participating in the annual national Field Day event sponsored by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) the weekend of June 28-29. The members of ECARA will be operating from a portable Amateur Radio station they will set up at Gawron Farm, 200 Gawron Road from noon Saturday to noon Sunday. This exciting event showcases ham radio operators' ability to serve the community with emergency communication capabilities, and challenges ham radio clubs all over the country to contact as many other stations as possible in a 24-hour exercise. The public is invited to observe, learn about Amateur Radio and even participate hands on. It's open to all ages, family friendly, and refreshments will be available. Info: ECARA.net
Sun. June 29
Poetry Reading
ABINGTON --- A free poetry reading will be held at 4 p.m. at the Abington Social Library. Reading will be: Thompson Poet Laureate Steve Veilleux; novelist and poet Sarah Blanchard and poet Karen Warinsky, both Woodstock residents. The event is open and free to the public.
Free Concert
WOODSTOCK --- The Performing Arts of Northeast Connecticut, The Three C’s and the Loos Center for the Arts will present St. Luke’s Steel Band with Caribbean music at 5 p.m. at Roseland Cottage. Free. Bring chair or blanket.
Sat. July 12
Elks Anniversary
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Elks Lodge 574 will be celebrating its 125 Anniversary from noon to 3 p.m. with a Community Day at the Lodge on Edmond Street. All welcome.
Sat. Sept. 27
Pomfret Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Jordan Freeman: Black Revolutionary War Soldier” performed by Kevin Johnson of the CT State Library at 3 p.m. at the Old Town House.
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Burrello wins Patrick Wood Prize
By the time Jotham Burrello received the Patrick Wood Prize at Rectory School’s graduation, he was already a super-star. The night before, he had won the drama award for being a philosopher, a dreamer, a newsboy, a villain, and a cat during his tenure on the Rectory stage. Early in the graduation ceremony, he won the Bigelow cup for his kindness and hard work. He was known for his generosity toward other students. He sat out part of a baseball game so another teammate could play. He asked students to vote for someone besides himself as the graduation speaker. He’d had enough time in the limelight as chair of the student council. But students voted for him anyway, and during the graduation ceremony, it was obvious why. He was funny, clever, and upbeat with high fives to his partner speaker and quotes from ninth-graders on how to succeed at Rectory. The crowded gymnasium applauded and cheered.
Patrick’s mother, Lisette Rimer, said, “It was an honor to present the Patrick Wood Prize to such a joyous and talented young man. He’s an academic standout and a performer in the best sense of the word. He is a gift to everyone.”
In addition to serving as student council president, Jotham was a day-student proctor, a student ambassador, and a mentor to a fifth-grade student. He played the lead role in the spring musical, Seussical. “He is a rare combination of scholar, musician, and athlete,” Rimer said. “Patrick’s gifts were many, and this young man is a thrilling representative of that legacy.”
Patrick Wood attended Pomfret School on a full scholarship and graduated as valedictorian in 2001 with perfect SAT scores. He graduated from Stanford as a math major with honors while earning his master’s in computer science. The Patrick Wood Prize was begun from the many donations that poured in after Patrick’s death in 2006. It supports local, meritorious students entering Pomfret School. Visit https://www.patrickwoodprize.org for more information on Patrick’s life and scholarship.
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Patrick’s mother Lisette Rimer, Patrick Wood Prize winner Jotham Burrello, and Jotham’s mother Kristin Burrello at the Rectory School graduation.