Letter: SHS Wall of Honor

Southington High School Wall of Honor—History and New Inductees 

On October 22, at 6 pm, Southington High School will induct two new members to its Wall of Honor. Bill Pesce, chief medical officer for the Hospital of Special Care, college professor and more, and Chris Palmieri, principal of DePaolo Middle School, Town Council member and much more will join 70 others in this exclusive club.

The public is invited to the free ceremony in the high school auditorium 

The Wall of Honor was started in 2007, when Bob Brown, high school social studies teacher, approached the principal, Kathy McGrath, with the idea of honoring those who attended our school and went on in life to achieve greatness. There are two criteria for selection—must have graduated from Southington public schools (the only exception is veterans who enlisted before graduating but were killed during war), and one of the following accomplishments—lifetime achievement, humanitarian work, or outstanding community service. 

The Wall includes artists (Dale Zarella has sculptures in the Vatican and around the world!), college professors, writers, doctors, a former NATO advisor, successful businesspeople, Kay and Joe Calvanese (founders of Aquaturf), environmentalists, all those who gave their lives during wars from our town, former head of the TSA David Pekoske, families (the DePaolo family has Val, William, Gail and Barry!), one athlete (Rob Dibble), women’s leaders (Cara Belvin founded a national group helping young girls), public servants and elected officials, inventors, officer Pelletier who gave his life while on duty, Broadway and dance stars, the last person to balance the federal budget (Charlie Zwick was the federal budget director under Lyndon Johnson!), media personalities, and more!! 

Please nominate someone worthy and go see the Wall in front of the high school auditorium. Applications are on the school website. Please contact Bob Brown (chopin7777@aol.com) for questions or applications. 

Bob Brown is a former SHS teacher, creator of the Wall, and Chairman of Wall of Honor Committee.