So much good is happening, even during this challenging time. Each month, Norwich Free Academy will recognize excellence on campus in three distinct areas: Students of the Month, Athletes of the Month and our new Top Cat recognition.

Students of the Month are selected from academic departments on campus. Athletes of the Month are selected by the Athletic Department. And, our new Top Cat program honors adults on campus who have been nominated by students.

The following are the school’s December honorees.

Students of the Month: Taisha Delannoy Diaz, Leanne Lopez, Zuleyka Yolanda De Leon Malave, Yebeshkalys Yatsri Cernas Marcucci, Alyssa Newson, Jasmine Phoumindr, Maria Perrino, and Garrett Testut.

Athletes of the Month: Angelina Garcia, Gabriella Musella, and Logan Swan, all in Unified Sports.

Top Cats: Jeff Brown, physical education and health teacher; Jessica Chapman, social studies teacher; Donna Henry, campus safety officer; and Laura McMahon, science teacher.

Turgeon named baseball coach

Anthony Turgeon has been named the new baseball coach at Norwich Free Academy.

“In the current environment of high school athletics, I have great confidence in Coach Turgeon and his ability to prepare our student athletes for any scenario,” said NFA Athletic Director Roy Wentworth. “His familiarity with our program and our student-athletes is essential in these times. His previous coaching experience, outstanding playing career and overall knowledge of the game make him the right person for our program.”

“My experience at NFA, my time developing programs for high school players in clinics and during off-season programs and my time as a collegiate athlete has prepared me for this tremendous opportunity,” said Turgeon, who succeeds Luke Gabordi. “I am fortunate to have been part of successful programs in my career, and leading NFA is a great honor.”

Turgeon, who teaches physical education and health at NFA, has served as the varsity assistant coach since 2014. He has also managed the Groton Wildcats in the Greater New Haven Fall League and been a private baseball clinic coach for players at all levels, including Division I athletes.

As a player, Turgeon was a four-year starter at Central Connecticut State University. He was a team captain and recognized as a scholar athlete, including being named to the Travelers All-Academic Team. He played two years for the Mystic Schooners in the New England Collegiate Baseball League and he also played in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League and the Arizona Colllegiate Wood Bat League.

He was an all-star in both leagues. Turgeon played at Fitch High School, earning all-state honors in his senior season.

Cook named swimming coach

Walker Cook has been named the new boys swimming coach at NFA.

“Walker was an integral part of the swimming program when he was a student here,” said NFA Athletic Director Roy Wentworth. “His leadership of the program now brings him full circle. I’m confident that Walker is ready to lead our team.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for me,” said Cook, who succeeds Cory Tubbs. “As we wait for further guidance for this upcoming season, I’m excited to work with our team and continue to build a successful swimming program at NFA.”

Cook, a 2014 NFA graduate, assisted Tubbs last season. Tubbs will continue to coach girls swimming.

A ninth grade history teacher at the Academy, Cook is also in the NFA record books. In 2013, he was part of the relay teams that set new school records in both the 200 and 400 freestyle relay. Those records still stand today.

Touring the Tower

If you’ve longed for a look inside the famed Slater Tower on the NFA campus, then look no further than our YouTube channel. Visit youtube.com/norwichfreeacademy and you’ll discover our “Touring the Tower” video, a three-minute climb to the top and look around this icon of Norwich.