Appreciating Dan Winsett

To the Editor:

Dan Winsett is a dedicated physical education teacher at Newtown High School. Most would agree that Mr Winsett is an irreplaceable asset to the NHS staff. This longtime NHS teacher brings an astounding spirit and energy to the school. It is hard to remember a time when Mr Winsett has not been smiling, joking, or looking to help out a student. His sense of humor and kind spirit can make any student eager to be in his presence. As a gym teacher, he is extremely well known but many do not know that he is also the athletic advisor for the Varsity Cheerleading team at the high school. As captains of the team and four-year participants, we could not have imagined these years without Mr Winsett. He has always been there to support us and to push the team to the best of our ability. Mr Winsett regularly attends our practices to check our progress and leaves us with words of encouragement.

One of the cheerleading team’s biggest events was attending the National Competitions in Orlando, Fla., in the winter of 2005. We just recently went back for our second time this February. Many were skeptical of our success in this competition but Mr Winsett and his faith in the team was a huge factor in our chances to actually attend. As if the team wasn’t grateful enough, Mr Winsett also joined us on the trip each year. Having him with us really inspired the team to do our best. To top it off, he always goes out of his way to take the girls to dinner…all 25 of us! I know he will never forget that.

For the seniors, our NHS cheerleading career is coming to an end. I do not think any of us will forget Dan Winsett and all he has done for our team. Mr Winsett is a humble man and it is clear that he loves his job. On behalf of the Newtown Cheerleaders, we want him to know our immense appreciation for supporting the team and looking out for our best interests.

Sincerely,

Kate Levasseur and Noreen Barrett &

The Newtown Varsity Cheerleaders

12 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook                                                                                         February 21, 2006