Dear Mr Simon:

The reunion 2000 committee represents the classes of 1949, ‘50 and ’51 plus other graduates of prior and post years. They were virtually unanimous in their desire to rename the stadium as outlined below. We would appreciate the opportunity to meet with your committee and have material to present in support of this choice.

The following excerpt is from the notice we sent to all alumnae when filing notice of the reunion held last October. This states our position and proposal which we wish your committee to consider.

“Renaming the Stadium & Gym has become a ‘Cause de faire.’

“We wish to petition the Newtown Board of Education to rename the ‘Bruce Jenner Stadium’; to ‘The Harold S. DeGroat Stadium’ and the gymnasium ‘The Miss Ann Anderson Gymnasium.’ This is to honor those persons who played a pivotal roll by introducing the physical education curriculum, health classes, sports programs, and the year-round recreation program for the students and youth of Newtown. Both Coach DeGroat and Miss Ann were ahead of their time in this regard. It is only fit and proper we do this.”

In our time PhysEd was an everyday event. Today, at best, it is twice a week. Currently there appears to be a nationwide effort by educators to place physical education in the realm of history. The Surgeon General of the United States has launched a program to increase the physical activity of all children to curtail the level of obesity in our adult population.

It is well established that physical conditioning and education are not only essential for the well being of our children, but contributes greatly to the mental alertness of the child both in and out of school.

We are hopeful you, current students, alumnae and townspeople will support our effort to bring this endeavor to a successful conclusion.

Sincerely yours,

Kenneth F. Pelletier

Chairman, Reunion 2000 Committee

Heritage Village, Southbury                                       February 17, 2001