Westbrook High School

Sidney J. Holbrook has spent the last four decades building an extensive resume of public service and dedication to environmental stewardship.  Some highlights of his career include 12 years serving in the Connecticut House of Representatives, 5 years as Governor John Rowland’s Chief of Staff, and serving as the Executive Director of the Greater New Haven Water Pollution Control Authority.  In addition to his extensive commitment to public service, Mr. Holbrook has enjoyed success in many business ventures, such as owning and operating Monoflo Septic Tank Company in Westbrook, and has partnered in the founding of Infiltrator Systems, Advanced Precast Concrete and Brainard Bulldozing.

A lifelong resident of Westbrook, Tony Palermo has held many positions of service in our town.  Tony joined the Westbrook Fire Department and Westbrook Ambulance in 1973, serving as Fire Chief from 1986 to 1990.  He held the position of Westbrook Constable and Marine Patrol Officer from 1975 to 2001, also serving 4 years as the Westbrook Harbor Master.  Tony was elected to the Board of Selectmen in 1991, remaining in office until 2007.  During his tenure, he was elected First Selectman from 2001 to 2005.

Steve Hallahan has created a reputation for masterful construction, design, and craftsmanship.  Over the course of his career, he has supervised the building and renovating of both private residence and commercial properties, thereby establishing a great demand for his talents and enriching the architectural culture of the region.

Trooper First Class James Connelly has been awarded numerous outstanding service awards throughout his career, including the CT State Police Lifesaving Award in 1999, and three consecutive CT Police Service awards in 2003, 2004, and 2005.  His familiar presence and tireless support of the Haddam Killingworth School District over the past several years has recently earned him the Distinguished Friend of Education Award, given to an individual outside the field of education who has made strong contributions to public education.

Jim Schreck began working at the original Lenny and Joe’s Fish Tale restaurant when he was just 16 years old.  Jim, along with his brother, Joe, worked his way up to manager of the Madison location.  Eventually the brothers purchased the Madison part of the business, of which Jim later became the sole owner.  Jim has built the restaurant into an internationally known destination and one of the most successful seafood restaurants in the state.  In addition, he has fostered a strong tradition of participation in and service to the community by providing tours and tastings to preschool and elementary students, employing many high school and college students, and supporting a wide variety of charities via the proceeds from the carousel.

Brian O'Connor pursued a degree in Business Administration and Marketing at the University of Colorado after graduating third in his class from WHS.  His interests in history and current events led him into the field of politics, where he was elected to five terms as State Representative for the 35th District of Connecticut.  He has served Westbrook well, securing state funds for various programs and infrastructure projects in town.

A former valedictorian of Westbrook High School, Richard Blomquist has achieved fame in his profession as a writer.  He has received five Emmy Awards for "Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Series" for his work on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.  His nonfiction book, "America:  A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction" spent 18 weeks at number 1 on the New York Times Best Seller List in 2004.