During Reunion weekend, the Pomfret School Alumni Association and Pomfret Advancement Office recognized individuals whose accomplishments and service exemplify the enduring impact of a Pomfret education. Through leadership in education, medicine, volunteerism, athletics, and school service, each honoree has strengthened both their communities and the School they continue to support.

The William Beach Olmsted Distinguished Service Award was presented to Jim Rees P ’98, ’01, whose thirty-four years on the Pomfret faculty touched nearly every aspect of school life. During his tenure, Rees served as a French teacher, dorm parent, coach, World Languages Department chair, and form dean for the Classes of 1988, 1992, and 1997. His legacy lives on at Pomfret in the James M. Rees Baseball Award, the Jim Rees Dugout, and the James Rees French Award.

For outstanding service to society and excellence in her endeavors, the Alumni Association recognized Dr. Caroline E. Murphy ’06 with the Achievement Medal. She is a US Army cardiologist and assistant professor of medicine at the Uniformed Services University. In addition to her medical and academic roles, Murphy has remained deeply involved in the athletic community, serving as a coach and referee for USA Hockey for fifteen years. She was previously inducted into the Pomfret School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023.

The Pomfret Advancement Office awarded the S. Prescott B. Clement Cup to Deacon Webster ’91 for his exceptional work as a class agent. He has helped his class top the Day of Giving leaderboard for the past two years, raising more than $120,000 for the School. Additionally, Deacon is currently in his first term on the Board of Trustees and served on the Alumni Association Executive Council from 2021 to 2025. 

Executive Director of The Wily Network Kenn Elmore ’81 received the Alumni Award for his achievements in education and ongoing interest, loyalty, and commitment to the School. Elmore has worked in education for nearly forty years, previously serving as the president of Dean College and associate provost and dean of students at Boston University. He has been guided by the belief that institutions thrive when they are both rigorous and humane —  challenging people to grow while providing support for that growth. Due to a prior commitment, Elmore was not able to attend Reunion.

Last November, John Griswold ’63 was inducted into the Alumni Association Athletic Hall of Fame. Griswold captained the varsity soccer team to the School’s only undefeated season and excelled in hockey and baseball, earning the batting title with a .415 average. At Yale, he set the single-game scoring record with five goals and earning All-Ivy and All-New England First Team honors. He also contributed as a football placekicker and played hockey and rugby. Griswold attended Reunion and participated in the Alumni Award Winner Panel Discussion. 

Whether through decades of dedication to Pomfret, transformative work in education, service to the nation, or volunteer leadership on behalf of the School, this year's honorees embody the spirit of engagement and generosity that defines the Pomfret community.
 

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