
Members of the Webutuck Class of 2022 applauded salutatorian Justin Carman’s speech as read aloud by fellow graduate Kennedy Doran.
Photo by Kaitlin Lyle
WEBUTUCK — Before embarking on the next stage of their journey, the Webutuck Class of 2022 was inspired to think about how to effectively bring change into the world and thank those who made their achievements possible at their graduation ceremony on Friday, June 24.
Wearing their green and white gowns, the graduates came marching onto the soccer field behind Webutuck High School (WHS) for the ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance and a performance of “The Stars-Spangled Banner” by graduate Kaitlyn Rowe, Superintendent of Schools Raymond Castellani welcomed everyone to the ceremony.
Offering tips for how they can be effective “change-makers,” Castellani said this year’s class was not only graduating from high school but was also graduating to become “ambassadors of change to make this world a better place.”
As they embarked into a world that’s grown more complex, challenging and demanding, he encouraged the graduates to ask themselves if they are ready for the daunting task, adding he had no doubts they’d find the answer.
Delivering her final graduation speech as principal of WHS, Katy McEnroe marveled at the graduates’ strength. She encouraged them to “go and show the world your strengths and tenacity to conquer.”
Webutuck Class of 2022 President and valedictorian Carrissa Whitehead announced her the gift her class was giving that year was to help the Webutuck Class of 2023 by donating the remainder of its account into the succeeding class’s account.
Delivering the ceremony’s commencement address, WHS teacher Thomas Monteverde said, “Today is the commemoration of your efforts and the efforts of those who love you.”
After introducing this year’s salutatorian Justin Carman, McEnroe announced that Carman had asked for his speech to be read by fellow graduate Kennedy Doran.
Through Doran, Carman spoke of gratitude to staff, students, administrators and community for their support and encouragement, and praised his class for being proactive, resilient and academically gifted.
Returning to the podium for her valedictorian speech, Whitehead gave her heartfelt thanks to all at Webutuck for their encouragement.
“No matter how long they’ve known us, they have been there for us since the beginning,” she said of its staff.
As well as thanking her family and her classmates’ families for their love and support, Whitehead said her fellow graduates should thank themselves and remember that no matter what they endure, one thing remains: “We are and will always be the Webutuck Class of 2022.”
Once everyone had received their diploma, Whitehead invited the graduates to rise and shift their tassels to the left side of their caps, signifying their status as Webutuck graduates.
KENT — Frederick Wright Hosterman passed away peacefully in his home in Kent on April 16, 2025. Born in 1929 in Auburn, Nebraska, he was the son of farmers. He attended a one-room schoolhouse just outside of Brownville, Nebraska, adjacent to his family’s farm. The little brick schoolhouse is still standing! After graduating from high school, Fred attended the University of Nebraska (Lincoln), eventually earning a master’s degree in agronomy. He took a job with Monsanto in Buffalo, New York, where the company was a pioneer in applying biotechnology to agricultural sciences. In Buffalo, Fred met his future wife, Dorothy. Fred and Dorothy moved to New York City for several years in the early 1960s, before settling down in Norwalk. In Norwalk, Fred and Dorothy had three children. The family later moved to Kent. In 1980, Fred and Dorothy divorced, and Fred bought a large tract of land on Carter Road in Kent. He built a house there, largely by himself, which he maintained until his death at age 95. After taking early retirement, he spent the following decades working on his property, adding various buildings, woodcrafting, landscaping, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Fred had a jovial and close relationship with many of his neighbors, who he saw daily, all willing to share a cup of coffee or receive various bits of wisdom from Fred on any number of projects.
Fred was predeceased by his parents; Helen and Arch Hosterman, step-mother Cassie Hosterman, sisters Ruth and Esther Marie, brother Richard, and former wife Dorothy. He is survived by his three children and their spouses; John and his husband Eric of Northfield, Minnesota, Tracy and her partner, Sam, of Amenia, New York, and Catherine and her husband, Josh, of Cornwall. He is also survived by his five grandchildren; Nicky, Dan, Ian, Zachary, and Eliza, and several nieces and nephews.
Fred loved to flirt with the ladies, even in his 90s, doing a little “dance” for almost anyone he met. Another of Fred’s favorite hobbies was chopping down trees on his land. Initially, this started out as a necessity for fueling his wood stoves. Later, tree-clearing projects were aimed at enhancing the magnificent view from his house high atop Carter Road. Even at age 95, Fred was frequently on his excavator moving boulders or building a retaining wall, as he was strong, healthy and witty until his final weeks.
CANAAN — Nancy (Case) Brenner, 81, of Canaan, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington, following a long illness on Good Friday, April 18, 2025.
Nancy was born on April 10, 1944, to the late Ray Sargeant Case Sr. and Beatrice Southey Case. She was the second youngest of five children, predeceased by her three brothers, Ray S. Case Jr., David E. Case and Douglas C. Case, and her sister Linda (Case) Olson. She grew up in New Hartford and Winsted, where she graduated from Northwestern Regional 7 High School.
Nancy is predeceased by her husband and the love of her life, Thomas E. Brenner. Often nicknamed “the love birds,” they were true soulmates and shared many wonderful years together filled with love, laughter, travel and family. Nancy is also survived by 11 nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly — Lori, Richard, Kathleen, Kevin, Debbie, Karen, Carrie, Jennifer, Tom, Scott and Kimberlee. She was a special aunt leaving behind so many happy and joyful memories. She never missed attending her nieces’ and nephews’ special events.
Nancy worked for over 20 years at Raynard and Pierce in Canaan. There she made many friendships and brightened the day of everyone who went through the door greeted by her smile and jovial spirit. Nancy was a loving wife, daughter, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who’s lives she touched.
A graveside service will be held at Collinsville Cemetery on Huckleberry Hill Road in Canton on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 11 a.m. followed by a reception at 5 Cherry Brook Road, Canton. Memorial donations may be made in Nancy’s name to the Berkshire Humane Society, 214 Barker Road, Pittsfield, MA 012011, where Nancy adopted her loving cat and faithful companion, Dusty.
SHEFFIELD — Adam Rand, 59, of Sheffield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully in his home on April 22, 2025, after a long battle with ALS.
Adam was born on April 6, 1966, to Lee and Charles Rand II of Boston, Massachusetts. Adam spent his early childhood in Nantucket, where his love of fishing and water was born before moving to Sharon. It was here where he made many lifelong friends and later graduated from Housatonic Valley Regional High School in 1984. He attended Hiram College in Ohio before settling in Connecticut.
Adam was a master of all trades, a seasoned contractor and practiced carpenter. He was always eager to learn and became a skilled woodworker in his later years of life. His work ethic was undeniable. Adam was passionate about his family, his work and anything with an engine.
Adam leaves behind his loving wife, Annie Rand, his children, Samantha Rand (Nantucket) and Jack Rand (Canaan), his brother and sister in-law, Greg and Cindy Rand (Nantucket), and their children, Olivia, Maxwell and Samuel Rand (Boston), as well as the mother of his children and former wife, Nancy Rand (Collinsville)
Services will be held for immediate family only. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Compassionate Care ALS, PO Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574. Or Online at ccals.org