Hall inducts new class

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Jen Rimkus speaks during the Naugatuck Hall of Fame’s induction ceremony Oct. 18 at the Continental Room. Rimkus, Gayle Raczkowski Marenghi, Heather Holland Bearz, James Fenton, Ken Pruchnicki and Wendle Stiber were inducted at the ceremony. –KEN MORSE
Jen Rimkus speaks during the Naugatuck Hall of Fame’s induction ceremony Oct. 18 at the Continental Room. Rimkus, Gayle Raczkowski Marenghi, Heather Holland Bearz, James Fenton, Ken Pruchnicki and Wendle Stiber were inducted at the ceremony. –KEN MORSE

NAUGATUCK — So many years ago they stood in the spotlight and were showered by the cheers of adorning fans. On Saturday at the Continental Room the stars came out again to honor what Mayor Robert Mezzo called the most historic class of inductees that the Naugatuck Hall of Fame has ever seen.

The 43rd class marked a historic moment as three female athletes were inducted in the same class for the first time.

Jen Rimkus, Gayle Raczkowski Marenghi and Heather Holland Bearz joined James Fenton, Ken Pruchnicki and Wendle Stiber as this year’s inductees in front of the largest crowd in quite some time as over 400 welcomed the newest members into the prestigious Hall of Fame.

Rimkus stated it so poetically calling Naugatuck her warm blanket in a style that exemplified her heart-felt passion for the games she played.

Marenghi struck a chord that was shared by every athlete that has ever stepped to the dais to accept this honor. She talked not about the championships won or the glory, but the lifelong friendships that were made in the process.

There were many thanks to go around during the acceptance speeches.

Marenghi talked to the crowd about her father, George, and how he would often take vacation time from his job to make sure he never missed one of her games.

Rimkus credited the encouragement she received from the coaches, family and friends as the sole reason for her success in life.

“To all the people in the town of Naugatuck who have touched my life,” Rimkus said. “I do remember each and every one of you and you have made me who I am today.”

Aside from the induction, the Hall of Fame also recognized the 2014 Dustin Diver Memorial Scholarship winners. Master of Ceremonies Ron Pugliese announced that NHS Class of 2014 members John Dean and Gillian Fortier won the scholarship.