In the storied history of Newtown High School sports there have been many standout athletes and coaches who have left their mark. Now, the cream of the crop will be honored in a newly-established Newtown High School Athletic Hall of Fame, recognizing an exceptional group of former student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and contributors whose accomplishments and dedication have left a lasting impact on NHS athletics.

A luncheon to celebrate 17 standouts will take place at The Stone Barn at Whitney Farms Golf Course, 175 Shelton Road in Monroe on Sunday, November 8 from 11 am to 2 pm. The event will serve as a fundraiser for the Newtown High Booster Club, Hawks Nation.

According to a mid-September press release from NHS Athletic Director Matt Memoli: "The inaugural class represents decades of excellence and celebrates individuals who have distinguished themselves through athletic achievement, leadership, character, coaching, and service to the Newtown High School athletic community."

Honorees were chosen by a Hall of Fame board based on performance, multiple sport contributions, and/or accolades such as All American honors, as well as sportsmanship, among other qualities. To qualify for the inaugural class, athletes had to be at least ten years removed from graduation. The board will solicit community input for future selections.

This inaugural class features athletes representing a wide variety of sports from the 1970s through 2014: Cassie Ekstrom (Class of 2014), Jake Feinstein (2013), Casey Frobey (2005), Andrew Gellert (1998), Randy Gunther (1981), Kasey Keating (1989), Steve Kordish (1979), Lynn Lattanzio (1992), Maureen McGovern (1993), Marcus Tracy (2005), John Wlasuk (2011), and Riley Wurtz (2012), along with Friend of the Program Lin Hertberg; Coaches Pete Kohut and Maura Fletcher; and Administrators Gregg Simon and Bill Manfredonia.

"We are incredibly proud to establish the Newtown High School Athletic Hall of Fame and to honor this outstanding inaugural class," Memoli said. "These individuals represent the very best of what Newtown athletics is about — excellence, commitment, leadership, sportsmanship, and a dedication to something bigger than themselves. Their contributions have helped shape the tradition and culture of Newtown High School athletics."

Tickets for the event are available through newtownhawks.com. Individual ticket costs: Adults $100, children (4-10) $75, under 3 free. Table of ten $1,000.

For sponsorship opportunities, e-mail nhshawksnation@gmail.com. Advertising rates for the event program are $125 for half page and $250 for full page, with larger sponsorships available for, as an example, a digital Hall of Fame board at NHS and signage both at the luncheon and at Blue & Gold Stadium. The Hall of Fame panel is also seeking a gift bag sponsor. Deadline for advertising and sponsorships is October 15.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.