Wall of Distinction: Bios for 2004
​
Robert Jones , Arts
Robert Edmund Jones was born in 1887 at the family farm, now known as the NH Farm Museum. He graduated from Nute in 1904 and Harvard University in 1910 with Cum Laude honors. Robert became world famous for his novel stage settings. Theater was all the rage in the early 1900’s. Robert Jones designed sets and produced over 60 plays. He authored “Dramatic Imagination” which is regarded as the definitive work on modern stage design. Mr. Jones was also instrumental in the development of color films. Robert Jones moved back to his home farm on Plummer’s Ridge in 1953. He died in 1954.
​
Leslie Chase, Business
Leslie O. Chase was a lifelong resident of this area, graduating from Nute, class of 1927. He attended UNH. Mr. Chase was very active in the community. He was supervisor at the Milton Leather Board Company for 40 years. He was a trustee for over 50 years for Nute High School and Library. He was active in Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts and an active supporter of Nute High School, the Teneriffe Sports Club and Boosters Club and an avid sports fan. Mr. Chase died in March of 1992.
​
Jesse Bruce Reynolds, Community Service
Jesse was born and raised in West Lebanon Maine, she was educated in local schools and graduated from Nute, as the valedictorian of the class of 1937. She was active in many community affairs on both sides of the NH/Maine border in the Lebanon Historical Society and the Milton Community Church. Jesse’s lifelong appreciation for hard work, family values and community involvement plus the many acts of goodwill and kindness have certainly earned Jess Bruce Reynolds a place on the Nute High School Wall of Distinction.
​
Dennis Provencher, Military Service
After Dennis graduated from Nute High School class of1951, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served in the US and around the world, in France, Germany, Japan, Okinawa, and Vietnam retiring as Staff Sargent in August 1971. He was awarded the Germany Occupation and National Defense Medals and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. From 1971 to his retirement in 1998 Dennis received many awards from his career in sales and insurance. He has been very involved in the Free Masons with many administrative responsibilities and was awarded the 33rd degree. Dennis received his Associate in Arts degree and wrote two children’s books. Other activities include the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Dennis is proud of the certificate he received from the Guinness Book of World Records for donating over 29 gallons of blood through the American Association of Blood Banks.
​
Bruce Gatchell, Arts & Education
Bruce graduated from Nute High School Class of 1961. After high school he worked his way through college from 1962 through 1968 working as an automotive mechanic and driving tractor trailer. He graduated from Keene State College in 1967 and was awarded a Ford Foundation Fellowship Teaching Assistant Grant at UNH. Bruce taught instrumental music grades 4-12 in Rochester for three years, he was the Director of Bands at Concord High School for 15 years, and Director of Music for 16 years in the Epping School system. In each position, Bruce lead the music programs into outstanding award winning status. Among his many achievements Bruce has frequently acted as guest conductor at All-States in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. He was a founder of the New Hampshire Jazz All-State Festival and has been a major force at Summer Youth Music School at UNH for more than 28 years.
​
Leo Lessard, Community Service
Leo graduated from Nute High School with the class of 1969. He attended UNH and received his Bachelors of General Studies Degree, concentrating on Public Administration and Communication. In 1974 Leo was elected to the first of four consecutive terms to the NH House of Representatives. At the age of thirty Leo was elected to the NH Senate, and was appointed Senate Minority Leader in 1983. Leo has served in many capacities in Town and County government. Leo was elected Strafford County Registrar of Deeds from 1991 to the present. In 1998 he was named NH Registrar of the Year. Leo serves on the Board of Directors of the Rochester/Rural District Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice. He is also President of the Nute High School and Library Trustees.
​
Gail Walsh Kushner, Education
Gail graduated from Nute High School with the Class of 1972. She earned her bachelor and master degrees from the University of Redlands, in 1977 & 1987 in Redlands California and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from UNH in 2000. Gail began her career in education as an elementary teacher and counselor in Yucaipa, California. She moved back to Milton with her family in 1989 and worked at Milton Elementary as Guidance Counselor. Gail continued her career at the Dover Schools as Middle & High School Counselor, Elementary Assistant Principal, Dover HS Interim Principal and Director of K-12 Curriculum. Presently Gail has NH Credentials for Superintendent of Schools, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Principal, Guidance Director, Guidance Counselor, and Elementary K-8
​
Leonard Bowley, Military Service
Len Bowley graduated with the class of 1977, joined the U. S. Army where he continues to serve. He trained as a helicopter mechanic and soon became a Crew Chief. Len graduated from flight school and served as an evacuation pilot with the 247th Medical Detachment. He was assigned to bases in New York, Japan and Alabama receiving his Master Pilot’s Wings, and attaining the rank of Major. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1988 from University of NY, Albany and a master’s degree in 1992 from Troy State University, Alabama. Len now works for the Assistant Surgeon General of the Army. His time is spent between the Pentagon, committee meetings in Congress, and his office in the Skyline Towers in Washington. D.C.
​
​
Kellie-Ann Pomeroy Chase, Community Service
Kellie-Ann graduated from Nute with the class of 1984 and attended Plymouth State College. She returned to the area in 1986 and became very active in Milton, Farmington, and Wakefield dedicating her time to children, community safety and coaching sports. She was the first and only female on the Milton Fire Department, a Red Cross Disaster Relief Worker, a volunteer at soup kitchens, middle and elementary teacher assistant, day care director and teacher, and coach for volleyball, basket ball, soft ball, Little League, and the Junior Olympic-AAU Basketball Coach -#1 in New England.
​
​
Honorary Recipient
Doris Fortier Chase, Public Service
Doris Chase wife of Leslie O. Chase resided in Milton from 1934 until her death in 1995. She was a graduate of Madison High School and Plymouth Normal School. Doris taught for 37 years in the Milton Schools and continued to be actively involved with the Milton Schools after her retirement. She was a member of Fraternal Lodge Order of the Eastern Star, the Community Church of Milton, the Milton Women’s Club, the Strafford County Retired Teachers Association and the NH Retired Teachers Association.