Elizabeth Peltier Parsons, or Betty as those close to her knew her, was born in Norwich, CT in 1933. Betty graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1951. “Betty spoke fondly, and often, about her time at NFA.”, her husband Vinson shared. “When it came time to update our estate plan in 1992, we felt it appropriate to recognize NFA for the experience and education she received there.”

Unlike other schools with similar student populations, we are fortunate to not rely solely on the town budget to support learning. We are able to dream up activities and learning opportunities that will reach our students knowing that the NFA Foundation is available to help make our dreams realities.

Did you know that the Norwich Free Academy “Wildcat” mascot dates back nearly a century? The first known illustrated depiction of the Wildcat appeared in the 1928 edition of The Mirror, illustrated by alumnus John Edward Dynon ’28. The image gained popularity and has since become a lasting symbol of NFA’s identity.

The Cadden-Williams Prize Reading Competition is a tradition that is almost as old as Norwich Free Academy. It is a combination of several awards: Newton Perkins Speaking Prize, Williams Prize for Reading, and Cadden Reading Prize.

At some point, every student is asked: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" It’s a challenging question—whether you're 14 or 44. At NFA, we take a different approach. Instead of asking students to define their entire future in one answer, we ask: "What's Next For Me?"

There are some Norwich Free Academy alumni who went on to achieve greater fame and fortune after graduation than Raymond V. "Pop" Congdon, Jr., Class of 1937, but it would be hard to find any one of them who had a closer bond with NFA and loved it more ... except maybe his father, "Pop, Sr.," Class of 1904.