Wayne Coats '70

Wayne Coats graduated from Wheeler High School in 1970. Wayne has resided in North Stonington his entire life and, as a child, worked on his family farm. Wayne proudly lives in the house he grew up in with his wife of 46 years, Linda. Together, Wayne and Linda raised two boys, Adam and Justin, who also graduated from Wheeler High School.

Throughout town, Wayne is known as a kind, patient, and caring man. He is often described as someone who would “give the shirt off his back” to help anyone in need. Wayne frequently helps elderly citizens by taking care of their property and works hard on behalf of the North Stonington Fair to maintain the fairgrounds each year. Wayne supports North Stonington Park and Recreation and helps prepare all of the recreation fields annually. He does all of this because he cares deeply about North Stonington and all of its citizens.

Wayne’s contributions to Wheeler began in high school as a star basketball player, and his photo is still proudly displayed. After graduation, Wayne went on to work at Electric Boat while remaining an active community member.

Wayne has volunteered with North Stonington Little League, Zoning, the Permanent School Planning and Building Committee, and the Juvenile Review Board. He also served as a longtime coach of the Wheeler Middle School basketball team and continues to attend many middle and high school basketball games in support of the Wheeler Lions.

Wayne’s biggest commitment to North Stonington Public Schools was during his time as the district groundskeeper. First as a volunteer, Wayne gave countless hours to create a beautiful campus for students. His work was later recognized by the Board of Education, which hired him as the full-time groundskeeper. Wayne could be found seven days a week maintaining and preparing the fields for athletic events, serving the school community with true care and passion.

Wayne Coats is very deserving of Wheeler High School’s Distinguished Alumni Award. He is an unsung hero and role model for the citizens of North Stonington and truly represents the Wheeler PRIDE that still exists today.