Dr. William Petit Honors Late Wife and Longtime Cheshire Academy Employee Jennifer Hawke-Petit

Dr. William "Bill" A. Petit Jr. recognizes the positive impact Cheshire Academy has on learners. This perspective has prompted Petit to designate a portion of his will to the school to honor his late wife, Jennifer Hawke-Petit, former nurse and co-director of the Richmond Health Center.

Bill and Jennifer's daughter Hayley enrolled at Cheshire Academy in 1994 as a kindergartner and quickly developed a passion for reading and the arts. In 2007, Petit lost his wife and two daughters but has remained heavily involved in the school because of the education Hayley received and relationships Jennifer built throughout her time at the Academy. Since their passing, Dr. Petit himself has developed meaningful relationships with those who work with him to honor Jennifer and their daughters' legacy.

"Cheshire Academy is a wonderful, caring, and kind community that welcomes all students," Petit said. "The faculty and staff work to build upon the strengths of every student and help to improve their weaknesses."

Working with his attorney, Petit found the process of setting up the bequest simple. He hopes his gift will offer more students the opportunity to benefit from all that a Cheshire Academy education has to offer.

An endocrinologist by trade, Petit is currently serving his third term as state representative for Connecticut's 22nd district. A resident of Plainville, he is a volunteer for many local civic and nonprofit organizations and recently joined the Academy's Board of Trustees.

To learn more about the ways you can include Cheshire Academy in your estate plan, contact us.