Sen. Cathy Osten receives Native Daughter award for leadership, service
State Sen. Cathy Osten was honored as the 2025 Native Daughter during the 56th Annual Native Son/Daughter Award Ceremony on June 11, according to a community announcement.
The event, hosted by the Rotary Club of Norwich, the Norwich Sunrise Rotary Club and the Woman's City Club of Norwich, took place at the Holiday Inn in Norwich.
Over 125 guests, including community leaders, state officials and friends, gathered to celebrate Osten's achievements, according to the announcement.
Osten, a Norwich Free Academy graduate, has a long history of public service. She served four years of active duty in the U.S. Army, including a post as a Mandarin translator, and spent 21 years with the Connecticut Department of Corrections, where she rose to the rank of lieutenant.
In the State Senate, Osten has led efforts to raise the minimum wage, support survivors of abuse and expand public health and safety protections, according to the announcement.
'We are thrilled to honor Senator Osten,' said Susy Hurlbert, co-emcee and Rotary Club of Norwich member. 'She embodies everything this award represents — commitment, integrity, and a deep-rooted love for community.'
The ceremony included remarks from several distinguished guests, including Dr. Nathan Quesnel, head of school at Norwich Free Academy; Angela Adams, executive director of the Greater Norwich Chamber of Commerce; Mayor Peter Nystrom; State Rep. Derell Wilson; Chris LaRose, president of the Norwich Sunrise Rotary Club; and Lynda Smith of the Woman's City Club of Norwich, who nominated Osten for the award.
'Few people better represent the spirit of Norwich than Cathy Osten,' said Mike Cooney, co-emcee of the event. 'She's not just a dedicated public servant — she's a proud mother, grandmother, and now great-grandmother whose heart and leadership have inspired so many.'
The Native Son/Daughter Award, established in 1968, honors Norwich-born individuals who have achieved distinction beyond the local area. Past honorees have included authors, judges, musicians, educators and public servants.
For more information, visit https://www.norwichrotaryevents.org and https://www.facebook.com/norwichctrotary.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Sen. Cathy Osten named 2025 Native Daughter at Norwich award event
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