Norwich Native Son Award Presentation honoring Jeffrey Rose

The Norwich Native Son-Daughter Award was created in 1968, originally as part of the Norwich Rose Arts Festival.

The Native Son/Daughter Award is presented annually by the Norwich Noontime Rotary Club, the Norwich Sunrise Rotary Club, and the Norwich Woman’s City Club. It recognizes outstanding achievements by Norwich, Connecticut natives who reached those achievements while living outside the Norwich area.

The Norwich Rotary Clubs and the Norwich Woman’s City Club are proud to announce the 2026 Norwich Native Son is Educator and Coach Jeffrey Rose.

Jeffrey was born and raised in Norwich.

While attending NFA, Jeff epitomized what it means to be a student-athlete. Academically, Jeff’s accomplishments were outstanding while enrolling in the most demanding courses offered at NFA. Athletically, Jeff was a versatile athlete who received many accolades for his excellence. His leadership qualities were rewarded by being selected by his peers to be Captain of the varsity basketball and baseball teams. His achievements on the field and court were recognized as he was selected All Conference in basketball and baseball his junior and senior years. He also was honored to be being selected All State baseball.

Upon graduation, Jeff enrolled in Yale University where he continued his pursuit of excellence in the classroom and on the field. He earned varsity letters in baseball two seasons; was a four-year starting quarterback on the championship intramural tackle football team. He was a four-year starter at point guard on the three-time intramural basketball team.

As a Florida resident since 1994, Jeff left his successful career as a health care administrator in 2002 to become a teacher, coach and athletic director at the Palmer Trinity School in Miami-Dade County. In addition, he spent four years as the assistant athletic director at Miami Northwestern High School. Such a change in careers was natural for Jeff. He was now able to impart the values of teamwork, character building and community to countless student athletes. Jeff points to the support from his family and the influence of his coaches while growing up in Norwich with providing him with the foundation to be a positive role model for his students.

In addition to his work as a teacher, Mr. Rose has worked as a volunteer coach and official for youth basketball and baseball.

Mr. Rose coached the Boys Golf Coach at the Palmer-Trinity School from 2013-2020, and again from 2024 to the present. In 2014, he led the team to their first ever Florida District 24-1A state championship.

Mr. Rose was nominated by Roberta Vincent and John Iovino.