A little rain did not deter a diverse crowd of Staples students from massing in front of Town Hall this afternoon.
The Stapleites — from all 4 grades, and groups ranging from Players to athletes to math team members — hoped to draw attention to what they call devastating effects of budget cuts on all aspects of Westport education.
Speakers included Jahari Dodd, an ABC House scholar who found a home at Staples 3,000 miles from his house in California; JJ Mathewson, a freshman organizer of the rally who left private school to attend Staples; Eric Wessan, a member of the school’s Young Republicans group, and a 7th grader looking ahead.
The group chanted “1.4 no more!” (in reference to the sum already cut from the education budget), sang “525,600 Minutes” (the “Rent” tune that asks “How do you measure a year?”) — and hoped their advocacy on behalf of their own schooling was heard by the people controlling the purse strings.
A diverse crowd gathers in front of Town Hall.
Junior Jahari Dodd rallies the crowd
Freshman JJ Mathewson talks with Rob Sullivan of the Minuteman.
A News12 reporter readies her stand-up report.
Board of Ed member Jim Marpe, Staples principal John Dodig and Westport schools superintendent Elliott Landon observe the student rally.