The other day, John Dodig bought a lottery ticket. If he won, he thought to himself, his first act would be donating $20 million to Staples Tuition Grants.
Odds are, he won’t win. But I bet he’s thrilled at this news: The organization is naming an award in his honor.
Now it’s up to the Dodig’s many fans to get the scholarship as close to $20 million as we can.
John Dodig — a Superfan of Staples — has many fans throughout the community. (Photo/Susan Woog Wagner)
When the Staples High School principal announced he will retire in June, Lee Saveliff and Kate Andrews had the same reaction as many Westporters: great sadness.
But as former PTA presidents, now Tuition Grants donor co-chairs, they knew of Dodig’s great fondness for, and support of, the organization.
They asked if he’d be comfortable with a new award, named in his honor. The criteria: 1 boy and 1 girl each year, who are outstanding citizens, active in Staples activities and volunteerism, known to be caring, open-minded and willing to accept others.
Dodig was honored to be honored.
“There is no better investment than in education,” Dodig says.
“But not everyone — even in Westport — can afford it. Staples Tuition Grants does a fantastic job. Every June, at the awards ceremony, we hear from a speaker whose life was changed by a grant.
“Now, every year when this award is announced, it will be a way for people to remember that education is so important to me.”
Each year, Staples Tuition Grants helps dozens of Staples seniors and graduates attend college.
Saveliff and Andrews agree. “This grant will represent John for years to come. It reflects the kind of person he is, and the legacy he leaves behind. It’s one way to recognize him for his years of service, and thank him for all he has done for our Staples students, families, faculty and staff.”
Funding the John M. Dodig Award is harder than simply buying a lottery ticket. Fortunately, it’s easier than actually winning the lottery.
It takes donations. You have to click on the website, or mail a check to Staples Tuition Grants, PO Box 5159, Westport, CT 06881-5159.
But that’s all it takes — a minute or two, max.
So let’s do what we can to make the John M. Dodig Award the biggest of all 100-plus grants each year.
We may not be able to hit a Powerball-winning figure. But what about setting a goal for 2 full scholarships each year?
That’s very ambitious. Then again, John Dodig has always encouraged all of us to aim high, and reach our potential. This is the least we can do, to honor him.
(To contribute to the John M. Dodig Award, click here or mail a check to Staples Tuition Grants, Box 5159, Westport, CT 06881-5159.)