For Staples Tuition Grants, it was the perfect storm.
In March — just when volunteers with the 77-year-old organization were finalizing awards for the 100-plus graduating seniors and alums currently in college who depend on donors to make education a reality — the coronavirus struck.
More students needed more aid. And fewer Westporters were able to give.
But the community rose to the challenge. A special drive brought in desperately needed funds.
So this spring, STG disbursed more money than ever: $375,000.
That means 107 Staples grads — at 72 colleges and universities across the country — can continue their educations.
COVID also knocked out STG’s annual June ceremony, always a joyful, inspiring event.
But Staples grad and STG booster Margot Bruce did the next best thing: She created a joyful, inspiring video.
It includes brief messages from 1st Selectman Jim Marpe (who notes the importance of a tuition grant in his Ohio hometown, helping him become the first in his family to go college); Staples principal Stafford Thomas; former recipient Scott Bennewitz, the son of a single mom and now a Princeton grad, plus many current and recent recipients.
The video is well worth the 6 minutes. And when it’s over — or even before — you can click here to help Staples Tuition Grants reach its 2021 goal.
Greatly appreciative of Staples Tuition Grants. Thank you to everyone who contributes to STG and makes it possible!
Beautiful video, Margot! Congratulations to STG on such a successful year and best of luck to all the recipients!