ConGRADulations, Class of 2023!

Before they even entered Staples High School, the Class of 2023 faced mold.

The end of their freshman year was obliterated by COVID; the effects lasted far longer.

Just last week, smoke from wildfires canceled all after-school activities.

If any class deserved a beautiful graduation day, it was this one.

They got it.

The sun shone. The temperature was a perfect 75. Not a smoke particle or coronavirus atom marred the air.

The 430 members of one of the most flexible, adaptable classes in the school’s 139-year history received their diplomas the old-fashioned way: They earned them.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

During the early months of COVID, Stafford Thomas Jr.’s son, Stafford III, starred in the almost-daily videos the principal posted to inform the school community about the pandemic.

(“We’re hoping to be back in a few days,” he said in an early one. Westport missed that target by 6 months.)

So it was only fitting that a tape of Thomas’ “greatest hits” — those videos — entertained the full stadium before the processional.

Then Stafford III helped his dad carry the ceremonial mace.

Principal Stafford Thomas Jr. and his son Stafford III carry the ceremonial mace. Directly behind are Class of 2023 assistant principal Jim Farnen, and superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

Valedictorian Lucia Wang called her 430 classmates “adaptive, capable and creative.” Salutatorian Rebecca Schussheim noted they were “mold-less and mask-less,” and launched into a metaphor fitting her passion: astrophysics.

Thomas gave a special shout-out to 4 graduates who are heading to the military.

Then it was on to the main event: the awarding of diplomas.

Today the Class of 2023 is part of history.

That’s very fitting. After all, they helped make it.

The Staples custodial staff never stops working. An hour before the ceremony, they put a bottle of water under every graduate’s seat.

One of over 400 happy families.

Unlike in the fieldhouse, there was no jostling for seats — or better views.

Teachers applaud, as the Class of 2023 marches in …

… and here is the processional.

Lilly Weisz was a proud member of Inklings. She held up the final copy of the year.

The Choralairs sang the national anthem, and performed a stunning rendition of “The Road Home.”

Jet Tober — and every other graduate — posed in front of the graduation arch.

The view from the back.

Signs from departments, teams and clubs congratulated the graduating seniors.

(All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)