As graduation approaches each year, many Staples seniors think back on their 4 years in high school. They thank the teachers who got them where they are.
Some recall their middle school instructors. A few might even remember those from elementary school.
But they seldom thank them. They just don’t have the chance.
This year, Staples High School provided that opportunity. A first-ever “Senior Walk” in early June offered 200 of the 426 soon-to-be graduates a nostalgic walk through Coleytown, Greens Farms, Kings Highway, Long Lots and Saugatuck Elementary Schools.
Wearing caps and gowns — and accompanied by a playlist of 2017 tunes — they were cheered and high-fived by former teachers and current youngsters.
Staples High School seniors Emma Booth, Brynn Fleisig, Harrison Putman, Mabel Propper, Katherine Frank, Hailey Johnson and Elise Eisenberger visit Greens Farms Elementary School for Westport’s first-ever Senior Walk.
It was gratifying for the educators, inspiring for the current elementary kids, and a literal trip down memory lane for the seniors.
The event will become an annual — and much looked forward to — tradition.
“Bringing the seniors back to their elementary school is a powerful reminder of the community’s impact on their educational journey,” says Staples principal Stafford Thomas.
“It’s a full-circle moment that highlights their achievements, and inspires the next generation to dream big.”
Avery Mueller (left) and Oliver Howard return triumphantly to Coleytown Elementary School.
But one set of graduates went even further. More than half of Talia Varsano’s former Long Lots kindergarten class gathered together, to salute their teacher Roseann Caruso.
The idea originated with Terri Dusch, whose daughter Anna was in the class. Though they’ve moved away she contacted Talia’s mother Karen, who collected contact info and helped make it happen.
The event — at the home of classmate Kai Seo — was rewarding for all. Caruso presented her “old” students with time capsules they’d made 12 years earlier. They compared long-ago hand prints with their much bigger ones now, and read notes they and their parents had written.
Roseann Caruso’s Long Lots kindergarten class in 2012 …
A dozen years ago, neither Caruso nor the students knew that the future Class of 2024 valedictorian was among them. With her friends, Leigh Foran was learning her ABCs — and how to be kind — in that Long Lots kindergarten room.
Over the years, that class — and so many others — have taken different paths. Some are athletes. Others are musicians and actors.
… and 2024.
Talia became an Inklings editor. Now she’s an “06880” intern.
She taped some of the fun at the Caruso reunion. Her video (below) is an important reminder of the difference one teacher can make in many lives.
And — as we all move forward — the importance of remembering our past.
(“06880” is proud to chronicle the journeys of many Westport young people. And older ones too, of course. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
I wonder what percentage of kids, who graduate from Staples, actually attend Westport schools from kindergarten through 12th grade? My guess is it becomes less and less as each decade passes.
Well, as shown in the story, more than half of Ms. Caruso’s kindergarten class made it all the way through.
Dan, I bet the class of 1936 had close to 100% go through all grades. If you were born in 1918, and started school in Westport, I’m guessing you graduated from Staples in 1936. You might have even been born in Westport too.
Actually, Jack, a Depression-era class like that may have had a significant number of students drop out before graduation, to enter the workforce to help their families during very tough times.
They did have junior high school diplomas back then. If you remember, I donated my aunt’s 1932 Bedford Junior High Diploma to what I thought was a Westport owned historical museum and when I found out it was privately owned, I asked that it be returned and got it back. By the way, I chose the 1936 Staples yearbook as an example because my father graduated in that class and I have that yearbook too.
Nice gesture but I am not sure many of my elementary or junior high school teachers would want to see me again?
Terrific idea!
As the son of a 17-year veteran teacher at Saugatuck Elementary School, this would have touched her to the quick. She used to walk down Main Street and be the pied piper, as her past students would approach and hug her. Having seniors visit the “beginning” of their journey serves all parties, as long as the seniors don’t try to use the water fountains…That’s a true elementary school reality moment. This should become part of the graduation fabric of future classes. Teachers and students alike benefit from the reminder of their history. It’s rich and meaningful.
We LOVE Mrs. Caruso!!
Our daughter was so lucky to have Mrs Caruso as her teacher, so wonderful after this journey through Westports schools to say a special thank you. Reading the time capsule was magical, thank you again Mrs Caruso for the start you gave and continue to give to so many students.
What a great idea and a touching tribute to a wonderful teacher! The photo of the graduates as Kindergarteners is adorable. (I picked out Talia straight away in the front row. What a cutie!) Remembrances such as this one drive home the fact that Westport schools are warm, welcoming places that allow children to thrive. Kudos to Mrs. Caruso for being an above and beyond teacher and congrats to the graduates!