Forty seniors were honored yesterday, at Staples High School’s 25th annual Scholar-Athlete dinner.
The coach of each varsity sport nominates one person, who also excels in the classroom. In a unique format at the ceremony, each answers one question about his or academic, athletic or extracurricular life. Individually, each is special. Taken together, they paint a robust picture of several dozen remarkable teenagers.
The scholar-athletes for the fall season are: Sofia Gomez (cheer), Harrison Sydor (boys cross country), Sarah Bogdan (girls cross country), Catherine Cirasuolo (field hockey), Justin Halky (football), Gus Palmer (boys golf), Gabe Hellmann (boy soccer), Isabelle Wasserman (girls soccer), Isabella Wasserman (girls swim & dive), Naalie Sipsma (girls volleyball), Brady Nahmias (boys water polo).
The winter scholar-athletes are: Oliver Vynerib (boys basketball), Emma Asiel (girls basketball), Katelynn Mitchell (cheer), Nathaniel Armstrong (fencing), Mia Cochran (gymnastics), Uzi Greenman (boys ice hockey), Jade Reejhsinghani (girls ice hockey), Rahan Sekhar (boys indoor track & field), Taylor Black (girls indoor track & Field), Chase Cammeyer (boys skiing), Alexis Robinson (girls skiing), Aiden Hill (boys squash), Olivia Cohn (girls squash), Nolan Franics (boys swim & dive). Kai Schwartz (wrestling).
Spring scholar-athletes are: Connor Brill (baseball), Riley Sklar (girls golf), Aidan Lapatine (boys lacrosse), Sadie Lowe (girls lacrosse), Gray McGuinness (boys outdoor track & field), Lila Boroujerdi (girls outdoor track & field), Michael Wang (boys rugby), Mia Chatterjee (girls rugby), Zach Gillman (sailing), Olivia Schwartz (softball), Robert Jacob (boys tennis), Devyn Peffer (girls tennis), Gabriel Schorer (boys volleyball), Olivia Kuliga (girls water polo).
Also honored were Oliver Samuel (Thomas DeHuff Award), Taylor Block (Jinny Parker Award) and Dylan Lehrer (Junior Leadership Award).
Taylor Block also earned the $10,000 Laddie Lawrence Scholarship, while Gabe Duque received the $10,000 Coleman Brothers and $2,000 Loeffler Scholarships.
Athletic director VJ Sarullo cited Bill Mitchell, the longtime Westporter and co-owner of Mitchells Stores, for his role in inaugurating the Scholar-Athlete dinner 25 years ago.
Bill Mitchell (left), who helped create Staples’ Scholar-Athlete dinner 25 years ago, is honored by athletic director VJ Sarullo. (Photo/Dan Woog)
=================================================
The Staples baseball team are winners — in many ways.
On Saturday they thrashed Norwalk 13-2, in the state tournament quarterfinal. They’ll face Fairfield Ludlowe tomorrow (Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., Municipal Field, Waterbury) in the “LL” (extra large schools) semifinal.
Yesterday — less than 24 hours after their big win, and just a few hours after the senior prom — the entire Wrecker squad headed to Meyer Field.
They buddied up with the Westport Winners — the Little League program for youngsters with disabilities. They enjoyed baseball, a barbecue — and a chance to hang out with some of their youngest, and most rabid, fans.
Play ball! Staples Wreckers, and Staples Winners. (Photo/Beth Cody)
==================================================
With primary elections near, and the general election just a few months away, the Westport League of Women Voters offers a program on our town’s electoral process.
On June 10 (2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Senior Center), registrars of voters Deborah Greenberg and Marie Signore provide the inside story on how they prepare for and run the process; results of the last election, including an election audit and recount results; how early voting is working, and the August primaries and fall elections.
Attendees can also learn what’s required to set up the polls, the training needed — and how to volunteer.
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
================================================
Over 250 customers in the Juniper Road area lost power last night around 9:30 p.m., due to downed tree limbs.
Power was restored in the early morning hours. (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)
==================================================
Francoise Jaffe writes: “Westport has found its way into Ann Patchett’s new and (most probably future bestselling) novel ‘Whistler.’
“At one point, 2 of the characters go on a sailing jaunt out of Darien. The following dialogue ensues:
“‘Where did you go?’ Polly asked.
“‘Westport!’ Eddie said. ‘A pretty town to see from the sea.’
“‘Made all the better for not needing to find a parking space,’ Skip said.
“Polly agreed. ‘There is no parking in Westport.'”
“Ann Patchett hails from Nashville these days. But obviously, our town’s limitations have made quite the impression.
“I wonder if our town leaders will be moved enough now to proceed with a plan?”
Ann Patchett knows Westport.
==================================================
Westport Pride invites the Westport community — LGBTQ, allies and friends — to its annual Pride celebration this Sunday (June 14, 12 noon, Jesup Green).
The family-friendly event includes live music, food trucks, local artisan vendors and information booths. Let your colors shine!
Rainbow colors are encouraged, but not required. (Photo/Dan Woog)
==================================================
Hot on the heels of the Staples Pops concert, the Levitt Pavilion offered a special ’80s show Saturday, with Rubix Kube.
The large crowd walked on sunshine — even when a sudden rain came through.
June features 13 free shows — part of the entire season’s 50+ freebies.
There are paid ticket shows too. And the word on that street is the very special guests will join Lucius on June 20. Click here for the full schedule, details, and ticket information.
A sampling of June acts at the Levitt Pavilion.
==================================================
The Museum of Contemporary Art\Connecticut closed out its “Art, Jazz + The Blues” exhibit Saturday night, in appropriate fashion.
A packed house enjoyed a jubilant performance by Grammy Award-winning bassist and bandleader Endea Owens + The Cookout.
Owens — famous for his “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” work — brought warmth and artistry to the stage, alongside with special guest powerhouse Brianna Thomas, and a jazzy backing band, The Cookout.
Endea Owens and The Cookout, at MoCA\CT. (Photo/Roger Young)
==================================================
We don’t keep count of how often any particular creature appears in our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Deer and dogs must be right up there.
But egrets can’t be far behind. This graceful bird was spotted on Nyala Farms Road:
(Photo/Ed Simek)
==================================================
And finally … on this date in 1949, George Orwell published “1984.”
So, speaking of visions of the future:
(We’re not sure what will happen in 2525. But in 2026, we know: “06880” relies on reader support. Please click here, to make a tax-deductible donation. We thank you!)
