Roundup: Beach Stickers, Basketball, Big Sports Names …

Posted on March 17, 2026 | 2 comments

Summer is here!

Well, at least, beach parking emblems (oldtimers call them “stickers”) are available for purchase — online and in the Parks & Recreation Department office — for Westport and Weston residents starting this Thursday (March 19), at 9 a.m. There is no limit for Westport and Weston residents. Click here for fees.

Beach parking emblem sales for non-residents begin tomorrow (Wednesday, March 18), at 9 a.m. The fee is $545, plus sales tax. There is a limit of 450 for the season — first come, first served.

If you bought emblems or registered for programs in previous seasons, your online account is already set up. Click here to log in. Then select “Memberships,” and follow the prompts.

If you have not bought emblems or registered for programs previously, click here. Then click the “Purchase Now” icon on the right.

Emblems will be mailed in 14-21 days. They are not required until May 1.

If you forget your login or password, do not create another account. Select the proper “forget” button on the login page. For further help, email  recreation@westportct.gov.

Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Beach stickers go on sale this week. (Photo/Mark Marcus)

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The Staples High School boys basketball team is one game away from a historic accomplishment.

The Wreckers — ranked #1 in Division I — downed Notre Dame Prep 67-61 last night at Fairfield Warde, in a state tournament semifinal contest that was nowhere near as close as the score seems.

That lifts the Westporters into the state championship against #2 West Haven.

The game — to be played Saturday or Sunday, on a date and time to be determined at Mohegan Sun — will be their first state championship since 2023. Three years ago, they fell short in their quest for the Division II crown.

If the Wreckers win this weekend, it will be their first state title since — are you ready? — 1937.

That’s right. Staples’ last Connecticut championship came when Franklin Roosevelt was in the White House. And 9 years before the founding of the NBA.

Go Wreckers!

There could be another historic moment this weekend too.

The boys could be joined by the Staples girls basketball team.

The Wreckers’ girls state tournament semifinal game tips off at 6 p.m. tonight (Tuesday), at Bethel High School.

The Wreckers — seeded #3 in Division II — take on #10 Bristol Central.

Go Wreckers indeed!

The 2026 Staples girls basketball team.

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Speaking of sports: Sports Business Journal just unveiled the nominees for their 2026 Sports Business Awards Executive of the Year.

Astonishingly, 3 of the 5 are from Westport.

They are NBC Sports president Rick Cordella, ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro, and TKO Group Holdings president and COO Mark Shapiro. (The 2 non-Westport nominees are 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan, and TWG Global CEO Mark Walter.

Cordella — who would be the first NBC Sports leader to win the award since Dick Ebersol in 2009 — oversaw the NBA’s return to NBC, the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, and negotiated a 3-year deal for MLB to return to the network this season.

Pitaro won the award in 2020. He led the re-launch of the DTC-focused ESPN app, the acquisition of key assets within NFL Media and a renegotiated MLB media deal, and was selected to the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame.

Shapiro presided over TKO (the parent company of UFC, WWE, PBR, On Location and IMG). UFC agreed to a $7.7 billion, 7-year deal with Paramount Skydance, while WWE agreed to a $1.625 billion, 5-year deal with ESPN.

The 19th annual Sports Business Awards ceremony — including 14 other categories — will be presented May 20 at the New York Marriott Marquis Times Square.

Good luck to all 3 local nominees. Looks like there’s a 60% chance that the  Sports Business Executive of the Year will be one of our neighbors.

Will they share an Uber to the event? (Or — more importantly — home?)

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With 74 power outages in Westport (0.58% of customers), and a much more substantial 1,128 in Weston (29%), it’s a good time to remind readers that Office Evolution is a great option.

The co-working space opposite Westport fire headquarters on Post Road East offers free day passes to new customers, and discounts on hourly private office space.

It’s a great way to get work done, charge devices, and enjoy hi-speed Wi-fi.

Call (203-635-8770) or email (WestportCT@OfficeEvolution.com) — if you can!

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Probate Judge Lisa Wexler is running for re-election, in the Westport-Weston district. She says:

“Being your probate judge for the last 13 years has been a great privilege. I have loved being able to help so many people in our community. I remain committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of probate judge with the utmost integrity, transparency and fairness. I hope that I have earned your trust and confidence for another term.

“Most people think that probate courts are only for wills, trusts and estates. But over half of our work involves people with special needs, including the elderly and those suffering from mental illness. As your probate judge, I use the tools available to me to try as best as I can to help those in our community who are the most vulnerable.”

Wexler has opened the court on Tuesday nights for public lectures, writes an email newsletter, appears at the Westport and Weston senior centers, and speaks before gatherings of trusts and estates professionals. She also made probate hearings available for the first time, via CDs.

A graduate of the New York University School of Law and Johns Hopkins University, she is a member of the Weston Kiwanis and Hadassah, and advisory board member to Jane Doe No More, and is a board member of The Jeffrey Modell Foundation.

Judge Lisa Wexler

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Last month, “06880” reported on Westport’s first-ever Mini Moguls Marketplace. The youth business fair — founded and organized by Staples High School junior Aanya Gandhi — drew (very) young vendors in grades 5–8, and plenty of shoppers, to the Westport Library.

Long Lots Elementary School students Leo Rubin and Luke Capolupo made and sold personalized necklaces. Their first sale was to an important customer: superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

The event jump-started their business. Since then, they’ve expanded sales at school. Leo then pitched the idea to ASF. The popular Post Road East store now carries their product.

An Instagram post says: “LL Creations’ beaded necklaces are made for players and true sports fans alike. Rep your passion, support young entrepreneurs, and give back — 10% of proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club.”

 

Luke Capolupo and Leo Rubin at ASF.

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Attention, college juniors and seniors interested in a career in management consulting: A Westport firm is offering a summer internship.

The New England Consulting Group’s program runs from June 1 to August 7. They’re looking for interns from top colleges; any major is appropriate.

It’s on-site in Westport, with a $5,000 stipend.

Contact Tom Sebok, managing partner: ths@necg.net (subject line: Westport Summer Internship at NECG); 917-825-2206.

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You don’t have to be Irish — or even a human being — to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Jolantha — Weston’s favorite pig — is all decked out in green. Sure, and it’s a great day when everyone eats corned beef.

Not ham or bacon.

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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David Berkman has been a major jazz voice for decades. Since his first visit to the Jazz at the Post — a soldout performance a few years ago with Antonio Hart — he has become a favorite at VFW Post 399.

This week, as the featured artist of JazzFC’s March Jazz Madness, he presents his own writing for quintet.

Berkman will be accompanied by saxophonists Billy Drewes and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, bassist David Ambrosio and drummer Jay Sawyer.

Shows are Thursday (March 19) at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner starts at 7. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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What could be more appropriate for today’s St. Paddy’s Day “Westport … Naturally” photo than this wearing-of-the-green shot?

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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And finally … to all who celebrate today (and who doesn’t?):

(And on that note, may we ask for a bit o’ green today? If you’d like to support “06880” — and, ahem, this Danny Boy — please click here. Thanks — and may the luck of the Irish be with you!)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Local business, Sports, Staples HS

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Here Comes The Sun

Posted on March 17, 2026 | 6 comments

Maybe not today, or the rest of the week.

But soon.

It’s been a long, cold, lonely winter …

Maybe not “lonely.” But — as they so often did — the Beatles nailed the past few months.

We’ve had a classic New England winter.

Big snowfalls. Frigid temperatures. Gray days, one after another after another.

Pretty gross. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Yet — as it always does — spring beckons.

It arrives Friday, meteorologically.

It comes early next month, religiously. Once again, Passover and Easter share the same week.

The holidays — one celebrating freedom and redemption, the other renewal and resurrection — are annual reminders that life goes on, stronger than ever, as the world reawakens with colors and warmth.

Spring is a glorious time, whatever God you follow. Or none.

So — as Westporters spend more time outdoors, in the garden, at the beach, on playing fields, and everywhere else in town — what’s ahead?

The Cribari Bridge will continue to dominate many discussions. The road upon which the can has been kicked down for decades may finally reach a fork.

There’s still no clear direction for the future of the 143-year-old span, whose impact on the town is far broader than its 2 narrow lanes might seem.

We may know a lot more after Thursday’s 6 p.m. Town Hall meeting, when the state Department of Transportation meets the public.

Whatever follows will be the first big test of 1st Selectman Kevin Christie’s tenure. He’s been quiet so far. Let’s hope he’s assessed his options, spoken behind the scenes with all the players, and is ready to lead.

Springtime at the Cribari Bridge. (Photo/Fred Cantor)

Soon, the budget — actually 2; the town’s, and the larger Board of Education’s — heads to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) for approval.

Last week, the Board of Finance voted unanimously in favor of the BOE’s $157.9 million request. But they vowed to keep a “sharper eye” on next year’s request.

That’s nothing like the situation in the 1970s and early ’80s, when budget battles were annual affairs. Sides were clearly drawn: one claiming every penny was necessary for education, the other (including an actual “Taxwatchers Party”) demanding deep cuts.

There has been great cooperation recently between the BOF and BOE. Several drivers of the budget increase — especially healthcare costs — are largely out of the town’s control.

Renovation of Coleytown Elementary School will be an upcoming budget item.

But events both local (like the recent revaluation) and national (the war in Iran, gas prices, inflation) may impact Westport in the year to come.

We’re not yet talking much about those issues (though the Board of Assessment Appeals is plowing through a number of re-revaluation requests).

We soon may be.

I feel that ice is slowly melting …

We’re all ready to head outdoors.

Al fresco dining returns soon, all over town. Once again, Church Lane will be closed to cars. A tradition begun 6 years ago, in the very dark days of the pandemic, will continue, bringing the community together around food and music.

A new concessionaire may take over at Compo Beach and Longshore (if not, there will be food trucks).

At Longshore too, work continues on the Inn. The renovation is on schedule; it will reopen soon, as a wonderful, newly improved sparkle in one of our town’s true jewels.

Artist’s rendering of the renovated Inn at Longshore.

Old Mill Grocery will pulse with energy too. A couple of NIMBY neighbors are trying to stop the sale of alcohol, and the use of outdoor tables and a gelato cart. The existence of the 107-year-old beloved neighborhood spot remains in doubt. But for now, it’s lived to serve us for another season.

Spring returns soon to Westport.

All is not right with our town, or the world.

But after a long, cold, lonely winter, we’ll take what we can get.

Here comes the sun … it’s all right.

(“06880” covers everything under the Westport sun. If you enjoy stories like this — or anything else on our hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Economy, Education, Local business, Longshore, religion, Restaurants, Weather, Westport life

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Pic Of The Day #3253

Posted on March 16, 2026 | 1 comment

Train, in this morning’s fog (Photo/Michael Diggin)

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Posted in Pic of the Day, Transportation

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“Then & Now”: Part 4

Posted on March 16, 2026 | 6 comments

Dave Matlow’s series of photos of demolished homes — and their replacements — continue to resonate with “06880” readers.

Here are 4 more, from his archives and today.

Compo Parkway, December 2005 …

… and March 2026.

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Ellery Lane, October 2004 …

… and March 2026.

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Danbury Avenue, May 2013 …

… and March 2026.

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Elwil Drive, May 2018 …

… and March 2026.

(“06880” regularly covers Westport real estate, history … and much more. If you enjoy features like this, please click here to support our work.)

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Posted in Looking back, Real estate

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Roundup: Gas, Tarshis, Hoops …

Posted on March 16, 2026 | 2 comments

With gas prices rising rapidly, Richard Fogel wonders: Where are the best prices in Westport?

If you’ve got a favorite spot, click “Comments” below.

And if you’ve got a place to avoid, that’s helpful too.

Just kidding! This was Cumberland Farms in April of 2020 — a couple of weeks after the pandemic began.

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Lauren Tarshis — the Staples High School graduate, and author of the wildly popular “I Survived” series — spoke to a capacity Westport Library crowd yesterday. She signed books too.

Youngsters also competed for prizes, playing “I Survived Kahoot!” trivia.

The event was a benefit for the Westport Book Shop.

Lauren Tarshis, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Susan Garment)

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Congratulations to Caroline Lau!

The St. Luke’s School graduate — the first Westport PAL travel basketball player to receive a 4-year Division I basketball scholarship, and the first Westporter to be selected by ESPN as a Top 100 high school basketball player in the country –finished her Big 10 career at Northwestern University on Senior Day against Purdue.

With family and friends (and PAL basketball founder and past president Howie Friedman) in attendance, Caroline was the game’s high scorer (19 points) and assists leader (13).

Most impressively, her 8.4 assists per game led all D-I players this season.

During her college career Caroline played against Caitlin Clark, Jacy Sheldon, Serah Williams, Lauren Betts, KiKi Rice, and Jazzy Davidson.

Caroline Lau (2nd from left) with her parents Steve and Genevieve, and brother Charlie.

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Cold temperatures and wind kept crowds down at Compo Beach this weekend.

They did not bother these birds, however. They live for this stuff. Wendy Levy snapped a shot, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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And finally … We missed honoring the Ides of March yesterday.

So here, a day late:

(You can celebrate the Ides of March, St. Patrick’s Day — or any other occasion — while celebrating “06880” too. Just click here, to make a tax-deductible donation to your hyper-local blog. Thanks!)

 

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Posted in Library, Sports

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Cribari Meeting Looms; Petition Gains Signatures

Posted on March 16, 2026 | 3 comments

What’s next for the Cribari Bridge?

As Westporters prepare for Thursday’s public meeting with the Connecticut Department of Transportation (March 19, 6 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), nearly 1,400 residents have already made their views known. (They have also donated $2,455 to the cause.)

They signed an online petition organized by Werner Liepolt. The former Westport teacher — who lives on Bridge Street just few hundred yards from the 143-year-old span — initiated it due to what he calls “a public perception that CTDOT had not provided opportunity for public involvement.”

Werner Liepolt painted this image of the Cribari Bridge.

Liepolt asks for “federal oversight to guarantee that all alternatives are evaluated and that the richly historic and irreplaceable nature of the bridge is given due consideration.”

He has submitted his petition into the official public comment record for the Environmental Assessment currently under review by CTDOT and the Federal Highway Administration.

Under federal review procedures, public comments and petitions are part of the record considered as agencies evaluate project alternatives and potential effects on the surrounding area (including the Bridge Street National Register Historic District).

The meeting is part of the ongoing environmental and historic review process for the Cribari Bridge project.

The full petition — active until April 17 — says:  “I am a resident of the Bridge Street National Register District, home to the iconic William F. Cribari Bridge—individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places that has been an integral part of our community’s identity for 141 years.

“This historic bridge, oldest operable bridge of its kind in the USA, nestled in Westport, Connecticut, is on the brink of being replaced by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) without an essential public engagement process.

“Despite its historic status, there has been a disturbing lack of transparency and involvement from the public, disregarding the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 Section 106 review procedures.

“The William F. Cribari Bridge is more than just a piece of infrastructure; it is a cherished symbol of our heritage, tying together the historical fabric of our neighborhood.

Cribari Bridge (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

“The sudden decision to replace such an irreplaceable landmark raises concerns not only within our community but also nationwide, as it sets a precedent for how historic sites might be handled without proper oversight.

“Why hasn’t there been an effort to engage the community in this critical decision-making process? The lack of transparency undermines the principles of fair public policy and overlooks the historical significance that this bridge brings to our region.

“It is imperative that the federal government steps in to ensure that the CTDOT considers all perspectives, from engineering experts to local residents, and follows due process in accordance with National Historic Preservation guidelines.

“The preservation of the William F. Cribari Bridge is essential for maintaining the cultural and architectural identity of our region, and its replacement should not proceed without an exhaustive review and input from all stakeholders involved.

Manually opening the Cribari Bridge.

“We need comprehensive federal oversight to guarantee that all alternatives are evaluated and that the richly historic and irreplaceable nature of the bridge is given due consideration.

“I urge you to sign this petition to demand federal oversight over the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s plans to replace the William F. Cribari Bridge.

“Together, we can safeguard the integrity of our cherished historic landmark and ensure a democratic process respects both our heritage and community voice.

“Let us be vigilant in protecting our past for the generations to
come.”

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Posted in Local politics, Politics, Saugatuck

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Pic Of The Day #3252

Posted on March 15, 2026 | 2 comments

Underneath the Cribari Bridge — a view most Westporters never see (Photo/Robbie Guimond)

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Posted in Pic of the Day, Saugatuck

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Photo Challenge #585

Posted on March 15, 2026 | 15 comments

George Washington visited Westport (then part of Norwalk) at least 3 times.

In 1780 he is said to have discussed war strategy with the Marquis de Lafayette and Comte de  Rochambeau at the Disbrow Tavern (where Christ & Holy Trinity Church is today). He returned twice in 1789 as president, coming and going on an inspection tour of the Northeast. He spent 1 night at the Marvin Tavern — located on the Post Road, opposite King’s Highway South — but did not have a bang-up time. In his diary, he called it “not a good house.”

A plaque commemorating one of those visits — dedicated in 1932, on the bicentennial of the Father of Our Country’s birth — was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)

I was pretty sure at least a few readers would guess the wrong tavern: Marvin’s “not good” one.

But every one who knew it was a tavern nailed it. The old Disbrow site is where the plaque rests — 246 years after Washington’s visit, and 94 years after it was dedicated.

Congratulations to Todd Ehrlich, Pat Saviano, Andrew Colabella, Morley Boyd, Seth Schachter, Wendy Schaefer, John Lisée, Amy Schaefer, Jonathan McClure, Janet Navon and Matt McGrath. You know your history!

But do you know the site of another historical marker? This one is not Washington-related. It’s from 1806 — 7 years after he died.

If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Photo Challenge, religion

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Roundup: Dog Adoption, P&Z Pre-Application, Heroic Distinction …

Posted on March 15, 2026 | 2 comments

Looking to adopt a pet — very, very soon?

Fetch Rescue — the local non-profit — is sponsoring a special event, with “adoptable dogs looking for their forever homes.”

It’s from 12 to 2 p.m. today (Sunday), at Choice Pet (Compo Acres Shopping Center).

2 dogs available now, on the Fetch Rescue website.

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Among the items on tomorrow’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (Monday, March 16, 6 p.m., Zoom): a pre-application submitted by Richard Redniss, to “discuss some of the ways for Westport to positively respond to the requirements of 8002 prior to 7/1/2026.”

“8022” is the legislation that — among other things —  incentivizes towns to take steps to allow more housing, requires towns to create housing growth plans, and eliminates most off-street parking requirements for developments of less than 12 units.

Redniss — principal of Redniss & Mead land use consultants — tells “06880” that the new regulation gives towns .25 of a moratorium point (toward meeting the 10% threshold for affordable housing units) for any new multi-family housing of between 2 and 9 units.

“It’s a carrot by the state” to help solve the broader housing crisis, regardless of cost.

At the P&Z session, Redniss will describe 3 projects he’s working on now. One involves either 17 units (3 of them deemed “affordable,” by state formula), or 9 (with none affordable).

Another — in a “beautiful downtown location” — could have 15 units; by current regulations to earn moratorium points, 2 would have to be affordable. However, Redniss says, because of the cost of land on the river, and with floodplain and slope issues, the economics with 2 affordable units would be “very difficult.”

8002 is “a big learning curve for everyone” — developers and town officials alike, Redniss notes. “How do we deal with this in a practical way?”

The bill — whose initial provisions take effect July 1 — is “very complicated. It’s 100 pages long.”

He and the P&Z begin discussing the implications — for only those projects with between 2 and 9 units — on Monday.

Rick Redniss

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The Westport Fire Department is filled with heroes.

But 5 are official “Hero to Heroes.”

They’re graduates of “Hero to Hero,” a non-profit that help highly qualified military members transition to first responder careers. It’s a win-win-win — for the servicemembers, their employers, and the entire community.

On March 28 (5:30 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club), a special event will raise awareness of “Hero to Hero” — and raise funds for an independent film, which will raise even more funds for the organization.

The “Blue Bunny” film project is led by Rita Marcocci, a Westport resident and award-winning producer.

It’s a moving story of sacrifice and friendship, weaving between Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the present-day bond between a former commander and his soldier.

Tickets to the benefit include food, beer, wine, a specialty Hero cocktail, an auction and more. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Speaking of heroes: Congratulations to Dave Farrell!

Westport’s police chief was inducted Thursday into Notre Dame Prep’s Alumni Hall of Fame.

The recognition highlights his leadership, dedication to service, and lasting impact within the Westport Police Department, and the broader community too.

Westport Police Chief Dave Farrell

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Brubeck comes to Mo\CT.

Not Dave — but close.

The Brubeck Brothers Quartet — led by brothers Chris and Dan — headline “A Speakeasy Jazz Night” April 12 (6 p.m.).

Concert-goers will be surrounded by the art of MoCA’s current exhibition, Art, Jazz + The Blues.”

VIP tickets ($150 per person; tables and lounges for 4 and 6) include a meet-and-greet with the musicians; a special edition t-shirt by Westport artist Miggs Burroughs; preferred seating; personal bar service. and signature cocktails and light bites by A&S Westport.

General admission ($50) includes drinks and light bites.

Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Brubeck Brothers Quartet

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As St. Patrick’s Day looms — with Passover and Easter not far behind — Dave Briggs spent yesterday taking down his Christmas lights.

But he has neighbors whose lights are still up. And every night, they’re on.

The TV journalist/social media master asks: “What’s the latest date you’ve taken your holiday decorations down? At some point, is it okay just to leave them up for next year?”

Click here or below to see his Instagram on these important questions — and to answer them.

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Much of March is usually pretty gross, weather-wise.

It’s windy. The skies are often gray. There are a couple of tantalizingly nice spring days, then we snap back to a reminder that it’s still a few weeks away.

But this March, things are even grosser.

Enormous piles of snow — calcified into a hard, brown mass by tons of sand that froze in January, and shows no signs of thawing any time soon — loom in parking lots and on roadsides all around town.

They’re ugly. They’re depressing. And — not for nothing — they take up valuable parking spots.

This is the scene at a medical office complex on Riverside:

(Photo/Dan Woog)

Others — at the YMCA and Staples, on Imperial Avenue and nearly everywhere else — are bigger, darker, even uglier.

So what’s ahead?

Today’s high will be 44. Tomorrow it will reach 58 — with a chance of thunderstorms.

The rest of the week, look for 30s and 40s.

With partly cloudy skies, every day.

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Speaking of which: Is this (below) just a pile of all sand?

Or sand covering snow?

Whatever. Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image is a reminder that — whatever is going on in the rest of town, and no matter what the season — this place is always there for us.

(Photo/Mary Lou Roels)

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And finally … in honor of Dave Brubeck, whose sons will be playing soon at MoCA\CT (story above):

(Time to take 5. And while you’re relaxing, please take 30 seconds to click here, and support “06880” with a tax-deductible contribution. We thank you … and all that jazz.)

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Posted in Entertainment, Local business, Police, Politics, Real estate, Weather, Westport life

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Staples Tuition Grants: The Need Is Real — And Now

Posted on March 15, 2026 | Leave a comment

This is a tense time of year for Staples High School seniors.

Many are waiting on acceptance letters — and financial aid packages — from colleges.

Many others — already accepted — are trying to figure out if they can afford the school that wants them.

It’s an exciting time. And one tinged with fear and worry.

Twenty-six percent of Staples students — over 1 in 4 — qualify for financial aid.

The need — especially in families with more than 1 child in college, or soon to be there — is real.

Since 1943, Staples Tuition Grants has helped fill the gap.

That first year, one student earned a $100 scholarship.

In the 8 decades since, as tuition and other costs soared. STG expanded its reach and role.

Last year, 102 students qualified for need-based STG grants. The average was $3,900. The maximum was $7,500.

Awards go to graduating seniors, and college students who received previous grants. They attend public and private universities, community colleges and vocational schools.

They supplement their grants with jobs. They work hard. They’re grateful that college — exponentially more expensive than ever — can be a reality.

They are much more than “recipients.” They are our future.

Some of last June’s 100+ Staples Tuition Grants recipients.

Last year, funding came from over 500 individuals, families and organizations.

That’s a lot. But Staples Tuition Grants still met only 13% of the financial gap.

This year, they hope to do more.

Donors can choose one of over 90 named awards. Some honor individuals like Perrin Delorey, Max Harper and beloved teachers. Others are named for groups (like Staples Service League of Boys), or graduating classes.

In addition, donors can establish a new named award with a pledge of $2,000 a year, for at least 4 years.

Gifts of $25,000 or more create and endow a permanent named award. Donors’ generosity was live on — and change lives — for generations.

To make a donation of any amount, click here. For information on named or endowed awards, email donation@staplestuitiongrants.org.

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Posted in Economy, Staples HS

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