Tag Archives: Max Harper

Pic Of The Day #2704

Posted on September 12, 2024 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2704

Hours after this morning’s memorial ceremony for Max Harper, flowers and petals remain at Compo Beach (Photo/Trey Ellis)

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Staples Administrator: “We Have Lost Someone Special”

Posted on September 12, 2024 | 6 comments

Pat Micinilio is Staples High School’s assistant principal for the Class of 2025.

That’s the senior class Max Harper was part of.

In the aftermath of his tragic death yesterday, in a dirt bike accident, the assistant principal offers these thoughts. He incorporates some insights from Max’s counselor, Mattie Sokoloski.

Max was a beloved student at Staples High School.

I know this is said too often, but Max truly did have a larger-than-life personality.

He had only been at Staples for a little over a year, but he made his presence known from the moment he stepped onto campus.

Max Harper

He had an engaging and warm personality, filled with enthusiasm and happiness. Because of his genuine warmth, he quickly made friends here, and had so many of them.

Students were drawn to him, as evidenced by all of the kids who sat with him at lunch, walked with him in the hallways, or worked out with him in the fitness center after school.

He was such a bright spot in so many people’s day. And he had, perhaps, the best manners of any teenager with whom I have ever worked.

He was a “please” and “thank you” kid. No matter what kind of conversation we had in my office, he ended every one of those conversations with “I appreciate you.”

In fact, those were the last words he said to me.

Max loved to chat it up with many of us about his future plans. He had so many dreams and ambitions.

He often talked of wanting to start up new and unique businesses. From a clothing line to a construction business to working on automobiles, he had his sights high.

With Max’s personality, there was no doubt he would have had an amazing future in whatever avenue he decided to explore.

Max truly discovered his true self here at Staples, and flourished. He helped to make our school a brighter place by his sheer presence.

Staples assistant principal Pat Micinilio (right), speaking about Max Harper at this morning’s Compo Beach memorial. (Photo courtesy of Inklings)

Max was strong-willed and passionate about the people and things that were important to him. His ability to connect with others, no matter who they were, was unmatched.

He never shied away from a conversation or meeting someone new.

Even if you only met Max once, he was a friend for life. He greeted everyone in the hallway, no matter if he knew them or not.

His kind, laid back and fun-spirited nature made his peers gravitate to him. To know Max was to love Max.

His love for life and his big dreams were an inspiration to all. His impact on our school and our community is a true testament to how special a person Max is. He was one of a kind.

The loss we are feeling now is because of how special Max was, and how much he meant to so many at Staples.

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Staples Community Honors Max Harper

Posted on September 12, 2024 | 10 comments

Hundreds of Staples High School students gathered this morning at Compo Beach, for an emotional memorial to senior Max Harper.

The 18-year-old was killed yesterday on his dirt bike, in a collision with a truck near his Old Hill Road home.

The event — organized by students, and held an hour before a delayed school opening — included words from Max’s father, several friends of Max’s, and family friends; Ed Wooldridge, Staples’ school resource officer; and Pat Micinilio, assistant principal for the Class of 2025.

Many students brought flowers. Somberly, they placed them in the water, then watched them bob gently in the quiet tide.

Max Halper’s father embraces a memorial attendee. (All photos/Luca Caniato)

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

 

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Westport Mourns Staples Senior Killed In Motorbike Accident

Posted on September 11, 2024 | 4 comments

An 18-year-old riding a dirt bike was killed this afternoon, in a collision on Old Hill Road.

Maximilien Harper, a Staples High School senior, was riding south on Old Hill Road, just south of Partrick Road, shortly after 3 p.m.

The driver of a loaded dump truck traveling in the other direction tried to avoid the dirt bike, on a sharp corner. The truck veered off the road, hit several trees and rolled on its side.

Max was fatally injured in the collision.

The dump truck driver was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The crash is  under investigation by the Westport Police Detective Bureau and Westport Police Accident investigation Team, assisted by Fairfield Police Accident Investigation Team.

Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas extends the condolences of the department to Max’s family.

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Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice says:

“I truly don’t know how to start this message. These are among the hardest messages to deliver and process, as both a father and a member of the WPS community. Tonight, as I embrace and say goodnight to my 16-year-old son, my mind will be miles away.

“Max Harper’s loss is heartbreaking for our school and extended community. I know many of you will feel its impact in the days ahead.

“In moments like these, words just fall short. But what we can offer is our unwavering support to those affected by this tragedy, beginning with Max’s family. Please come together during this difficult time. Lean on one another, and extend compassion to those who are grieving.

“In order to ensure that our faculty and staff are fully prepared to appropriately receive our students tomorrow, Staples High School will operate on a 2-hour delay.  All other schools will open at their normal times.

“The entire faculty will come together, grieve, and be provided guidance and language on how to support our students when they arrive, when they see them in Connections, and also throughout the day.

“For any students needing support prior to the opening of school, the Staples counseling staff will be available to provide support to individuals and small groups of students.

“Staples principal Stafford Thomas will send a follow up email this evening to the Staples families and staff outlining the plans for the day, beginning with the early morning support, and the measures put in place to support students.

“All athletic games will be canceled Thursday, but teams will be permitted to meet for light practices or team meetings in order to provide students a place to be with one another after school.

“Finally, as you say goodnight to your children and loved ones, remember this moment and how precious our time together truly is.”

With heartfelt sympathy,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools

 

 

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