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!)
They weathered mold — which closed Coleytown Middle School, and sent those students into classrooms (and trailers and stairwells) at Bedford.
Then came COVID, which made their introduction to Staples a strange hybrid experience (with a shout-out to shortened Wednesdays).
But the Class of 2024 persevered through it all. Yesterday, at the high school’s 137th commencement ceremony, 426 of them celebrated the end of one phase of their lives.
And all they had to weather was a bit of a breeze.
“06880” photographer George Maddaloni captured the joyful faces of some of those graduates. For a previous gallery of photos, click here.
Staples High School’s Class of 2024 graduated tonight.
The 137th commencement in the school’s history — held for the 3rd year in a row on the football field, and for the 3rd straight year under cool, sunny skies — featured the traditional processional, remarks from the valedictorian and salutatorian, awarding of diplomas to 426 seniors, and recessional.
Principal Stafford Thomas (left) and vice principal James Farnen lead the faculty onto the football field. Farnen is the proud father of Jack, a graduating senior.
New this year: recognition of the 5 students entering the military. They received hearty applause, when introduced by principal Stafford Thomas.
Here’s the first set of photos. More will follow tomorrow.
“06880” interns Talia Varsano (left) and Jolie Gefen are, as usual, all smiles.
Director Lauren Pine (left) leads the Choralaires in “The Road Home.” Senior Rohan Wadhwani delivered a rousing solo.
Board of Education, school district and town officials …
… and Staples faculty.
Valedictorian Leigh Foran.
Salutatorian Andrew Berkowitz.
Gavin Zahler (left) is headed to the Marine Corps. Cade McGrath will join the Navy.
Graduates receive their diplomas …
… and pose proudly.
Congratulations, to the Staples High School Class of 2024! (All photos/Dan Woog)
The annual event — organized by the Westport Police Athletic League and Parks & Recreation Department, and sponsored once again by longtime Westport residents/Staples High School graduates Melissa and Doug Bernstein — is Tuesday, July 2.
Tickets to the fireworks — shot from a barge in Long Island Sound, and the culmination of a day of picnics, parties and fun all along Compo Beach — are available in the front lobbies of both the Westport Police Department on Jesup Road, and the Parks & Rec Office in Longshore Club Park, near the first tee.
Tickets ($50 per car) allow entrance into the Compo parking lots. They are on sale 24/7 at the police station now, and during business hours at Parks & Rec (starting June 1). All sales are cash or check; no credit cards.
Proceeds from the fireworks help fund PAL operating expenses. The organization serves thousands of youngsters each year, through sports programs and scholarships. PAL also runs the ice skating rink at Longshore.
Doug Bernstein (5th from left) hands Police Chief Foti Koskinas the ceremonial first fireworks ticket yesterday. Also on hand (from left): Parks & Rec operations director Carmen Roda, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, PAL president Craig Bergamo, Melissa Bernstein, Parks & Rec interim director Rick Giunta and Lieut. Matthew Gouveia. (Photo/Dan Woog)
This afternoon (Friday), Westport Police officers will carry the Flame of Hope through town, in support of Special Olympics of Connecticut.
Norwalk Police will hand off the Flame at the Westport/Norwalk town line on Route 1 (Post Road West) at approximately 12:00 p.m.
Westport officers will carry the torch along the Post Road, and pass it off to Fairfield police at the Fairfield border.
Police will escort the torch through town. Residents are encouraged to watch and support this great cause.
The Special Olympics torch run last year: Post Road at the Sherwood Island Connector. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Dunville’s — the 40-plus-year-old hangout in the heart of Saugatuck — celebrated its grand re-opening last night.
The restaurant/bar is now called Little Pub @ Dunville’s. Doug Grabe — the owner of the local chain — is keeping the name and vibe of the well-loved local institution. It’s open 7 days a week, for lunch and dinner.
Cutting the ceremonial ribbon (actually a caution tape) last night, from row from left: RTM member Sal Liccione, Planning & Zoning chair Paul Lebowitz, selectwomen Jen Tooke and Candice Savin, State Senator Ceci Maher, RTM member Matthew Mandell, owner Doug Grabe. Rear: RTM member Andrew Colabella, State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, RTM member Andrew Bloom.
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As graduation nears, every night brings a different celebration.
All are special. But the High Honors dinner at Staples last night was particularly meaningful.
Twenty students — the top 4% of the Class of 2024 — were honored for their achievements.
Each invited one teacher or counselor. Each educator spoke for a few minutes about “their” student.
Bonds between the teachers and teenagers were strong and deep. A wide variety of disciplines was represented: English, social studies, science, math and music.
There were stories of STEM students who found loves for literature and government; of conversations about life before and after school that transcended classrooms; of challenges made and surpassed.
Each student thanked their teachers — and their parents — for getting them where they are today.
There are many reasons to be fearful about the future of our world. Last night offered 21 reasons to be very, very optimistic.
The High Honors students were Kathryn Asiel, Emerson Briggs, Coco Crombie, Gabriela de Brito, Eitan Eiger, Dylan Fiore, Peter Loranger, Defne Merih, Neva Mermagen, Connor Ng, Ellen Ou, Mabel Propper, Jeremy Rosenkranz, Jameson Russell, Kaitlyn Seo, Elizabeth Turner, Darren Weng, Gabriel Weng, valedictorian Leigh Foran and salutatorian Andrew Berkowitz.
The teachers and staff members they honored were Rasha Tarek, Will Jones, Deborah Slocum, Noreen McGoldrick, Robert Shamberg, Alexandra McHale, Michael Mezzo, Maxim Kolb, Heather Wirkus, Ann Neary, Jon Shepro, Dominick Messina, Heather Colletti-Houde, Joe Barahona and Brian Tippy.
Staples High School’s 2024 High Honors graduates-to-be.
Sorelle Gallery’s new exhibition, “Summer Crush,” showcases original paintings by artists who draw inspiration from water and the coast in a wide variety of styles, from abstract to hyper-realistic.
The exhibition opens on June 15, 2024, with a reception from 2-4 p.m.
An artists’ talk and Q-and-A at 2:30 features Julia Contacessi, Kelly Rossetti, Nealy Hauschildt and Tony Iadicicco. Light refreshments with a summer rosé will be served.
The show runs through July 6. For more information, click here.
“Summer Crush” at Sorelle Gallery.
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Carl Addison Swanson has seen plenty of violations of this rule.
He reminds “06880” readers: If you raise your hand to traffic at a crosswalk, you have the right of the way.
Drivers: Stop for pedestrians who raise their hands at crosswalks.
But pedestrians: Look both ways, to make sure those drivers have stopped!
Stop for pedestrians!
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Have you seen today’s “Westport … Naturally” deer?
Richard Fogel has. And, he says of this one — seen here at the corner of East Main Street and Whitney Road Extension — it is “a family pet. Crazy. You can walk up and touch it.”
And finally … today is the final day of National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month.
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