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!)
