News & Upcoming Events

Westporters can give pricey gifts and priceless ones
December 1, 2011, Westport News

"Scoop" Schuyler, of the Philip Schuyler Fund in Staples Tuition Grants
Dan Woog's 06880 November 26, 2011 blog

Thanks to donors
June 16, 2011, Westport Minuteman

Staples Tuition Grants group awards $300K in scholarships
June 7, 2011, Westport News

Granting a Future
June 3, 2011, WestportNow.com

Classy Gifts From the '50s and '60s
Dan Woog's 06880 June 3, 2011 blog

Hirten Family Establishes Staples Tuition Grants Scholarships
February 28, 2011, Staples HS Soccer website

Providence-bound Lally overcomes adversity
August 4 , 2010, Westport News

Tuition Grants Allow Dream of College to be Realized
March 12, 2010 , Inklings

Staples Tuiton Grants Program Awards Record a $265,000

June 4, 2010

From WestportNow.com, article by James Lomusico

Only a few months ago, administrators of the Staples High School Tuition Grants (STG) Program—the single, largest donor of financial aid in Westport and a community mainstay since 1943—feared that awards would be slim in light of the recession.

In February, for example, the STG had raised only 50 percent of the $200,000 it hoped to give away this month, a shortfall exacerbated by the fact that applications for aid were up. (See WestportNow Feb. 25, 2010)

What a difference time and a community’s response can make. Due to the contributions of civic organizations, local businesses, trusts, PTAs and the largesse of more than 450 individuals, the STG Committee not only reached its goal but surpassed it, giving out a record $265,000 in grants to Staples graduates at the 67th annual awards ceremony Tuesday.

According to Peggy Kamins, who chairs the STG Committee, the amount awarded is a 34 percent increase over last year, with 90 grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 going to 29 members of Staples 2010 graduating class and 61 to Staples alumni currently attending college.

“This year we had the highest number of applicants ever, 117,” said Kammis, noting that in 2009 there were 107 applicants and in 2008, 80.

“This is a result of not only the continued downturn in the economy but also, as we increase awareness and try to find new funding, more and more families in need are hearing about us.”

She credited several sources for the increase in donations this year, including the Staples PTA, which she said “ran a record breaking appeal at Homecoming and helped STG this spring with a special appeal letter to the parents of the Class of 2010.”

The letter suggested donations to honor a special teacher, coach, guidance counselor, “anyone who has made a difference in their child’s life while at Staples.”

“Who knew such a simple idea would generate much needed funds in the eleventh hour?” asked Kamins.

She also thanked both Staples Principal John Dodig and “06880’s” Dan Woog for promoting the STG and correcting the misconception that families in Westport have no financial need.

“Due to fast rising college costs and a tough economy, the need is greater than ever,” she said.

According to Lee Bollert, who heads STG’s Donor Committee, there were more than 450 individual donations as well as the annual yield from funds established to honor local individuals.

Among this year’s new awards were: the Lou Santella Memorial Scholarship Award, the Rita L. Damoc Memorial Award, the Staples High School Reunion Award, Dr. Elliott Landon Award and the Anne, Edward Yass Memorial Award and the Ann Kiester and Katy Macieski Award.

“Donations to STG come in a variety of ways,” said Bollert. “Whether it be a response to a mailing, a celebration or a tribute to a loved one, all support the mission of STG.

“It’s with much gratitude and a warm heart that we thank these donors, remember loved ones and look to the future as our STG recipients pursue their dreams.”

Tuition Grants Change Lives

June 2, 2010

From the 06880 Blog by Dan Woog

Last year, Staples Tuition Grants gave away $198,000 to 90 graduating seniors, and alumni already in college.

This year, they set a goal justthismuch higher: $200,000.

But the economy remains weak, and every organization in town has its hand out. When the final count was in, they did not give out $200,000.

Try $265,000.

That spectacular leap was accomplished thanks to a supreme effort by the Staples PTA. Tuition Grants also made special appeals to past donors, reunion classes (new this year), and parents of graduating seniors.

The family of the beloved Lou Santella — who died in February — also gave fundraising a boost. They named Tuition Grants as a recipient of gifts in Lou’s honor.

Last night, that $265,000 went right back out. In a moving ceremony, 119 Staples seniors and alumni received grants that, in many cases, can mean the difference between receiving a college degree, or not.

Scott Bennewitz — Staples ’75 — described the difference Tuition Grants made to himself, his 2 siblings and his single mother.

Lee Bollert of the committee choked up describing the memorial award named for Ann Keister and Katy Macieski — best friends killed 3 decades ago, by a drunk driver.

Nellie Stagg — Staples ’09 — spoke with poise and pride of her many activities and projects at UConn.

But the highlight for me was watching so many deserving young men and women receive scholarships named for people I personally knew. Some died far too early; others led long and fruitful lives. All are now honored through named gift awards. Dr. Jean Beasley. Richard Cion. Noel de Caprio. Irwin Donenfeld. Doug Donovan. Chuck Elliot. Sharon Frey. Jim Gillespie. Bill Horne. Michael Kowall. Phil Schuyler. Betty and Ralph Sheffer. Ken Sweetnam. Joan Wilder. Ted Youngling.

Their names do not mean as much to the recipients as they do to me. But that’s okay. The gifts that they inspired now have the capacity — 5, 15, 40 years later — to impact new lives.

And if, decades from now, today’s recipients pay it forward — as others have done for them — then all the names read aloud last night will truly live forever.

Tuition Grants Pave the College Path

February 23, 2010

From the 06880 Blog by Dan Woog

Think you’ve got some hefty college bills? Meet Jody Brown.

Last spring the Westport single mother prepared for Staples graduation — of her triplets. Megan, Kyle and Tyler DeBussey were ready to enter college this fall.

Tuition costs — over $300,000 for 4 years — kept her up at night. The Barron’s guide, she says, made her sick.

All 3 of her kids had gone through Westport schools, from kindergarten through 12 grade. None had ever requested financial assistance. But each took on the task of filling out financial aid applications — including applying for Staples Tuition Grants.

Since 1943, the program has provided assistance to Staples seniors — and graduates still in college. Some are students like the DeBusseys (though triplets are a 1st). Others live in homes where 1 — or both — parents are seriously ill, or out of work.

Staples Tuition Grants is the largest single donor of financial aid in Westport. Last year the organization handed out $198,000 — 24 grants to seniors, 53 to alums. Awards range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, and are based solely on need.

Last year also saw a 35% increase in applications. Many came from graduates who had not needed aid as seniors, but because of changed family circumstances or college funding cutbacks, suddenly did.

The DeBusseys all qualified. Tyler is at the University of Wisconsin; Kyle attends the University of South Carolina, while Megan is at the University of Hartford.

Along with additional scholarships for academics and sports achievements — plus personal loans and campus jobs – all 3 are thriving.

This June Staples Tuition Grants hopes to award $200,000 to a new crop of seniors, and some familiar grads. As always, the committee relies on contributions from individuals, PTAs, civic organizations, local businesses and trusts.

But so far they’ve raised only half their goal. It’s time to step up for our own. Contributions may be made here, or by mail: Staples Tuition Grants, PO Box 5159, Westport, CT 06881.

Stark Scholarship Facts

May 13, 2009

From the 06880 Blog by Dan Woog

Since World War II, Staples Tuition Grants have helped Westporters pay for college.

This year, families that once donated funds now look for them.

The number of students applying for grants is up nearly 35% over last year. The amount of money available is down 5%.

Applicants cover a broad spectrum. Some are raised by single parents; others, in homes where 1 or both parents are seriously ill or out of work.

This year, even 2 working parents can’t always keep pace with the rising cost of college.

Nearly all grant recipients work part-time during the school year and summer. They are teenagers you see every day — accomplishing great things in athletics, the arts, science and elsewhere, despite the pressures they face and are reluctant to talk about.

On June 4, more than 75 current and former Staples students will receive grants. Between now and then, board members are gratefully accepting contributions to ensure the highest possible awards for recipients.

If you ever received a Staples Tuition Grant — or a similar scholarship — please give what you can. If you know a Staples student you admire — please donate in his or her honor. If you have faith in our future — and believe that our Staples graduates can help shape it — please contribute.

Let’s Hear It For ‘69
October 5, 2009
From the 06880 Blog by Dan Woog

The Staples Class of 1969 held their 40th reunion recently. Like most classes they partied hard, talked a lot and laughed plenty.

Unlike many classes, though, at the end of the weekend when they scattered all over the country, they left something tangible behind: money.

The men and women of ‘69 raised — appropriately — $1,969 for Staples Tuition Grants, the group that since 1943 has helped thousands of Westporters attend college.

This could start a great tradition. Every graduating class should think of contributing to the organization that helped so many Stapleites — or any other worthy cause.

But the ‘69ers didn’t stop there. They also raised $500 for the Westport Historical Society, through sales of Staples High School: 120 Years of A+ Education, the 400-page, lavishly illustrated history of their favorite high school. The author is, um, me.

But that’s another story.

The Class of '69 committee (from left) presents a $1,969 check: Alex Shook, Kathy Kopp Sabo, Peggy Kamins (Staples Tuition Grants), Lorrie Besser Ward, Shelby Goodlett Pike, Mark Bunger, Debbie Hooper Fisher, Jeff Allen, Peter Krieg. The copy is unidentified. Missing: Leslie O'Toole, Karin Swan Brooks, Debbie Sims, Ray Flanigan, Joel Wald.

Staples Tuition Grants
An Investment in the Future
Originally published in the Westport Minuteman January, 2009

Waylon Jacques and Dan Bennewitz have a shared experience; it is separated by nearly thirty years, but the results are the same.  Both Dan and Waylon received scholarships from Staples Tuition Grants.  Both attribute much of their success to those grants, and both are committed to giving back to the program so other students can benefit as they have. 

In the early 1970’s, Dan’s mother, Beatrice Bennewitz was a single mother raising three children. The economy was in bad shape.  Energy costs were skyrocketing, inflation was rampant, businesses stagnating, the US was in a controversial war, and unemployment was on the rise. It was a challenging time for many families, but financing a college education for her three children was going to be nearly impossible for Beatrice.  They needed help.  Dan, Staples High School Class of ’76 reflected on how important Staples Tuition Grants was to his family.  “Mom was keen on education and it was instilled in all of us that college was important.  There was never any question of not going to college… we just had to find a way.”  They scrambled and “cobbled together” what they could.  The grants from STG were crucial for Dan, his brother and sister. “We looked everywhere for funding, and luckily there was a grant for each of us when we needed it.”  Dan and his brother were both able to attend Princeton and his sister attended St. Lawrence.  The grants from STG were key in paving the way to success for these Staples graduates. 

Sadly, Beatrice passed away this year and her children knew there would be no better tribute to their mother than to suggest that family and friends donate to Staples Tuition Grants in her memory.  “It is a way for us to pay back,” says Dan, “All three of us got the benefit of a grant.”  Now,  Dan is working with others from the Class of ’76 to hopefully build a substantial donation from the entire class.

Today, the difficulties sound oddly similar to those in the early 70’s, but finances have troubled Waylon Jacques, Staples Class of 2007, for many years.  His parents died when he was young.  First, he lived with his grandparents.  “I wanted to help them because they took me in.  My mentality was about making money, school was secondary.”  Starting at about 13, Waylon held three jobs.  Before school, he worked in the bar below his grandparent’s apartment, preparing it for opening.  After school, it was off to “Natoli’s Deli,” after that, to the “Coffee Beanery.”  He was exhausted and his school work suffered.  

Waylon moved to Westport to live with this aunt mid-freshman year.  “School had never been a priority for me and Staples was so competitive and everyone was so goal-oriented.  I really struggled at first, but my mentality started to shift.”  He got immersed in Staples, playing lacrosse and becoming a member of Staples Players.  He found a balance between academics, activities and employment.  His “passion for music” translated into a successful DJ business.  He also worked at Joey’s, Abercrombie and was a top salesperson for Cutco.  With his dramatically improving GPA, Waylon‘s counselor, Jack Quinlan helped him realize the promise of his academic future. “Mr. Quinlan told me I had it in me to go college and that I had the potential to get a scholarship.”  Mr. Quinlan told Waylon about Staples Tuition Grants.  Waylon applied and received a grant.  “There was no family to pay any part of college, so the grant was a huge deal for me.  It was part of allowing me to choose where I could go.  It relieved me of the financial stress so I could go to the school I wanted to go to.” 

Today, Waylon is studying musical performance and music management at the University of Hartford.  His GPA is a 3.5.  His plans for the future are ambitious; “I am going to keep up with my DJ business, and I want to own property.  I am going to open a restaurant and a club.”  One of his plans is to “give back” to Staples Tuition Grants.  He is committed to repaying the “opportunity they gave me.”

Staples Tuition Grants was founded in 1943 to ensure “that no Staples graduate be denied a college education and a brighter future because of financial need.”  In the belief that all young adults should have the opportunity to continue their education beyond high school, the Staples Tuition Grants Committee has provided financial assistance to Staples Seniors and graduates pursuing a higher education.  Grants are based solely on financial need and the Committee does not discriminate by school, whether private or public, vocational or academic, in-state or out. Student GPA or academic program does not determine the amount of an award.  It is simply based on need.

These grants do not entirely finance a college education, but they do help close the gap between what is provided by financial aid “packages” and what students are actually able to afford.  A Staples Tuition Grant provides the final necessary funding without which, a deserving student would be unable to continue their education. 

The Staples Tuition Grants program has made an enormous impact of the lives of these Staples graduates as well as hundreds of others. It has allowed them to make choices and have opportunities that might not otherwise have been possible.  Not every member of the Westport community is able to afford college even in the best of times, but the need for tuition assistance will surely increase as the economy is plagued by a new series of challenges. Certainly this year, many more Staples students will look to Staples Tuition Grants for help.   To meet their needs, the program needs donations. 

Staples High School offers a solid foundation for its students, academically, socially and athletically.  Many, however, will need financial help to continue and build on that foundation, with the dream of an advanced education.  These students can not continue to pursue their goals and achieve their dreams without donations from community members who choose to fund scholarships and grants through Staples Tuition Grants.   That would indeed be a wonderful legacy to us all.

Endowment for Staples High School article (pdf format)
November, 2008

Westporters Compete in BBQ Contest
September 21, 2008

This weekend at the first annual Blues, Views and BBQ Festival presented by the Westport Downtown Merchants Association, (l-r) Bob Colgan, Ted Sullivan and Alex Jinishian were smoking up as they competed in the amateur division of the barbeque contest. They were hoping to donate their winnings to Staples High School Tuition Grants Committee, Inc., a not for profit group that provides college tuition assistance to Staples students with financial need.  WestportNow 9/21/2008 article.

Westport News and Westport Minuteman articles (pdf format)
June, 2008

Staples High School Student Assembly Presents Staples Tuition Grant Co-Chairs Proceeds from 5K Run
February 27, 2008

The Staples Student Assembly presented the Co-Chairs, Rae Lynn Ambach and Dick Kalt, of the Staples Tuition Grant Committee with a check for $4,400 to benefit Staples Tuition Grants. Staples Student Assembly's 2nd Annual 5K Run, A Run in the Sun, had approximately 150 runners and walkers. They produced an event uniting the Westport community including students from all grades, their parents and friends. This year the Student Assembly is hoping for an even larger turnout from the Westport community on Sunday morning, June 1.

Staples Tuition Grants Committee Co-Chairs, Rae Lynn Ambach and Dick Kalt received the $4,400 donation from the Staples Student Assembly.

Student Assembly Board Members: Galen Blumenthal, President; Polly Colgan, VP; Sarah McNee, Secretary; Charlie Weiser, Treasurer; Jessie Parkhurst, PR.

Student Assembly Representatives:

Freshmen: Ryan Burke, Chenchen Feng, Courtney Garzone, Lauren Kratky, Caela McCann, Peter Molesworth, Nicole Rothschild, DJ Sixsmith, Ricky Snyder, Joe Stopper

Sophomores: Mike Beispel, Kate Burke, Hilary Campbell, Natasha Gabbay, Lucy Goss, Victor Hollenberg, Jenny Johnston, Harry Rappaport, Lilly Talbot, Eric Wessan

Juniors: Maxine Auzerais, Vivianna Bergonzi, Nicki Blumenfeld, Alex Hoberman, Jordan Kessler, Sarah McNee, Liz Rockmore, Josh Rosen, Zach Steinman, Robert Toole

Seniors: Britt Beispel, Galen Blumenthal, Liam Bohonnon, Polly Colgan, Dana Levy, Ryan Milligan, Chris Paluch, Joey Rappaport, Jess Tapfar, Charlie Wieser

NYC Marathoner Raises Money In Mother's Honor
November 4, 2007

Caitlin Frey O'Malley ran the NYC Marathon in her mother’s memory and raised $11,875.00 (and counting!) for the Staples Tuition Grant Committee. Sharon Frey, a Staples High School Alumna and past Staples Tuition Grant Committee Member valued the opportunity to provide students with scholarships in order to make their college dreams come true.

Contributions are still welcome in the memory of Sharon Frey. Please send checks payable to:

Staples Tuition Grants Committee
Ref: The Sharon Frey Memorial Award

Staples High School Tuition Grants Committee, Inc.
P.O. Box 5159
Westport, CT 06881-5159

Homecoming
October 5, 2007

Great fun was had by all at The All-Community, All-Team Blue & White Homecoming Dinner sponsored by the SHS PTA and Westport Kiwanis. Joey Genetti, singer/songwriter and Staples Jazz Musicians Evan Lester and Sam Wilkes performed to everyone's delight. A total of $12,000 was raised by the SHS PTA.


Class of 1966 Initiates SHS Alumni Scholarship Fund
Summer 2006

The Class of 1966 initiated the Staples High School Scholarship Fund in an effort to get all alumni motivated and involved to give back to the school that gave them so much. They encourage you to mobilize your classmates and consider adding fundraising activities to your next class reunion. SPREAD THE WORD!!!

Representatives from the Staples Class of 1966 presented checks totaling $1,500 from classmates to launch a new "All-Alumni Scholarship Fund" in support of the Staples Tuition Grants. Pictured (l-r) are: Jeff Wieser (past chair of the STG Committee); Donna Smirniotopoulos, current chair; John Lupton (president of the Class of 1966), Lynne Baker Betts (’66) and Ann Sheffer (’66). Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com