The Westport Youth Commission, Staples Teen Awareness Group (TAG), and the Westport Police-Youth Collaborative tonight held their annual “Dodge-A-Cop” Dodgeball Tournament to benefit Homes With Hope at the Staples fieldhouse. There were 31 teams of students (each with an officer from the Westport Police Department) that came out to the event. In addition to raising money for HWH, the event is an effort to bring police and youth together in a fun environment and help strengthen the relationship and communication between both groups. Pictured are members of the winning team, whose members include Rob Gordon, Connor Chamberlain, Michael Reale, Jared Vishno, Ben Schwaeber, amd Officer James Loomer. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

The Westport Sunrise Rotary Club today honored Staples senior Ben Rogers as Student of the Month for his contributions to his school and his community. He is a math geek, an athlete, a tutor, and a member of the Staples League of Boys (SLOBs). He is also a trombonist, including in the pit for the current Staples Players production of “Hello, Dolly!” He and fellow members of Staples’ Tri-M Music Honor Society taught music in a Bridgeport elementary school. He plays baseball and also manages the basketball team. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Hal Levy for WestportNow.com

Michael Gordon: “We are lucky to be in Westport.” Contributed photo

The Westport Board of Education tonight elected Michael Gordon as its new chair.

He replaces Elaine Whitney, chairwoman for the past two years, who told the school board at its Nov. 10 meeting that she is stepping down to relaunch her career in healthcare strategy and policy. (See WestportNow Nov.11, 2014)  She remains on the board and was elected secretary at tonight’s meeting.

Jeannie Smith, who joined the board in December 2012, was re-elected vice chair. She worked as a former public school teacher in Westchester County for 11 years.

Gordon, a public relations professional, was elected to the board in 2011. He previously served as secretary.

Stop & Shop has selected Staples Tuition Grants (STG), a scholarship program for Staples High School seniors and graduates still in college, as one of 100 charities nationwide to receive a check for $1,000 as part of its 100th anniversary celebration. Each Stop & Shop store solicited suggestions from its employees, and Pat Mooney (c) suggested STG, which she said has helped her two daughters through college with scholarships. She is pictured with David Faccin (l), Westport store manager, and Rob Morrison, president of STG. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

By James Lomuscio

Elaine Whitney: “I am bittersweet.” Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Elaine Whitney, Westport’s Board of Education chairwoman, said today that she will relinquish the chair at the school board’s annual meeting Nov. 17 but plans to remain on the board.

Whitney, who joined the board in 2009 and became chairwoman two years ago, told the school board at Monday night’s meeting that she is stepping down to relaunch her career in healthcare strategy and policy.

“I worked for over a decade in healthcare strategy and policy, working for Ernst & Young and Blue Cross, Blue Shield in the consulting practice,” she said today. “I need to devote time to my career.

Nine students and one teacher from the Hwa Chong Institution, a private school in Singapore, arrived at Staples High School late Thursday afternoon. It was a continuation of an ongoing relationship, between the Staples and Hwa Chong schools that began two years ago when a delegation of Singapore teachers came to Westport. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Nine Singapore students and their teacher (4th r) pose for a photo after their arrival Thursday at Staples High School. The 10th grade students at the Hwa Chong Institution, a private school, will be hosted by six Westport families. They will remain in the Westport area until Nov. 20 engaging in various activities, including attending Staples classes. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com