By James Lomuscio

This year as in the past, there were so many graduating seniors in the Class of 2013 at Westport’s Staples High School today—463—the Staples band had to play “Pomp and Circumstance” over and over to accommodate their march into the Field House.

Valedictorian Madeline French Seidman addresses today’s Staples graduation. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The Field House, sweltering despite fans placed at strategic locations, was already packed with parents, family, friends and well wishers in to the point where all the 4,000 folding chairs put out for the 126th Commencement were taken. Clusters of onlookers stood.

Principal John Dodig, officiating at his ninth graduation, kicked off he ceremony with a nod to the faculty.

“I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the faculty who worked so hard over the past four years to get your children where they are today,” Dodig said.

A broad smile tells it all as this Staples senior prepares to receive her diploma today at the graduation ceremony.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Scenes from today’s Staples High School gradiation. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

More scenes from today’s Class of 2013 Staples High chool graduation.Contributed photos

Staples High School Class of 2013 graduates toss their mortarboards in the air today at the end of the graduation ceremony in the Staples Field House. The school handed out diplomas to 463 students. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

It was a big day today for fifth graders at Westport’s Kings Highway Elementary School—graduation day. Staples High School will hold its graduation Friiday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Mark Molesworth for WestportNow.com

By James Lomuscio

UPDATE Westport’s Board of Education tonight voted unanimously to extend School Superintendent Elliott Landon’s contract through June 30, 2016, and 5 to 1 raise his 2013-14 salary to $292,937, a 1.75 percent increase. 
Elliott Landon: begins 14th year in July. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Board member Mark Mathias was the lone dissenter on the raise.

“I believe he is well compensated with his current salary level,” Mathias said, adding that he was in full support of extending Landon’s employment contract, which expires next year, an extra two years.

Landon’s current compensation—$287,899—already makes him the highest paid schools superintendent in Connecticut, according to reports. Landon, 73, has served as superintendent since July 1999.

Westport’s Greens Farms Academy today graduated 83 members of the class of 2013 on the front lawn of the school. Scott Pelley, anchor and managing editor of the “CBS Evening News” and correspondent for “60 Minutes,” addressed the class, telling them they have until about 2083 to pass the test of life, using compassion and courage. For the first time in the history of the school, two seniors tied for valedictorian. Caroline Vanacore of Darien and Rashad Nimr of Southport) delivered their speech together. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Seniors at Greens Farms Academy react to one of the class speakers during graduation today.  Pictured (l-r) are Jessica Liu,  Madison Leonard, both of Westport, and Julia Lennon of Southport. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo