Class of 2010 salutatorian Morgan Patrick delivered tonight’s baccalaureate address at Westport’s Staples High School. He told the overflow crowd that Staples “is truly a sense of community.” Patrick has been a prominent member of the Staples music community, named class Honor Musician and placing first in the state for musical composition in the PTA Reflections program.  His service to the community spans several major clubs and organizations. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Newman’s Own Foundation has established an annual grant in the name of the late Westport attorney Leo Nevas to support Achievement First Bridgeport Academy, it was announced today.
Leo Nevas: Longtime Westport attorney. File photo

The gift honors Nevas, international human rights advocate, philanthropist, and community leader, who died last August at the age of 97. (See WestportNow Aug. 27, 2009)

On June 11, family, friends and colleagues of Nevas presented Achievement First with the inaugural grant from the Leo Nevas Memorial Fund, a Newman’s Own news release said.

The fund was established at the Fairfield County Community Foundation by Newman’s Own Foundation. Nevas helped his longtime friend Paul Newman launch Newman’s Own and the Hole in the Wall camps.

Westport’s Staples High School announced today that Naveen Murali has been named valedictorian of the Class of 2010, and Morgan Patrick is the class salutatorian.
Naveen Murali (l) has been named Staples High School valedictorian of the Class of 2010, and Morgan Patrick is the class salutatorian. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Naveen will give a speech at graduation, which is scheduled for Wednesday, June 23. Morgan will deliver an address the night before at Baccalaureate.

Naveen’s academic and extracurricular achievements are far reaching. A recipient of the American Pharmaceutical Scientists first place award and the U.S. Biology Olympiad Physical Science Grand Prize, Naveen has been heavily involved in the sciences at Staples and beyond.

He has also participated in the Columbia University Science Honors Program, the Chemistry Olympiad, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair – where he earned the second place Grand Team Award – and the Synopsis Silicon Valley Science and Technical Fair where he placed first.

At tonight’s Staples High School Awards Night, senior Morgan Patrick was named winner of the 2010 Key Award, the school’s most prestigious award.  The two other Key Award finalists were seniors Victor Hollenberg and Anna Harnick. Morgan. pictured with Principal John Dodig, will attend Brown University in the fall. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jessica Bram for WestportNow.com

Westport’s Greens Farms Academy today graduated 70 seniors on the front lawn of the school. Prior to the ceremony, the class of 2010 gathered for a photo. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Alison Freeland for WestportNow.com

Retiring Greens Farms Academy math teacher Charles Dietrich of Westport gets a hug from a new graduate today at the school’s graduation ceremony on its front lawn. Dietrich has been at GFA for 25 years and has an “excellence in teaching” award named for him. Alison Freeland for WestportNow.com

The Westport Public Schools today urged families new to Westport and parents of entering kindergartners or children transferring from private schools to register their children as soon as possible.

“Please don’t wait until the last minute,” said Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon. “Let us know that you are here now so we may plan for the optimal education for your youngsters.”

Those who are not sure of their district elementary or middle school can find the information on the school district Web site, www.westport.k12.ct.us, or by callingl the superintendent’s office, (203)341-1026. 

“There are many elements that go into the planning process for a new school year, and everything is affected by enrollment,” Landon said. “The sooner we have a firm count on the number of students in each school and grade, the better we can plan.