By Emily Weyrauch
Today’s Staples High School graduation was an especially poignant one for the 489 members of the class of 2016 as well as for Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon.
Schools Superientendent Elliott Landon addresses his final Staples High School graduation ceremony. He is retiring after 17 years. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
It was the last in Landon’s 17-year tenure as schools head. He took over in 1999 as many of the graduates were just beginning their academic career.
“Many of you entered kindergarten under my watch. I’ve seen you grow … I have learned so much from all of you,” he told them.
Landon said that despite differences—in race, ethnicity, gender, beliefs, and more—“We are all in this together.”
“America’s power in the world comes not from tearing down success but from building up opportunity,” said Landon.
He urged the graduates to be persistent, strong, and kind. “Be resilient in the face of disappointment,” he said. “Remember your commitment to humanity.”
Class of 2016 valedictorian William Andrews, who will be attending Johns Hopkins University in the fall, spoke about the ups and downs of his high school experience. He spoke candidly about his struggle with depression.
Board of Education member Mark Mathias today congratulates daughter, Nicole, on receiving her diploma. She will attend Penn State, majoring in music education. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
“Through this I’ve learned an immense amount about appreciating those around you,” Andrews said. He cited the great significance that simple acts of kindness—like greeting a classmate in the hallway—can have on an individual.
On behalf of his class, Andrews thanked the Staples faculty—teachers and administrators—for serving as mentors, as well as the class’ family and friends.
This sense of community was palpable in the Field House, which was filled with loved ones documenting the event on their iPhones and GoPros.
There were 3,600 persons watching the ceremony, according to Fire Marshall Ed Zygmant.
Said Andrews, “I implore all of you to practice kindness in your lives—with people you don’t know as well as the people you do.”
Following the ceremony, many of the grads and their parents attended an outdoor reception.
Exuberant parents cheered on their Staples grads today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
For the first time in many years, the Staples ceremony was not broadcast live on the town’s educational channel. Jim Honeycutt and Mike Zito, media gurus at the school, were among those retiring.
Honeycutt and his wife, Denise, are retiring after 39 years with the Westport school system.
She earned the honor to lead the academic procession as the faculty member with the longest, continuous service.
