Named Awards

Noel Pasacreta de Caprio was a member of the Staples Class of 1957. She was the founder and owner of Noelle Spa for Beauty and Wellness in Stamford and a pioneer in her industry as the creator of the day spa concept. In 1987, following a diagnosis of breast cancer, she incorporated healing, wellness and aesthetics into her business so that others affected by cancer could still feel healthy and beautiful. She died in 1998.

Formed in the 1960s to further the aims of the local, state and national party, the Democratic Women of Westport gives this annual award to a worthy female student with an interest in, and desire to study or be involved in the political process.

Maggie Mudd and Fulvio Dobrich moved to Westport in 1994, the year they were married. Their three children were educated in Westport’s public schools. By establishing this award, the family supports the academic ambitions of students interested in becoming responsible global citizens.

John Dodig retired in 2015 after eleven years serving as the principal of Staples High School. He left an indelible mark on the school as a caring, compassionate, energetic and enthusiastic leader. John maintained Staples’ very high academic, artistic and athletic standards while creating an atmosphere of community and inclusion that teachers and students genuinely loved. Born in New York City and raised in New Haven, John began working in his parent’s restaurant at 13. He earned a BA degree from Southern Connecticut State University, and a masters degree at Fairfield University. After graduation, John volunteered to work for the Jesuit Foreign Mission at Al Hikma University in Baghdad, Iraq as an assistant professor. A year later he had to flee the country with his co-workers when the government was overthrown. John has traveled to over 50 countries. He has taught middle school math in New Haven, and he has served as an assistant principal and as principal in several Connecticut communities. John was named Principal of the Year in both 1991 and in 2015.

Doug Donovan, Staples Class of 1979, was a talented student and Staples soccer player who went on to excel at Lehigh University. He was just beginning his career as a civil engineer when he died in an automobile accident. At the time of his death, he was working on plans for what later became Wakeman Park. After the passing of Doug’s parents, Mollie and Jack, the Donovan family requested that contributions made in their memory go to this STG award.

Rachel was an original. Her simple beauty, graceful leadership and creative intelligence were only part of her story. She was a wise, kind, old soul with incredible drive and diverse interests. Her talents reached far beyond the classroom; she was an incredible seamstress, artist, and cook. She created “Rachel’s Rags” pajama bottoms and cooked amazing meals and desserts for family and friends. She cherished the simple things in life: sitting on the beach, reading a good book, listening to music. Rachel was a strong, independent thinker, and when she set a goal, she attained it. She could do it all: she excelled at costume design for Staples Players, served as secretary for the National Honor Society, treasurer for the China Care Club and was a member of Kool 2B Kind. Above all, Rachel was thoughtful and compassionate and her bright smile and signature giggle lit up the room. Rachel had a passion for fashion and was able to pursue and discover many talents and interests during her time at Staples. She attended Cornell University where she was accepted into the Fiber Science and Apparel Design Program (FSAD) and pursued a major in fashion design management with a minor in business.