STG named awards are created by donors in honor or in memory of a person, family, or organization. Established and funded by individuals, companies, civic groups and foundations, these awards – like all STG awards – benefit Staples High School graduates with demonstrated financial need. Some awards are established by their donors to be directed towards students with specific accomplishments, interests, or academic pursuits. Named awards are either endowed to fund grants in perpetuity, or funded annually with an initial minimum commitment of 4 years.
The below list of awards (listed alphabetically by last name) is a testament to the people, stories, and history of the incredible Westport community we call home.
Chuck was the youngest of ten children. He loved the theater, broadcasting – any public forum. When he died of cancer in 1984 at 19, his family felt the greatest tribute was to create a scholarship in his memory that would benefit students at the school that he and his siblings attended.
Geri Connell Epstein and the late David Epstein co-founded The David and Geri Epstein Private Foundation. This foundation provides grants for medical research and educational opportunity. Geri was born and raised in Queens, earning her BA and MA at Hunter College before working for the New York City Commission for the United Nations. David grew up in Bridgeport and was a graduate of Bucknell University. He began his professional career in advertising, and later established a successful commercial real estate investment and development company. The Epsteins lived in Westport for more than 25 years and have been committed supporters of the Westport community, providing college scholarships to Staples High School graduates as well as support for the construction of the new Levitt Pavilion. An avid golfer, David also served as a trustee of The First Tee Foundation whose programs seek to positively impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.