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.
Beth and Joe Massoud moved to Westport in 1995. Their three children are products of Westport’s fine public school system, and Staples High School has been an important part of their lives. This endowed award is designed to support the academic ambitions of Staples High School graduates.
Chou Chou Merrill grew up with her mother Alixe, her father Jason, and her brother Warren on Crooked Mile Road in Westport. She attended Coleytown Elementary School and graduated from Staples High School in 1970. Chou loved everything about Westport, particularly Compo Beach, Longshore, and Main Street. Even after she moved to Brookline, Massachusetts with her husband, Michael, where they happily raised their two sons, Matthew and Cameron and lived a wonderful life as a real estate broker, she never really left Westport or her many friends there. Chou shared her life and causes with Westport friends and family through frequent visits to her hometown as well as with a large online Westport community. Her many online posts made her a Westport legend. Chou was the glue that brought Staples High School graduates together. She spoke her mind and her friends loved her for it. Chou’s life was full. She was passionate and vibrant. She laughed often and loved with intensity. She was kind, compassionate, and generous. Chou touched many lives where she lived in Brookline, Westport, and Captiva, Florida. She would be so pleased and proud to help Staples High School graduates move on to higher education with this scholarship.
Ali Mirza, a lifelong resident of Westport, graduated from Staples High School in 2011. Ali was on the varsity boys volleyball team and was a student manager of the girls team. At Claremont McKenna College in California, Ali selected psychology and media as his majors and he continued to play volleyball on Claremont’s club team. His team spirit, warmth and zest for life were contagious. He was also passionate about fitness and music. Ali’s constant smile lit up every gathering. He was well known for his giving and selfless ways. Ali had just completed his sophomore year when he died.
Kim and Lee Cooper along with their six children moved to Westport in 2006. All six kids had the privilege of graduating from Staples High School and were very well prepared for college. They loved their six, uniquely different experiences at Staples, and the family agreed that establishing a STG award would be a wonderful way to say thank you to the many teachers and staff that have impacted their family so positively.