Hats Off to the Staples Class of 2010

The Staples experience is one of love, hard work and transformation.

That's what many speakers and graduating seniors said in reflecting on their past four years at Staples High School during the 123rd commencement Wednesday afternoon.

Among the pomp and circumstance, the blue and white sea of school spirit and the proud parents in the sweltering field house, 405 seniors were all smiles, hugging and high-fiving their friends on their final day as high schoolers.

"Today's the day that was 18 years in the making," Valedictorian Naveen Murali said in his address to the Class of 2010. "We are a unique patchwork of athletes, scientists, journalists, artists, activists, musicians (and more).

"Remember to follow your passion. This will be the mark you leave behind and the thing that makes you want to work harder."

Murali said Staples has transformed him. 

"This was my opportunity to really define who I was and what my passion was and what I wanted to do with myself and that's something I cannot even begin to stop thanking Staples for giving me that opportunity," Murali said in an interview after the ceremony. He's headed to Harvard as one of 25 Staples graduates going to Ivy League Schools. Murali intends to study applied math and economics with plans of eventually working in the private equity or venture capital field.

"I'm going to miss the great teaching and the kids I got to meet — amazing athletes with great talents I had no clue about," he said.

The Staples environment, Murali said, is one of incredible talent, achievement and diversity — qualities he expects to find in Harvard as well.

Staples Principal John Dodig spoke to some of those qualities in his address. He first told the crowd of thousands about his humble upbringing and rocky family life. He told the crowd he was surprised he has made it to be the principal of Staples but honored to be a part of their lives.

"Everyone in these bleachers has a story," Dodig said. "You are now all products of Staples High School and that is the gift that will last you a lifetime."

His sentiment was shared by many, including the Rev. Raedorah C. Stewart, mother of graduating senior Jahari Dodd, who came to Westport from California as a scholar through the local program A Better Chance.

"I'm so grateful to the Better Chance program, to the Westport community, to Mr. Dodig, Staples High School faculty, parents and students who made this long-distance experience the success it was for (Jahari) personally and academically," Stewart said.  

Dodd is staying in Westport for one month to perform in the production of Rent, then he's off to study psychology and sociology at Tufts University in Boston.

Stewart said when she and her son were looking for schools they selected Staples because of its well-rounded approach to education, which "makes for well-rounded people," she said. 

"Staples teaches that you are part of a bigger world than yourself," she said.

Dodig would agree.

"The Staples experience is so different from others because we have no problem saying we love you," he said to the seniors. "It is my honor and privilege to have shared these four years with you. I love you and wish you well. Live a good life."