Named Awards

Milton Fisher, who made his home in Westport from 1960 until his death in 2001, was an attorney and an investment banker. He was known for his sense of humor, his insights into people and their problems, and his zest for making the world better in ways both big and small. He taught Applied Creativity, a unique course for adults, in Staples’ Continuing Education program. For over 25 years the popular class focused on helping people be more creative in all aspects of their lives. Students developed creative problem-solving skills and innovative approaches to challenges that they faced individually, or in their community. He was the author of a number of books, including Intuition: How to Use it in your Life.

The Fonteynes consider themselves fortunate to have received a great high school and undergraduate education in their home country of Belgium. With a combination of grant support, family support and work study, they were left debt-free after graduate school in the U.S. They regard the combination of a strong education and their lack of significant debt as key drivers of their good fortune in the U.S. and in Westport. This STG award is a manifestation of their desire to help others obtain the opportunity for a similar start in life.

Richard Franzis has been an assistant principal at Staples High School since 2003. He began his career at Staples in 1998 as the Dean of Students, having served as assistant principal at Brookfield (CT) High School, and having taught chemistry and biology at Darien High School for over 12 years. In addition to his career in education, Rich retired as a colonel from the United States Army Reserve in 2014 after thirty-four years of service. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, having served as a military intelligence officer in Iraq from July 2007 through June of 2008, and is a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service during combat operations. He is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College, and in 2016 was inducted into the Connecticut Army National Guard Officer Hall of Fame. Rich is an upstanding member of the Staples community who exhibits an extraordinary blend of strength, compassion and judgement.

Sharon grew up in Weston, Staples Class of 1964, and Bud grew up on Anchor Lane in Westport, the Class of 1959. Smitten with each other from the start, Sharon and Bud Frey raised four children in Westport, all Staples grads as well. Sharon was a beloved teacher at the Nature Center and at Green’s Farms Preschool. She nurtured, encouraged and taught countless Westport toddlers including her own children and oldest grandchildren. Her patience, kind-hearted manner and genuinely warm smile will always be remembered. In December of 2002, Sharon died after a long battle against cancer. Without his beloved wife, Bud continued to play the role of favorite babysitter to all ten of his grandchildren and to his grandnieces and grandnephew. His loyalty and devotion to his own family, siblings, nieces, countless friends and the game of golf will always be remembered. Bud died in August 2015 after a long battle with leukemia.