Named Awards

In 1982, the summer before their senior year at Staples, newly appointed cheerleading captains and best friends Ann and Katy died in a car accident. The entire Westport community was affected by their deaths. Ann’s mother, Betty Ann Kiester, attended STG ceremonies each year after this award was established. She often commented that the award recipients, typical teenagers, happily reminded her so much of Ann and Katy.

Michael Kowall was just 13 when he died as a result of an injury sustained during a soccer match. His teammates and the Westport Soccer Association established this fund to honor him.

The Krosse Family honors the outstanding education Nick (SHS ’08) and Jake (SHS ’11) received in the Westport school system. The family notes that “Staples instills in its students the desire to continue learning, and to be the best that one can be”. In her four years on the STG Committee (three were on the Student Committee), former Co-Chair Lisa Krosse met some amazing students who persevere despite the odds. She also came to appreciate a very generous community that values education not only for its own children, but for others too.