On Sept. 24, Staples was officially recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School Award winner.

The award, determined by the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program of the U.S. Department of Education, goes to schools whose students demonstrate that they are at a high level of academic achievement, or institutions that have shown significant improvement. Only four Connecticut schools were awarded, as well as 286 nationally. Staff and students alike said they are incredibly proud of the accomplishment they worked together to achieve.

“As recipients of the National Blue Ribbon School Award, you demonstrate the vision and leadership necessary to achieve this kind of excellence,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in a video post.

Principal Dodig was elated that Staples received the award. “For (the NBRSP) to say that they recognize, using data that the state has, that we are an outstanding school, makes me very happy,” he said.

Dodig also talked about what this means for Staples. “It’s good that the general population in Westport and then the greater population in Connecticut and the rest of the nation get a chance to recognize what a great school this is and what wonderful teachers and kids we have,” he added.

Both teachers and students also said that they are very proud to be named a Blue Ribbon winner.

“I’m really glad; I think we have a great school, and I think we deserved it,” Sarah Sommer ‘16 said.

Italian teacher Enia Noonan agreed.  “I am very excited; I think it’s an honor that Staples really deserves,” she said. “I really think the staff is fantastic. We work very hard, and I also think that the students are why we work as hard as we do.”

The halls of Staples are beaming with pride after the recognition. “(The NBRSP) got a picture that not only do our students do very well, but our teachers are well-trained,” said Dodig, “and that the environment that we have at Staples makes us extraordinary.”