Both will speak at this year's graduation ceremonies.
Alfred Branch, Patch Staff
WESTPORT, CT — Staples High School has named Abe Lobsenz and Mattie Guadarrama as the valedictorian and salutatorian of its Class of 2025. Both students have distinguished themselves academically and beyond, earning recognition in a variety of fields.
Lobsenz, an accomplished student and athlete, is the first Staples valedictorian to hold a state record in competitive powerlifting. He set Connecticut state records in the 145-pound weight class with a 340-pound squat, 230-pound bench press, and 430-pound deadlift, qualifying for national competition.
"The gym is a great place to express yourself physically," Lobsenz says. "It’s a good feeling to push the limits of what your body can do. The endorphin payoff is satisfying too. And a big part is confidence building, which is important for everything you do."
Academically, Lobsenz has been actively involved in mathematics and science. He captained the Staples math team through the regional meet and is a member of the Connecticut state math team. His participation in a competition at Pennsylvania State University included answering questions displayed on the center court Jumbotron. Lobsenz also serves as an editor for Staples' STEM Journal and has had a 12-page mathematical paper published.
His coursework includes Advanced Placement Spanish and Rhetoric and Persuasion, which he credits for helping him develop confidence in public speaking. Math instructor Anthony Forgette and physics teacher Joanne Klouda played influential roles in his academic journey. Lobsenz, who took his first AP course in junior year, advises younger students to focus on balance and personal interests rather than loading up on honors classes too soon.
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"There is never wasted time in math," says Lobsenz. "You’re always problem-solving."
Outside of academics and powerlifting, Lobsenz enjoys biking around Westport. He has not decided on a college, but is considering attending the University of California-Santa Barbara, attracted by its flexible academic program, bike-friendly campus, and well-equipped gym.
Guadarrama, the class salutatorian, has been involved in debate, Chess Club, National Honor Society, and honor societies for science and social studies. He has also played on the Staples tennis team and pursues music outside of school, producing and uploading rap beats, EDM, and pop music.
His academic interests span English, history, and math. He credits teachers Noreen McGoldrick, Heather Coletti-Houde, and Rasha Tarek for their guidance. Like Lobsenz, Guadarrama did not set out to achieve the highest GPA but focused on personal growth and exploration. He emphasized the importance of patience in selecting courses and engaging fully in the learning experience.
"I didn’t want to be in the spotlight," Guadarrama says. "It can be tempting to do what other people do, or what people expect you to do. I just did my best, and didn’t worry too much about grades.
"I didn’t know what to take as a freshman," he added. "It’s important to be patient. It’s all part of the process. The most important thing is to figure out who you are, and what you’re good at. All of my activities, I’ve wanted to do."
Guadarrama will attend the University of Pennsylvania, where he is considering a major in mechanical engineering.
"It’s applicable to a lot of different things," Guadarrama says. "I’m open-minded about my future."
Both students will deliver speeches at Staples' graduation ceremony, sharing insights from their diverse experiences.
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