Each year, Paul Cuffee School’s fourth grade students honor the legacy of our school’s namesake by performing We’ll Build a School, a play written by Grammy Award-winning musician Bill Harley and directed by Integrated Arts Teacher Christian Staton.
Through music, acting, and storytelling, students portray Paul Cuffee, his family, the people of Westport, and Captain Cuffee’s crew, sharing the remarkable story of his life as a whaler, merchant, entrepreneur, and champion of education. The performance highlights Paul Cuffee’s vision for equality and his role in establishing the first racially integrated school in Westport, Massachusetts.
More than a performance, the annual play gives students a meaningful opportunity to connect with the history and values that continue to inspire our school community. As the late David Burnham often reminded students, “If Paul Cuffee could do it in his day, surely you can overcome your difficulties today.” That message continues to encourage our students to persevere, believe in themselves, and work toward making a positive difference in the world.