Today, Westport leaders including State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport) and First Selectman Jim Marpe celebrated the life of Khaliq Sanda by announcing that State Bridge 00067, carrying Hills Point Road over Interstate 95, will be named in his honor. Khaliq graduated from Staples in 2014 and was a participant in the A Better Chance of Westport program. In March of this year, he passed away after battling a cancer diagnosis that came in May 2016.
“Khaliq left an indelible mark on Westport, enriching our town with his kindness, humor and grace,” said Sen. Haskell. Walking through the halls at Staples, it seemed that every student and teacher knew and admired him. In the wake of his passing, I had an opportunity to work with just a few of the many people who loved him to name this bridge in his honor. For those who pass by it each day, I hope it will remind us of his optimism and compassion, bringing out the best of Westport — a town Khaliq loved and a town that loved him.”
“Khaliq was an outstanding individual who had his future tragically cut short by cancer. During his time in Westport, he made a positive impact on our community – Khaliq was beloved by his peers and excelled in the classroom. He will be sorely missed. Naming a road in Khaliq’s honor will ensure his life and legacy will never be forgotten,” said Rep. Steinberg.
“While I didn’t know Khaliq personally, my understanding from those who knew him well was that he was a talented, deeply compassionate, energetic young man who had a passion for education, community service and a zest for life,” said First Selectman Marpe. “It speaks volumes that Khaliq was so highly respected and possessed strong leadership qualities – these are his legacies. Now, he is further recognized with the honor of having this bridge named for him so that his kind heart and good works will be memorialized for generations to come.”