2022 Salute to Excellence in Education - Special Edition

Continued robust community support helps enable the mission of the St. Louis American Foundation

Still going strong at year 35

This year, we are delighted to celebrate the milestone 35th anniversary of the St. Louis American’s Salute to Excellence in Education. The event began in 1988 as a small, community-focused banquet, honoring multiple area achievers, with a few hundred attendees. We handed out some framed certificates to the awardees, had a few speeches, and donated the modest dollars from the net proceeds to community needs.

Today, tremendous support from the community and multiple higher education institutions has enabled this program to evolve and grow into an established uplifting community institution. The event is one of the largest celebratory awards events in the entire St. Louis region – much, much more than just a “lovely evening.”

In 1994, we created the St. Louis American Foundation, a 501c3 organization, with a primary focus on urban education. Fortunately, the St. Louis community, including public, private and non-profit sector organizations, along with some generous individuals, has embraced our vision: celebrating outstanding individual educators, while providing much-needed funding to help some deserving youth succeed.

Donald M. Suggs President

St. Louis American Foundation

Since its inception (including proceeds from this year’s event), the Foundation and its education partners have made possible the granting of nearly $15 million for local scholarships and community grants, including an astounding nearly $3 million from this year alone. We are grateful and appreciative to have substantial scholarships this year from HarrisStowe State University, Missouri State University, Southeast Missouri State University, St. Louis Community College, University of MissouriColumbia, Webster University, Maryville University, Fontbonne University, Goldfarb School of Nursing, Washington University, and the University of Missouri St. Louis, along with Anheuser-Busch Foundation.

We’re also appreciative for the Foundation’s collaboration with the Deaconess Foundation and the Scholarship Foundation of St.

Louis that provides $125,000 worth of scholarships, each year, for students pursuing careers in nursing but lack the financial resources to achieve this goal.

As we ponder our 35th year in the community, we are proud that we now produce more than just a celebratory evening. We very much intend to be here serving this community in the future, gaining new partnerships and broadening our existing community partnerships, in the interest of better educational outcomes and the creation of more opportunities for our youth. This work helps to realize more of the untapped potential of African-American youth. Their contributions will play a major role in a more successful future for the entire St. Louis region and the nation.

We want to congratulate and offer our deepest respect for this year’s awardees and scholarship recipients. We want to thank our dedicated staff, Salute volunteers, as well as our generous sponsors. We’d also like to thank this year’s Honorary Co-Chairs as well.

Finally, on behalf of my colleagues at the St. Louis American Foundation, I want to again thank everyone in the community who is doing something meaningful to improve the life outcomes of more of our young people.

The 2022 Salute to Excellence awardees

Lifetime Achiever in Education

Holly Parran Cousins, MAT

Educator for 30+ years, Founder and Director –Special Friends Extended Mentor Program

Stellar Performer in Education

La Tonia CollinsSmith, Ed.D, President

Harris-Stowe State University

Bayer School of Excellence

Marion Elementary School

Ritenour School District

SEMO Based Partner of the Year

Tashanna Stanciel Executive Program Director of Alumni Mentoring

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri

Leah Crawford Instructional Coach Ladue Schools

Ashley Ellis Support Staff/Job Coach

Special School District

Starlett Frenchie Principal Hamilton Elementary SLPS

Ashley Gerald

Excellence in Education Awards

1st Grade Teacher

Lusher Elementary Hazelwood School District

Dr. Brittany Green Principal Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence East St. Louis School District

Roosevelt Mitchell Special Education Teacher

St.

LouiS AmericAn the

One of the largest weekly newspapers in Missouri

60,000 copies – CAC audited 100% independently owned & operated Continuously published, without interruption since its founding in 1928

Nathan B. Young (1894–1993) – Founder

N.A. Sweets (1901–1988) – Publisher Emeritus

Bennie G. Rogers – (1914–2000) Executive Editor Emeritus

Administration

Donald M. Suggs –Publisher & Executive Editor

Kevin Jones – Sr. Vice Pres. & COO

Dina M. Suggs – Sr. Vice Pres.

Robin Britt – Controller

Mary Easter – Receptionist

Cathy Sewell – NIE Mgr.

Raven Whitener – Dir., St. Louis American Foundation and Special Events

Editorial

Alvin A. Reid – City Editor

Wiley Price – Photojournalist

Earl Austin Jr. – Sports Editor Sylvestor Brown Jr. –Deaconess COVID Fellow

Ashley Winters –

Report for America Reporter

Danielle Brown – Community Reporter

Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. –Medical Accuracy Editor Taylor McIntosh – Photo Intern

Sales/Marketing

Pamela Simmons – Sr. Acct. Exec.

Angelita F. Houston –Classified Manager

Jessica Jones – Acct. Exec.

Janice Brown – Acct. Exec.

Production

Mike Terhaar – Art Director

Melvin Moore – Graphic Designer Digital

Lincoln Middle School East St. Louis School District

Dr. Regina Ware Teacher Opportunity Center Hazelwood School District

Linda Wells-Glover Teaching Professor University of MissouriSt. Louis

Dawn M. Suggs – Digital Special Projects Director

James LeBine – Multimedia Specialist

Felicia Pearson – Operations Support

Isaiah Peters – Assistant Digital Intern

The St. Louis American 2315 Pine Street

St. Louis, MO 63108 314-533-8000

Fax: 314-533-2332 www.stlamerican.com

Excellence in Education Awardee

Leah Crawford, instructional coach, Ladue School District

At Old Bonhomme Elementary, Leah Crawford is known for her love and care for her students and for acts of service that impact the entire community.

By Tavia Gilchrist

For The St. Louis American

Leah Crawford grew up watching her mother make lesson plans, bring home work on the weekends and worry about her students around the clock. She did not want to be a teacher.

“I had grandiose dreams after high school. I chose Howard University and I was a marketing major and I wanted to be VP of Marketing for Fashion Fair,” Crawford said.

Margaret Williams watched her daughter try to escape a career in education, even as Crawford found ways to work with children by teaching Sunday School classes or working in the nursery at church. “Leah just always seemed to take on that kind of role, organizing the children and teaching them games. And I’m the kind of mom to let my children find their own way and go where God is leading them.”

So, Williams wasn’t surprised when Crawford returned home after a year at Howard and enrolled in Harris-Stowe State University. “I didn’t connect with

my first major but when I got into my education classes, it made sense,” Crawford said. “You hear people say ‘those who can’t, teach,’ but that’s wrong. Those who CAN, teach, and those who can’t, do everything else.”

When Crawford arrived at Old Bonhomme Elementary in Ladue School District, she was the only African American teacher in the building. And she admits that first year was challenging. At 32, she was older than most first-year teachers. She struggled to pick up on the culture and curriculum at the school. In the middle of the school year, a parent asked for her son to be transferred to another class.

Fifteen years later, she’s found her stride. She’s still teaching in the same school. And she’s known throughout the school district as an advocate for racial equity. “Her impact is beyond

measurement,” said Maxine Birdsong, who was a social worker in Ladue School District.

“She is everything in that school—mother, dad, sister, counselor, hair braider and she’s working in a predominately white school district. I’ve watched her build confidence in her students’ intelligence and their personhood, she gives back to that community, and she’s making it feel like a family.”

“I cried for the whole weekend when I found out about the award,” Crawford said. “When we say we are proud of you and it comes from the Black community, that is love unlike anything else. The St. Louis American was our newspaper in our churches and by our friends. So, it feels like the community is saying ‘job well done, we can see you.’”

At Old Bonhomme Elementary, Crawford is known for her love and care

for her students and for acts of service that impact the entire community. “What really stands out is her ability to teach outside of the four walls and within the realm of service to her community,” said Stacy Butz, a reading specialist at the school. The school uses the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday as an “acts of service” day, and Crawford usually is a lead planner for the event. Before Covid19, the entire school made sandwiches for a local food pantry—the kindergartners would bring in loaves of bread, the first graders brought the cheese, and so on, Butz said.

“Instead of a day off of school, we wanted to teach the kids that it was a day of service so to watch her involvement on the committee evolve over the years and how it got bigger and bigger and spread, that was awesome to observe from another colleague’s perspective.”

And Crawford finds ways to weave conversations about racial equity and social justice into her lesson plans every day. “We talk about the racial upheaval happening because many parents don’t know how to talk about it,” she said.

Leah Crawford

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Excellence in Education Awardee

Ashley Ellis, career coach, Special School District

By Tavia Gilchrist

For The St. Louis American

Ashley Ellis started her teaching career as a lead preschool teacher at a private school before transitioning to public schools. During her 10 years as an educator, she’s climbed the ladder, from paraprofessional to long-term substitute. In the past few years, she’s also served as the building interventionist and even helped out in the front office when other staff was not available.

Having that broad range of experience actually prepared her for the incredible challenges she faced in the past school year, Ellis said. “Teachers have to have a heart for what you do. You have to be a team player. You might start off the year as a first-grade teacher and you might end up as a fifth-grade teacher, and maybe the secretary too.”

In the past school year, Ellis was asked to step in as interim fifth grade teacher when the regular teacher walked off the job in the middle of the school year. She stepped up to the plate, stabilizing the classroom and connecting with parents to assure them that their chil-

dren’s education was her number one priority.

“She added structure to that class and parents found out things about the students and their assignments that they didn’t know about from the previous teacher,” said Jade Scott, an administrative assistant who works with Ellis. “She’s a very personable person with the staff and students and it really helps our community because all the students felt comfortable talking with her and sharing their problems.”

Monica Wright has worked with Ellis in two elementary schools, and she remembers seeing her help a student who had an accident at school. “Some teachers say ‘that’s not in my job description” but Ashley would go get clothes for the kids and clean them up, wash their clothes, and the parents may have never known it happened if we didn’t tell them,” Wright said.

Ellis’ love and care for her students

has not gone unnoticed. Nominated by her colleagues for her outstanding work as an educator, she is one of this year’s Excellence in Education awardees.

“With this school year being so difficult and the difficulty that many teachers are facing, I’m honored to be recognized,” Ellis said. “I was pulled and tugged in every way and I went home many evenings crying because I didn’t know what challenge was coming the next day. But when I found I was nominated, when I was at my darkest and lowest, someone saw the best in me.”

Ellis’ love for teaching and students came naturally, said her mother, Marcia, but after teaching for more than 30 years at schools throughout the city, she encouraged her daughter to pursue a different career. “I became a teacher because of my love for children, but the pay is really not enough, so I wanted her

During the past school year, Ashley Ellis was asked to step in as interim fifth grade teacher when the regular teacher left in the middle of the school year. She stepped up to the plate, stabilizing the classroom and connecting with parents to assure them that their children’s education was her number one priority.

to stick with nursing.”

So, Ellis enrolled in nursing school, but “education was still gnawing at me,” she said. “And when I had my own child and she was school age, that’s when I really embraced the calling.”

She earned her bachelor’s in education from Lindenwood University and she’s currently working on her master’s in business administration with an emphasis in human resources management. “I want to get involved in HR in the school sector so that we can hire more teachers that identify with the children we service. When you walk into urban schools, that’s not always the case.”

For the next school year, Ellis said she’s looking forward to a new role as a career coach, teaching job readiness skills to students with special needs. “I’ll be at Barnes-Jewish Hospital with students 18-21 years old who have recently graduated and teaching them how to perform and keep a job in housekeeping or in the gift shop. I’ve always had a passion for helping children with disabilities so I sought this role out and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Ashley Ellis

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

BOLD STEPS

Maryville stands with women.

Nationwide, women are losing jobs at a higher rate than men due to COVID-19. A new partnership between Rung for Women and Maryville University provides opportunities for women in St. Louis to prepare for high-demand, middle-skill careers.

As part of the collaboration, 120 local women have access to a Customer Service credential program that enables them to quickly gain flexible, credentialed skills needed to pursue a career in customer service, as well as additional career pathways in health care and technology.

Rung’s program focuses on providing training for job-specific skills, as well as professional soft skills so women are job-ready on day one. Additional wrap-around programs are also available to help women address barriers that can hinder a career change or promotion. To learn more about the partnership, visit maryville.edu/Rung.

rungforwomen.org

maryville.edu

Excellence in Education Awardee

Starlett Frenchie, principal, Hamilton Elementary

By Tavia Gilchrist

For The St. Louis American

Hamilton Elementary was on a list of 11 troubled “turnaround schools” in St. Louis Public Schools when Starlett Frenchie arrived in 2009 as principal. “I came in as the fourth or fifth principal in two years,” she said. Teachers were leaving and the school was losing its sense of community.

Frenchie knew exactly what needed to be done. “I felt prepared for the work. I had a really good mentor, and I had met the staff and I knew I had some really good people to work with.” In her third year as principal, Hamilton met its annual yearly progress goals in math, reading, ELA, science, and attendance.

Years later, Frenchie is still at Hamilton. At the beginning of the school year, she arrives during the summer alongside teachers to clean up the building, pull up rugs and rearrange furniture. “She can decorate a room and a school to death,” said Dr. Alice Roach, a former colleague and mentor.

During the school year, Frenchie brings her air fryer, several George

Foreman Grills and CrockPots to cook for her staff; teachers typically have a choice between turkey or beef burgers, fish or chicken entrees and veggie burgers for the vegan staff members. Her bowls of chicken noodle soup are the most requested.

During her 21 years in education, Frenchie said she’s learned what it takes to bring people together and make a difference. “You have to be a servant leader and work alongside people, especially at a time when educators are feeling devalued.”

Frenchie said she was “amazed” when she got the call about the Salute to Excellence award. “I do this for the kids, because we know it’s not for the pay, and it’s not often that people are saying thank you. It means I’m still doing great things and I will continue to do great things for children.”

The seeds of a career in education

were planted early for Frenchie. “I watched my third-grade teacher, Norma Jean Bradford at Hempstead Elementary, and I remember her packing up for the summer, and she said ‘I’m going home,’ and I said I want to go home for the summer too.”

Frenchie earned her bachelor’s degree from Harris-Stowe State University and a master’s degree in special education from Fontbonne University. She’s currently studying for her doctorate in educational administration at Maryville University.

Frenchie started out working as a teacher in early childhood centers and received promotions into management and leadership almost immediately. She transitioned to the private sector and worked for Boys & Girls Town of Missouri. She’s been with St. Louis Public Schools for 18 years.

Dr. Roach first met Frenchie at

During her 21 years in education, Starlett Frenchie said she’s learned what it takes to bring people together and make a difference. “You have to be a servant leader and work alongside people, especially at a time when educators are feeling devalued.”

Hubert Wheeler Elementary. “I was the principal and she was a special education teacher and I found her to be very forward thinking and extremely creative and imaginative,” she said. “Together, we imagined a school where people had everything they needed to feel safe and confident in the world.”

The last few years have been the most difficult for teachers and students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Frenchie said she watched students on the other side of computer screens squirm and struggle to pay attention to teachers during virtual learning. The close-knit community she had worked to cultivate at Hamilton was showing signs of stress.

A year later, the learning loss is apparent. Fear continues to keep some families from fully returning to school. “We have to give these children some normalcy, teach them foundational skills and we have to do some different things from the social and emotional angle,” Frenchie said. “We’ve shifted from instructional leaders to making sure that people and staff and children are safe.”

Starlett Frenchie

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Excellence in Education Awardee

Now in her 16th year as an educator, Ashley LeRue Gerald has become adept at creating programs to address the specific needs of students.

Ashley LeRue Gerald, behavioral interventionist, Lusher Elementary

By Tavia Gilchrist

For The St. Louis American

In the past two years, Ashley LeRue Gerald has heard of more teachers leaving the profession, pushed out by the turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a year and a half of virtual learning. “The last few years in education have been absolutely ridiculous,” she said, “but this is a calling and I feel like if you’re called and drawn to something, you can’t just leave.”

Despite the challenges, Ashley Gerald is leaning in. “When we shut down, we went on Spring Break and then we were teaching from home for the next year and a half. And my teammates were not tech savvy so I was helping them figure out virtual learning and making sure they were comfortable and making sure we all took time to decompress,” she said. “This is a job that requires a lot and it’s mentally exhausting at times and you have to give yourself moments to take care of yourself.”

When school reopened, she created new programs at Lusher Elementary in Hazelwood to provide emotional support

to students and to strengthen the schools culture and community.

Her colleagues say her work on behalf of students and staff resonates throughout the community. “Ashley continues to build relationships with the community, especially with the parents,” said Tracy Rix, the speech language pathologist at Lusher. “Even if it means missing her lunch or coming in early or staying later, she’s going to do what’s best for the kids.”

Ashley LeRue Gerald

The real award goes to all of the teachers who make my work possible, Ashley Gerald said.

“This is not a profession that you do in isolation. Whether it’s a mentor or a team or you’re vertically planning, everyone has something to bring to the table.”

Jossie Gerald realized her daughter had the gift to teach at just six years old. “She started teaching her cousins and she would line them up and have them sit for hours while she read to them. She even

had a different voice for teaching them,” she said. “We have a big family but we make room for others, we collect people, and it’s in our DNA to work with people.”

Hazel Mims remembers when Ashley was a standout teenager who took the lead in their church to organize the fundraisers, car washes and candy sales. “She understood the value of those efforts and threw all of her energy into it,” Mims said. “She even helped start a dance ministry at the church for young girls and teens and it became a mentoring and guiding opportunity. She always had a passion for young people and they looked up to her and consulted her about life matters.”

Ashley Gerald would go on to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education at Lindenwood University. She’s currently pursuing a doctorate degree in education at Grand Canyon University.

Now in her 16th year as an educator, she’s become adept at creating programs to address the specific needs of students. So, when she noticed a void in leadership skills among the older students, she started the Lusher Leadership Academy to groom fourth and fifth graders to be role models.

To encourage positive behavior, she’s created a rewards system where teachers give students small gifts and prizes when they notice students performing good habits and listening to instructions.

“Ashley has made sure all of the teachers are aware of the program and get training in it. She’s making sure we all use the same vocabulary and have the same expectations of students and it’s been successful,” Rix said.

Every student at Lusher Elementary is part of Lusher Loved Ones, a program that matches students with staff members and fun activities every month, so that students feel supported in the school community beyond their classroom teacher. The activities became a way to improve the school’s sense of culture and community, particularly after Covid, Ashley Gerald said.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

A COMMITMENT LIKE NO OTHER

32 Suggs Scholars $3.6 Million Invested

Meet the 10 new Donald M. Suggs Scholars who entered Webster University this fall on full-tuition scholarships. Webster’s commitment of $3.6 million in our current 32 Suggs Scholars is more than double the number of students served and double the dollars invested by any other partnering university. This commitment embodies Webster’s dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion and advances the future of bright and promising students from communities that are often under-represented and under-resourced in higher education.

Excellence in Education Awardee

Students and colleagues say the impact of taking a Linda Wells-Glover course can be felt across the campus— and the city.

Linda Wells-Glover, professor, University of Missouri-St. Louis School of Social Work

By Tavia Gilchrist

For The St. Louis American

Students at University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) who take Professor Linda Wells-Glover’s class can expect to have some difficult conversations.

“I didn’t know I had biases,” said Jessica Etim, a graduate student in social work who took an Introduction to Diversity class taught by Wells-Glover. “Everyone has biases and we learned how to recognize them and address them. It’s constant work that you have to do to evaluate yourself.”

That work—racial healing and dialogue about diversity, equity, and social justice—is part of the immersive experience in Wells-Glover’s class.

“She doesn’t shy away from having really hard conversations with our students and giving them a safe place to talk and explore ideas about race and identity and things that people don’t want to talk about,” said Courtney McDermott, an associate teaching professor at UMSL. “As future social workers, having that space to explore their thoughts and beliefs and having them challenged in a positive way, has been really impactful for so many students in their personal

and professional growth.”

Students and colleagues say the impact of taking a Wells-Glover course can be felt across the campus—and the city. She was the first administrator for Fontbonne University’s multicultural affairs program in the 1990s, where she helped shape the college experience for thousands of undergraduate students of color on that campus.

She’s also taught at Washington University’s Brown School of Social Work, Webster University and at St. Louis Community College. “It’s a passion that burns deep inside of my soul,” she said of her “calling” to teach and mentor students. “I take pride in connecting with students, helping them grow from the strengths they have and giving them direction to move forward.”

everyone feel welcome in the classroom has really impacted my own journey. I would not be confident in teaching and showing up and having conversations about racial inclusion and social justice without her teaching and mentorship that she built inside and outside the classroom.”

national attention around 2014. Today, her classes regularly feature activists and presentations from the local social justice movement. “We’ve brought in speakers like STL Action, The Bail Bond Project, and Forward in Ferguson. There’s a lot of passion here in St. Louis and we’ve seen the difference social justice action can make,” she said.

“They could not have picked a better professor to be honored with this achievement,” said CJ Jones, a licensed clinical social worker and an adjunct professor at UMSL. “The way she makes

Wells-Glover’s career in the classroom began in 1995. After graduation from Washington University, she received the opportunity at Fontbonne University to shape their campus diversity programming. “That was a watershed moment,” she said, “and it really did change my life and lead me onto a path of working on issues related to diversity and social justice.” Over the years, as she taught college classes related to social work, she continued her own training, taking courses around the country about how to facilitate dialogue around race and diversity.

So, Wells-Glover was a seasoned race and dialogue facilitator when St. Louis’ social justice movement drew

Wells-Glover’s students call her classroom discussions “an experience,” where they learn to unravel hidden biases and their own prejudice and discover the perspectives of other students. “I want to give them an experiential experience, to engage with them, look at their strengths and help them grow from what they have and give them direction to move forward,” she said.

“Linda’s diversity and social justice class opened my eyes,” said Amy Bellm, who completed her master’s degree in social work in UMSL. She now works as a program training manager at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. “She’s the catalyst of where I am in my career now. I didn’t know there was a world where I could work in the realm of diversity and social justice.”

Linda Wells-Glover

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Excellence in Education Awardee

Under Dr. Brittany Green’s leadership, Gordon Bush Elementary— once designated as one of the lowest-performing schools in the state— received the second highest ranking for schools in 2019 from the Illinois State Board of Education.

Dr. Brittany Green, principal, Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence

By Tavia Gilchrist

For The St. Louis American

In East St. Louis School District 189, Dr. Brittany Green is known for taking on the tough assignments.

When the school district threatened to close Miles Davis Elementary, Green worked with then-principal Charlotte Edwards to turn the school into a kindergarten center to keep an anchor in the community. She’s taught kindergarten through 5th grade at Dunbar Elementary and she’s a former assistant principal at Lincoln Middle School.

Under Green’s leadership, Gordon Bush Elementary—once designated as one of the lowest-performing schools in the state—received the second highest ranking for schools in 2019 from the Illinois State Board of Education.

“She chooses the difficult assignments because that’s how you grow and if you’re uncomfortable that means you’re growing,” said Edwards, who is now the director of family relief and response services for the district.

For Green, the award is a milestone in her career. “This is a really big deal

because it’s from the St. Louis American, this is my community,” she said. “When you are recognized in your own backyard it brings a different feeling that the hard work is paying off and your neighbors see you and it uplifts the community.”

The award comes on the heels of another major honor—Green is a finalist for the prestigious Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership, an Illinois state teaching distinction for elite educators.

“Dr. Green is a strong leader who operates in the spirit of excellence daily,” said Keisha Garrett, chief of schools for East St. Louis. “When considering and monitoring programs, services, or strategies, she asks the question: ‘Is this good enough for our own children?’”

For Green, it’s a career—and a life— that has come full circle. “I attended elementary school in East St. Louis 189, I

got my Missouri and Illinois state teaching certification and I did my student-teaching in East St. Louis,” she said.

Green received a bachelor’s from Harris-Stowe State University and attended Lindenwood University, where she received a master’s in administration and a superintendent endorsement. She completed her doctorate at Maryville University.

Green has spent her entire 15-year career in East St. Louis, and she’s weathered the district’s fiscal woes over the years. In 2011, in the midst of deep state budget cuts, Green’s name was on the list of teachers to be laid off from the school district. “I did a lot of work in the summer knowing I wouldn’t have a job in the fall,” she said. “My principal, Ms. Humphrey, told [the superintendent] that I was one of those teachers they needed to get back, even if I couldn’t get back to her school, and he kept that in mind.”

In the fall, she was called back to work and assigned to Miles Davis. After just one year, Edwards chose Green to be her assistant principal. “I’ve been teaching in the classroom for 38 years, and you kind of see a pattern in the people who exude great leadership ability, and I saw that early on working with Dr. Brittany Green,” Edwards said.

Green is now the principal of Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence in East St. Louis. “If you know Wyvetter Younge, it’s in one of our most challenging areas of the city,” said State Rep. LaToya Greenwood (D-Ill.), who represents the 114th district. “Dr. Green has gone into the community and parents are excited to have their children attend the school now. She has been a tremendous force for change.”

“She has the compassion, the practices and the persistence to get the job done,” said Dr. Devon Horton, former deputy superintendent in East St. Louis. At Gordon Bush, he remembers how she transformed the school’s culture by investing in teachers with coaching and support programs.

Dr. Brittany Green

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

We are

here for you

Chances are, you’ve seen us around the house, or around the yard. In the store, or even out in the field. In fact, families and farmers have turned to Bayer for six generations and counting.

Because for over 150 years, we’ve been right by your side. Advancing the health and nutrition of everyone you love.

Thank you for trusting us, then and now.

Excellence in Education Awardee

Roosevelt Mitchell III is the author of several books, including Kayden is Different, a children’s book about anti-bullying that is used in school districts across the country.

Roosevelt Mitchell III, special education teacher, Lincoln Middle School

By Tavia Gilchrist

For The St. Louis American

Roosevelt Mitchell III has a knack for finding ways to connect with students who learn differently.

Sometimes, it means using the “pedagogy of hip-hop” to keep his students engaged. “All of the kids love music so I ask them about their favorite song and then we examine the metaphors and the similes used in the music and we connect it to the curriculum,” Mitchell said. Later, he’ll use the same hip-hop lesson to teach math. “I asked the students ‘How many records did your favorite artist sell last year?’ It’s about finding out what they’re into. We have to connect the learning to what they like and their background knowledge.”

Mitchell has built a 16-year career making core academic subjects accessible for students with cognitive and physical disabilities. He currently teaches 6th and 7th grade special education students at Lincoln Middle School in East St. Louis, Ill. He’s a former special education teacher in the Normandy School District and St. Louis Public Schools.

And he’s given his students the gift of seeing someone who identifies with their struggles.

Mitchell was born with a disability—he has five fingers on his left hand, but only two on his right hand. Growing up, he faced bullying from some of his peers, but he excelled in academics and athletics. He played on the basketball and football teams in high school, ran all-state in track and field and coached collegiate athletics. “I embrace all aspects of my disability,” said Mitchell, who calls himself the “Disability Scholar.” The goal of his work as an educator, he said, is to be an advocate for students with disabilities and to help them have full, successful and accomplished lives.

and he understood humble beginnings. We had that in common,” Farmer said. “He understands the kids he works with and he’s become a great educator.”

Growing up, Mitchell said he had no interest in being a teacher. He was raised by his father with five other siblings, and his grandparents were part of his support system. Education was not the focus, he said. At one point, his family was homeless.

After graduating from Southeast Missouri State University, Mitchell returned to his hometown of Charleston, Mo., to teach special education at his former high school. Later, he received a master’s degree from Grand Canyon University.

Danny Farmer, Mitchell’s high school basketball coach, is not surprised when he hears about the impact his former student is making in the classroom and the community. “He was always a smart kid

In high school, Mitchell made good grades and his teachers and mentors steered him toward college. Later, when he returned to be a volunteer coach at his high school, they encouraged him to think about a career in education. “I said no, my major is finance and I don’t have a [teaching] degree. But they told me that I have what it takes because I understand relationships with students. It’s humbling to know the career field chose me and I’m able to be effective at it.”

Mitchell is the author of several books, including Kayden is Different, a children’s book about anti-bullying that is used in school districts across the country. “As an educator, I use it as a story to teach empathy for others who may be different from you,” Mitchell said. “Maybe it’s a student with one arm or someone with a different haircut but it’s about how you treat that person.” He said an animated series based on the book may also be in the works.

Back in Charleston, Mitchell’s success story continues to resonate. Jamarcus Williams, a longtime friend who considers Mitchell a mentor, said he was unsure about his major in college until Mitchell had a conversation with him. “He talked to me about the pros and cons of working in education, and he showed me that hey, here’s a way to make a major impact, give it a shot.”

Roosevelt Mitchell III

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Excellence in Education Awardee

Students and colleagues say the impact of taking a Linda Wells-Glover course can be felt across the campus— and the city.

Linda Wells-Glover, professor, University of Missouri-St. Louis School of Social Work

national attention around 2014. Today, her classes regularly feature activists and presentations from the local social justice movement. “We’ve brought in speakers like STL Action, The Bail Bond Project, and Forward in Ferguson. There’s a lot of passion here in St. Louis and we’ve seen the difference social justice action can make,” she said.

Linda Wells-Glover

Wells-Glover’s students call her classroom discussions “an experience,” where they learn to unravel hidden biases and their own prejudice and discover the perspectives of other students. “I want to give them an experiential experience, to engage with them, look at their strengths and help them grow from what they have and give them direction to move forward,” she said.

“Linda’s diversity and social justice class opened my eyes,” said Amy Bellm, who completed her master’s degree in social work in UMSL. She now works as a program training manager at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. “She’s the catalyst of where I am in my career now. I didn’t know there was a world where I could work in the realm of diversity and social justice.”

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Excellence in Education Awardee

From her memorable classroom parties to the tutoring sessions for students during summer break, Dr. Regina Ware, an educator in Hazelwood School District, is known for leaving an impact on the students, staff and school communities she serves.

Dr. Regina J. Ware, facilitator of education, Hazelwood School District

By Tavia Gilchrist

For The St. Louis American

“When you go into that classroom, teach the children the same way you would want someone to teach your children.”

Dr. Regina J. Ware remembers those words from a former principal, and it’s a philosophy that has shaped her entire career as an educator. “I tell my students that from August to May, I am your parent from 7am to 3pm. I think of them as family and as my own children,” she said.

And in her 31 years as a teacher, that mantra has taken Dr. Ware through every level of the school system: from teaching vocational skills at the community college, to middle and high schools, and with elementary-age students.

“As an educator, I called her ‘the mama,’” said Yolander Pittman, a former colleague and current principal of North County Christian School in Florissant. Pittman recalls many heated academic discussions with Dr. Ware when they worked together. “You had to prove to her that what you’re saying is best for

the child, and she doesn’t give in when she thinks something is the best.”

From her memorable classroom parties to the tutoring sessions for students during summer break, Dr. Ware, an educator in Hazelwood School District, is known for leaving an impact on the students, staff and school communities she serves.

Dr. Keith Ware said the recognition is due for his mother who has made education her life’s work. “It’s well-deserved for all of her years as an educator and it’s an honor, especially from the St. Louis American.”

Growing up, Dr. Keith Ware said both of his parents emphasized that education was the key to having a better life and using your life to help others. “My parents always said it’s your job to help and assist others. And to look at the blessings you have and know that you should bless others by helping them as well.”

And while Dr. Regina Ware was treating her students like family, she and Keith Ware, Sr. were even more intense at home. As a result, two of their sons have a doctorate in education, a third son is a professional golfer, and a fourth son is in college studying biology—he wants to be a medical doctor.

“At one point, my husband, myself, and two of my children were all teaching at the community college level at the same time,” she said. Keith Ware, Sr. passed away a few years ago at age 59, “but had he lived longer, he probably would’ve gotten his doctorate as well,” she said.

Dr. Regina Ware’s passion for education won out over her first career as a nurse. “My father wanted me to have a trade. He was a machinist and my mother was a beautician, and he believed in having a skill to fall back on in case teaching didn’t work out,” she said.

She enrolled at St. Mary’s School of Nursing to be a licensed practical nurse and worked for nine years at St. Mary’s Hospital.

“But in my heart of hearts, I wanted to be a teacher,” she said.

So, she went back to school at St. Louis Community College and juggled being a wife and mother while pursuing her associate’s degree. She earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Harris-Stowe State University and then went to University Missouri-St. Louis for her master’s degree in administration. Later, she also earned a doctorate from Lindenwood University.

In today’s classrooms, teachers will need more training and professional development to handle the challenges that students and communities are dealing with post-Covid, she said. “There’s a mental piece that our children are facing and we need to understand how traumatic Covid has been for our students and we need to be kind and understanding, we need to bring all of those tools with us.”

Dr. Regina J. Ware

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Past Excellence in Education Awardees

Looking back at all the awardees from the past 34 years

Salute Class of 2021

Howard E. Fields III, Ph.D.

Brian M. Gant

Lynn R. Hinton

Jonathan Strong

Ronda Wallace

Salute Class of 2020

LaShanda R. Boone

Shantana Goodwin-Payne

Karen I. Hall, Ed.D

Romona Miller

Sheryl Denise Rogers

Rhonda Stovall

John E. Thomas

Craig A. Waddell, Ph.D

Salute Class of 2019

Petra Baker

Monica D. Diggs, Ed.D

Victoria A. Harris

Kimberly Patrice Long

Duane McGowan

Tina Clark-Scott

Lawerence Shields

Tanesia L. Simmons

Salute Class of 2018

Dr. Chauncey Granger

Kim I. Haywood

Bernard Long Jr.

Dorthea B. Nevils. ED.S.

Raymond K. Robinson, M.DIV

Dr. Leslie Thomas Washington

Dr. Tamara D. Wells

Rhea M. Wells

Salute Class of 2017

Alan Byrd, Jr.

Anya Gray Franklin

Dr. Crystal Gale

Shanise N. Johnson

Angela Keys

Dr. Kevin M. Martin

Dr. Raghib Muhammad

Dr. LaTisha A. Smith

Salute Class of 2016

Kimberly D. Berry

Dr. Sarah Briscoe

Cori Cloyd

Kathleen Foster

Dr. Stacy Hollins

Dr. Kacy Seals

Dr. Gladys Smith

Cynthia D. Warren, Ph.D., Ed.D.

Salute Class of 2015

Russell Arms

Dr. Erica L. Bumpers

Dr. Ingrid Clark Jackson

Alicia G. Davis

Veronica Hildreth

Dr. Ashley R. McGhaw

Bessie Bennett Peabody

Dr. Tiffany L. Taylor-Johnson

Salute Class of 2014

Wesley J.C. Bell

Nicole Binion

Nina D. Caldwell, Ed.D.

Edward M. Johnson, Ed.D.

James Paine, II, Ph.D.

Germaine Stewart

Jim Triplett

Martha Warren

Salute Class of 2013

Clara Collins Coleman

Tiffamy C.E. Fane, M.A.

Vanessa Howard, Ed.S.

Wanda P. LeFlore, Ed.D.

Nathalie Means Henderson, Ed.S.

Wilma L. Slaughter, MS

Jody J. Squires, Ph.D.

Deitre J. Terrell

Salute Class of 2012

Jason Brown

Earnestine Carr

LaChrisa Crenshaw

Duane M. Foster

Andrea N. Hayes

Jaqueline Storman Turnage

Doretta A. Walker

LaRhonda L. Wilson

Salute Class of 2011

Carolyn Blair

Nikki Doughty

Latasha M. McClelland

Michelle L. McClure

Art J. McCoy, II

Marsha Yvonne Merry

Natissia Small

Darnell P. Young

Salute Class of 2010

Dr. Celeste A. Adams

Michael Blackshear

Sheandra P. Brown

Florida M. Cowley

Bruce Green

Carole Johnson

Matthew McCallum

Sybil Selfe

Salute Class of 2009

Kelly Ballard

H. Eric Clark

Niyi Coker, Jr.

Natasha Mosley

Rona Roginson-Hill

Michelle A. Pendleton

Dr. Alice F. Roach

Margaret Williams

Salute Class of 2008

Julia Robinson Burke

Mama Lisa Gage

Terry J. Houston, Sr.

Eric D. Johnson, Sr.

RaShawn Johnson

Marilyn Mims

Darlene Morgan

Simone Williams

Salute Class of 2007

Luella Atkins

Haliday Douglas

Sonja P. Little

Romona Miller

Tyrone Jeffrey

Darlene Norfleet

Victor Poindexter

Brian Rogers

Salute Class of 2006

Jowanda Bozeman

Dr. Harvey Fields, Jr.

Kathryn Garrett

Clarice Hall

Crystal Herron

Howard Rambsy

Kathy Walker Steele

Zella Williams

Salute Class of 2005

Charles Ransom

Betty Robinson

Gwendolyn Shannon

Makeda Reid-Vales

Shirley Washington-Cobb

Chelsea Watson

Brian Weaver

Dr. Brenda Youngblood

Salute Class of 2004

Travis Brown, Sr.

Patrick Jackson

Pat Johnson

Vernon Mitchell

Terri Moore

Joan Barnes-Parham

Monette Gooch-Smith

Dr. Ann Chism-Williams

Salute Class of 2003

Vera Atkinson

Dr. Stephanie Carter

Rose Coleman

Dr. Vern Moore

Juanester Russell

Frank Smith

Dr. Linda Lou Smith

Dr. Gwen Turner

Salute Class of 2002

Cynthia Boone

Thomas Edwards

Terrance Freeman

Flossie Henderson

Billie Mayo

Edna Pipes

Salute Class of 2001

Dr. Edwin F. Bailey, Jr.

Terrence Curry

Juliette Hite

Dr. Larona Morris

Annie House Russell

Hattie K. Weaver

Salute Class of 2000

Prof. Bennie A. Adams

Ian P. Buchanan

Mabel Thomas Edmonds

Michael T. Railey, M.D.

Linda Riekes

Cynthia J. Sutton

Salute Class of 1999

Michael R. DeBaun, M.D.

Roland Nichols

Eugene B. Redmond

Althea Taylor

Kerry M. Woodberry, M.D.

Salute Class of 1998

Alexander Harris, O.D.

Louis M. Marion

Dr. Patricia Nichols

Dr. Savannah Miller-Young

Louis Zitzmann

Salute Class of 1997

Alice M. Aldridge

Marion Bosley-Evans

Cynthia L. Cosby

Ivory Johnson

Andrea Walker

Salute Class of 1996

Carol Barnes

Nino Fennoy

Dr. Charlene Jones

Bettye Reed

Chanuncey Trawick

Salute Class of 1995

Victoria Cothran

Dr. Charles Harris

Dr. Ernest Jones

Michelle Lowery

Viola Murphy

Salute Class of 1994

Dean James McCleod

Dr. Arvarh Stickland

Rudolph Wilson

Barbara Woods

Dr. Edith Mae Young.

Note: The specific category of “Excellence in Education” Awards commenced in 1994.

Past Merit Awardees:

Salute Class of 1993

Dr. Edna Allen

Dr. Frances J. Gooden

Elizabeth Hutcherson

Addie Bryan Jackson

Fontroy Todd

Salute Class of 1992

Dr. Harvest Collier

Dr. Lincoln I. Diuguid

Alicia Ivory-House

Sandra Murdock

Dr. Wilfred Sorrell

Salute Class of 1991

Dr. Nettie S. Armmer

Leon Burke, Jr.

Dr. Queen Fowler

Yvonne Howze

Louise Mitchell

Bessie L. Reid

Beatrice Strong

Betty Porter Walls

Louise T. Wilkerson

Salute Class of 1990

Lt. Col. Leroy Adkins

Stephen Banks

Marguerite Ross-Barnett

Lynn Beckwith, Jr.

Evail Boyd

Jerry L. Bryant

Lois Harris

Edward Hightower

Kermit Hill

Floyd Irons

Rev. Dr. Buck Jones

Jerome B. Jones

Betty Jean Kerr

Shirley LeFlore

Kathryn Nelson

Hershel J. Walker

Rochelle Walker

Wilma Wells

Edna J. Whitfield

Gaye S. Wilson

Dorrie K. Wise

Salute Class of 1989

Sarah Short-Austin

Ron Carter

Rose Davis

Mathew Foggy

Rev. C. Garnett Henning, Sr. Hulas King

Andre Jackson

Oval Miller

Eugene Redmond

Ollie Steward

Eric Vickers

Salute Class of 1988

George Elliott

Jonathan Ford

Dr. George Hyram

Carolyn Kingcade

Richard Martin

Judge Theodore McMillan

Jamie Rivers

Irene F. Schell

Norman Seay

Willie Mae Ford-Smith

H. Phillip Venable, M.D.

Dannette Connor-Ward

Bill Wilkerson

Cellana Ochoa

Donald M. Suggs

2022 Donald M. Suggs Scholarship Recipients

Minority Nursing Student Scholar Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College

Cellana Ochoa grew up in Saint Louis, MO. She attended Roosevelt High School. Cellana obtained her Bachelors of Science degree in Healthcare Management at Washington University of St. Louis, and a Dean’s List recipient. When she is not helping her girls with their homework, taking them to dance class, or girl scouts she enjoys going to church, volunteering and writing. Cellana plans on working at Barnes Jewish Hospital in the emergency department upon graduating from Goldfarb School of Nursing. She plans to continue her education becoming a nurse practitioner. Cellana aspires to open a community healthcare clinic that focuses on at risk youth educating them on mental health, sexual health, physical health, and healthy lifestyles. She encourages others around her by reminding them it is not how you start, but how you finish that matters.

Jasmine Gilliam-Crawford

Donald M. Suggs Scholar Harris-Stowe State University

Jasmine Gilliam-Crawford was born in Atlanta, GA, and moved to St. Louis, MO when she was six years old. She graduated from Hazelwood Central High in 2021, summa cum laude. Jasmine has always been at the top of her class, staying on the honor roll for her entire high school career. She was inducted into the National Society of High School Scholars and the National Honor Society. She was also awarded a Presidential Academic Excellence Award for earning a GPA of 4.0 or higher. Moreover, Jasmine received an award for being a first-chair violinist. In the

summer, she volunteered for Lincoln University Cooperative Extension, which serves underprivileged youth. Jasmine is currently obtaining a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management. She plans to use this degree as a catalyst to various career paths pertaining to her degree. She intends to graduate in 2025 and begin her career as a businesswoman while pursuing a variety of passions.

Andres Moran

Donald M. Suggs Scholar University of Missouri-Columbia

Andres Morgan graduated Francis Howell High School with a GPA of 4.75. His academic honors and awards include: College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program Winner; National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program Winner; AP Scholar; National Honors Society; Francis Howell High School Honor Roll Student Spring and Fall Semester: 9th – present. His Volunteer and Service Work includes: Friends of the Pet Adoption Center, Volunteer: November 2020 –present, where he primarily cleaned anything that was needed: power washing kennels, washing and folding laundry, handwashing dirty dishes, and sweeping/ mopping floors. Due to staff shortages, volunteers also became vital to the team.

Andres’ extracurricular Activities include: PLTW Biomedical Innovations Independent Research Project (Ongoing); Seal of Biliteracy Independent Project; and being a junior varsity competitive swimmer. He plans on majoring in Biochemistry and pursuing a career as a physician in pediatrics.

Silvia Sherman

Donald M. Suggs Scholar Saint Louis University

Silvia Sherman is a mechanical engineering student, entering her senior year in the fall of 2022.

Silvia, born and raised in Colombia, moved to the United States in 2009 to embark in a journey that eventually would bring her to St. Louis, MO where her educational and professional dreams would come true. Her family continues to reside overseas but they continue to be her

emotional support every step of the way. Though Silvia has the support of friends in the U.S., it is still challenging being a full time student and a single mother caring for her son with spastic quadriplegia, a severe form of cerebral palsy. Despite her life challenges, Silvia continues to persevere & remain focused. Her career goals are graduating as mechanical engineer and working for Boeing. She wants to provide for her son and give him an excellent quality of life. Her son Matthew and her dreams are the engine that keeps Silvia pushing forward towards success.

Aaliyah Wright

Donald M. Suggs Scholar Southeast Missouri State University

Aaliyah is a graduate of Gateway STEM High School. She is majoring in nursing at SEMO. Her total scholarship package for the 2022-2023 academic year is $9,300. Aaliyah will have her tuition covered for a total of 4 years with an estimated total value of $35,000. This award is presented annually to recognize a student in the St. Louis metropolitan area who has demonstrated the potential for academic achievement, leadership and commitment to their community. It provides a full-tuition scholarship plus an additional $1,000 to cover other educational expenses and an IPad.

Nicole Richie

Donald M. Suggs Scholar St. Louis Community College

Nicole Richie is a 2011 graduate of Soldan International High School where she

was recognized with a Future Minority Nurses Scholarship and the Honor Roll. Nicole is currently enrolled in the St. Louis Community College Associate Nursing program, where she has earned a place on the Dean’s List. She hopes to work as a perioperative nurse, eventually obtaining her Bachelor’s in Nursing and becoming a nurse educator.

Kahleb Williams

Donald M. Suggs Scholar

University of Missouri-St. Louis

University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) student, Kahleb Williams developed an interest in engineering at an early age while sharing time with his grandfather, where he found his love for transportation and machinery. “I recall going to hobby stores, visiting the Magic House and watching the movie Cars - these experience helped shape my love for machinery,” said Kahleb. As time went on, he discovered an increased interest in learning more about machinery but also climate change and how to identify possible solutions to achieve carbon neutrality. He knew then that he wanted to become engineer. Today, Kahleb is a freshman at UMSL. He found UMSL to be his choice institution during his initial introduction through his participation in the UMSL Bridge Program, which exposed him to a variety of career options. The UMSL Bridge Program is an academic program that has, for 37 years, worked to prepare area high school students for a college success.

“I learned about the UMSL Bridge program from my high school principal, Mr. Michael Peoples. I enjoyed the activities and the time I spent with my peers and the Bridge instructors. Although the work was tough, it prepared me for some of the classes in high school, and the ACT, in which I scored a 24 by participating in the Bridge Program’s ACT workshops.”

Kahleb received boundless support from his mom, Candice Wilson. Additionally he credits a few high school teachers including Tonya Barnes, his high school chemistry teacher, his engineering instructor, Michel Dorsey; Toi Drummer, his history teacher, and high school counselor, April Money for encouraging him to always do his best.

Omolabake Oyebamiji

Donald M. Suggs Scholar Washington University

Omolabake Oyebamiji graduated from Hazelwood West High School and was a student researcher in the Washington University Young Scientist Program. Outside the classroom, she was president of the Key Club, a peer tutor, vice president of the National Honor Society, and a varsity tennis player. At WashU, she intends to major in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Medical Humanities as she pursues her dream of attending medical school and becoming a physician. She hopes to participate in WU Women in STEM and continue to participate in orthopedic research.

Samaria Coleman

Donald M. Suggs Scholar Washington University

Samaria Coleman graduated from Hazelwood West High School and was a scholar in the Washington University College Prep Program. Outside the classroom, she was an actress and officer in the International Thespian Society, a member of the executive leadership team for the National Honor Society, and was first soprano in the St. Louis Suburban District Honor Choir. At WashU, she intends to double major in Spanish and environmental science. She is a first-generation college student and a recipient of the WashU Pledge.

Raven Hunter

Donald M. Suggs Scholar Webster University

Raven Hunter is from West Palm Beach, Florida and graduated from American Heritage School. She was a part of her school’s National Honors Society and was on Academic Honor Roll for all four years of high school. She also was a lead anchor for the school’s morning announcements, a member of the Black Student Union, and controlled lighting for the school’s fine

2022 Salute to Excellence In Education

arts plays. In her spare time, she enjoys watersports, listening to music, and playing basketball which, she will continue to play during the school year. At Webster, she is going to study film with hopes of directing her own movie someday so she can become an advocate for change.

Keatin Werleman

Donald M. Suggs Scholar Webster University

Keatin grew up in Berkeley, Missouri and now lives in Florissant. He graduated from STEAM Academy at McCluer South Berkeley. He enjoys playing board games, video games, hanging out with friends and watching YouTube. He participated in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and the National Honor Society while he was in high school. He was also a National Finalist in the Computer Game & Simulation Programming event in FBLA. At Webster University, he is majoring in Games and Game Design, with a minor in Animation and/or Math, and intends to pursue game design as a career. One fun fact about him is he is a big fan of Survivor.

Acacia Atlas

Donald M. Suggs Scholar Webster University

Acacia has been an employee of Clay Financial Services. She has volunteered with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Hot Chocolate Run 15K/5K as well as the UMSL Bridge Program and high school band. She has been on the Dean’s list and received perfect attendance awards in high school.

Alyssa Gilchrist

Donald M. Suggs Scholar Webster University

senior year. She has always been interested in improving the lives of children and will be majoring in Elementary Education to become teacher.

Vera Brown

Donald M. Suggs Scholar Webster University

Vera Brown is an 18-year-old graduate of Crosstown High School in Memphis Tennessee. While upholding a cumulative GPA of 3.75, she took all honors classes after freshman year and AP and dual enrollment classes, all of which she scored a 4 or 90% and above on the final exams. She was a member of various extracurricular programs and held titles including the inaugural Crosstown High Founders’ Award, the 2022 Best Leading Actress for the Orpheum HSMTAs, and was a semifinalist at the 2022 Jimmy Awards in New York City. She is also a 3-time All-Star awardee at the Junior Theatre Festival and was awarded for outstanding individual performance at the 2021 festival. At Webster, Vera will be pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. She hopes to use this degree to create a career in the performing arts and start her path toward eventually becoming a theatre educator.

Gerald Burton Jr.

Donald M. Suggs Scholar Webster University

Alyssa Gilchrist is originally from Youngstown, OH, but moved to Wentzville, MO in 2019. She graduated from Holt High School with Magna Cum Laude. At Holt HS, Alyssa played basketball and was a varsity captain during her

honor roll throughout his high school career. Additionally, he received first place honors in the Missouri Scholastic Esports Federation Minecraft Build Competition Regional Championship. Joseph was a member of the Theater Club as well as Esports Club, and a Digital Art Designer for Steam.

Christian West

Donald M. Suggs Scholar Webster University

Christian is from St. Louis, Missouri and is not quite sure yet what his major plans are. He is looking forward to working with the staff and faculty at Webster University to determine what options are best for his future career. Christian attended Lutheran North High School graduating with honors and a member of the National Honor’s Society. He participated in the Robotics program as a Strategy Team Leader and Builder, was a Trumpeter in the high school band, and volunteered as a mentor with the High School Taught Education Program (HiSTEP) program and as a Donor Ambassador for the American Red Cross.

Oriana Foster

Donald M. Suggs Scholar Webster University

Gerald Alonzo Burton Jr. is an incoming transfer sophomore from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He is proud to be born and raised on the west side of St. Louis City. He has journeyed throughout most of his young life taking on tasks and hobbies that allowed him to express his individuality to the fullest. He finds joy in telling vivid stories, specifically, his community’s story, which has led him to the journalism program at Webster University.

Joseph Nance

Donald M. Suggs Scholar Webster University

Joseph is from St. Louis, Missouri and is planning on majoring in Games and Game Design with career plans of becoming an elite Game Designer. He attended Gateway Science Academy where he successfully received and maintained

Oriana is from St. Louis, Missouri and is undecided as to what her major will be. She is excited to explore all her options and see which subject matters most excite and engage her. Oriana attended Webster Groves High School and was very involved. She was a member of the Advanced Placement Portfolio Club which helps support each other in creating portfolios for college students and other opportunities, President of the Video Game Design Club, an apprentice for STL Artworks and an Intern for Wonder & Wise.

Mikail Sarich

Donald M. Suggs Scholar Webster University

Mikail is from St. Louis, Missouri and is a Sound Recording and Engineering major. He attended New Life Academy and was very actively engaged in several opportunities to serve at multiple religious affiliates such as a Youth Worship Leader for Grace Church, worked with Boost 101.9 as a student DJ, worked with the Rev Student Leadership group in the media department and attended the ASCEND Student Conference. He’s also had the unique opportunity to work as a student musician with Lamar Harris, renowned musician, in Harris’ From the Lab.

Marion Elementary prepares young Eagles to soar in life

Students prepared to fly to success

2022 School of Excellence

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

An eagle is more than a mascot at award-winning Marion Elementary School in the Ritenour School District. It is part of the school’s culture and mission statement.

Each child is encouraged to reach their full potential and are asked to: Be Engaged; Be Accountable; Show Good Sportsmanship; Be Leaders; Embrace Diversity; and Show that you are Success Oriented.

More importantly, from day one every student realizes they are part of something special.

“Students and not guests, they are family,” said Bilal Ewing, Marion principal.

“We talk about that, we focus on that. Every time we have an opportunity to create those spaces, we create those spaces.”

Marion is one of the district’s most decorated schools, earning local, state and national awards in recent years including being named: a 2018 Missouri Exemplary Professional Learning Communities School; a US News and World Reports top 25% rating among Missouri elementary schools in Missouri in 2020; and a 2021 recognition from St. Louis University PRiME Center as the only school in the St. Louis metro area to have a +10% growth in Math and ELA on MAP.

“One of the things that Marion has been able to do over the course of decades, is retain teachers and staff; some over 20 years,” Ewing said.

“When you keep folks like that in the institution, the successes start stacking up.

For its academic achievement and student educational improvement, Marion Elementary School has been named the St. Louis American Foundation Bayer School of Excellence.

“For 20 years – first as Monsanto, and now as Bayer – we have partnered with the St. Louis American Foundation to present the School of Excellence award to a school that has made substantial academic progress, implemented an innovative approach to education, and/or overcome a substantial barrier to academic excellence, said Al Mitchell, vice president, corporate engagement for Bayer.

“This year we recognize Marion Elementary in the Ritenour School District for its outstanding progress in proficiency made in both English and Math by its students. This phenomenal achievement was recognized in an article published by STL Public Radio, that linked to a December 2021 report by SLU entitled, Beating the Odds: Student Growth in Missouri’s High Poverty Schools.”

Bilal, in his third year as Marion principal, repeated that the school’s ded-

ication to improvement and success of children “began long before I got here.”

“People were all in, and they have stayed in,” he said.

“All the special training, all the seminars [teachers and staff attended] pays off because we have kept those people in place. Nothing will deter them.”

Ewing said he wanted to study journalism and become a sports videographer while attending Lindenwood University in St. Charles and playing football for the school.

The opportunity to volunteer at Jefferson Elementary School in the city changed his mind and his major.

“I really enjoyed that,” he said of his first opportunity to work with school children.

Ewing holds an undergraduate degree in social science from Lindenwood and earned his master’s degree and educational specialist degree there.

His first job was as a permanent substitute in the Pattonville School District and served as a teacher in the Pattonville and the Ferguson-Florissant School District between 1998 and 2006).

Second graders Harley Woodland and Daia Warren during lunch with Principal Bilal Ewing at Marion Elementary School in the Ritenour School District Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022.

Ewing was the assistant principal at Iveland Elementary School before becoming Marion’s principal. He also spent five years (2013-2018) as an assistant principal at Ritenour High School after joining the district as an assistant principal at Hoech Middle School in 2006.

He now guides Marion, and takes pride in watching his young Eagles soar off into the world.

“I would like for every student to leave here and grow academically and in their character and become the kind of person, like our mission says, that goes out into the world and makes a positive difference,” Ewing said.

The Ritenour School District, located in northwest St. Louis County, is one of the oldest districts in the metropolitan area. It is also unique.

Ritenour is one of two districts in Missouri with no racial/ethnic majority over 50%.

Its current demographics are 41% Black; 26% White; 25% Hispanic; and 8% Multi-Race. The district’s fastest-growing demographic is Hispanic.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

2021

Previous Salute major awardees

Arthur R. Culver (Lifetime Achiever)

Gwendolyn Diggs (Stellar Performer)

2020

Doris A. Graham, Ph.D (Lifetime Achiever)

Sharonica L. Hardin-Bartley, Ph.D (Stellar Performer)

2019

Charles and Shirley Brown (Lifetime Achievers)

Valerie Bell (Stellar Performer)

2018

Johnetta R. Haley (Lifetime Achiever)

Michael P. McMillan (Stellar Performer)

2017

Michael A. Middleton (Lifetime Achiever)

Dr. Kelvin Adams (Stellar Performer)

2016

Dr. Charlene Lofton Jones (Lifetime Achiever)

Deborah Patterson (Education Advocate)

2015

Alice Faye Roach, Ed.D. (Lifetime Achiever)

Tiffany Anderson (Stellar Performer)

2014

Katie Harper Wright, Ed.D. (Lifetime Achiever)

Terrence L. Freeman, Ph.D. (Stellar Performer)

2013

Lynn Beckwith, Jr., Ed.D. (Lifetime Achiever)

Art J. McCoy, Ph.D. (Stellar Performer)

2012

Gerald Early (Lifetime Achiever)

Judge Jimmie Edwards (Stellar Performer)

2011

Joyce M. Roberts (Lifetime Achiever)

Anthony ‘Tony’ Thompson (Stellar Performer)

2010

2010

Dr. Zelema Harris (Lifetime Achiever)

Dr. Stanton Lawrence (Stellar Performer)

2009

Eugene B. Redmond (Lifetime Achiever)

Diane Miller (Stellar Performer)

2008

James E. McLeod, Ph.D. (Lifetime Achiever)

Donna Patton (Stellar Performer)

2007

Dr. Henry Shannon (Lifetime Achiever)

Don Danforth III (Stellar Performe

2006

Dr. John Wright (Lifetime Achiever)

Dr. Cheryle Dyle-Palmer (Stellar Performer)

2005

Dr. Queen Fowler (Lifetime Achiever)

Darlynn Bosley (Stellar Performer)

2004

Dr. Henry Givens (Lifetime Achiever)

Joyce Roberts (Stellar Performer)

2003

Martin Mathews (Lifetime Achiever)

Audrey Ferguson (Stellar Performer)

2002

Dr. George H. Hyram (Lifetime Achiever)

Vickie & Howard Denson (Stellar Performers)

2001

John E. Jacob (Lifetime Achiever)

Victoria Nelson (Stellar Performer)

2000

Rev. William G. Gillespie (Lifetime Achiever)

Carolyn D. Seward (Stellar Performer)

1999

Dr. James M. Whittico (Lifetime Achiever)

Gloria L. Taylor (Stellar Performer)

1998

Gloria Waters -White (Lifetime Achiever)

Steven N. Cousins (Stellar Performer)

1997

Judge Theodore McMillan (Lifetime Achiever)

Gwendolyn Packnett (Stellar Performer)

1996

Dr. Helen Nash (Lifetime Achiever)

Fr. Maurice Nutt (Stellar Performer)

1995

Kathryn E. Nelson (Lifetime Achiever)

Khatib Waheed (Stellar Performer)

1994

Bob Shannon (Lifetime Achiever)

Dr. Doris Wilson (Stellar Performer)

1993

Al Johnson (Lifetime Achiever)

Carol E. Jackson (Stellar Performer)

1992

Frankie M. Freeman (Lifetime Achiever)

Drs. Victor & Vincent Rodgers (Stellar Performers)

1991

Jesse Hill (Lifetime Achiever)

Dr. John H. Gladney (Stellar Performer)

1990

Fred H. Black (Gold Medallion Awardee)

1989

Bertha Gilkey (Gold Medallion Awardee)

1988

Vincent E. Reed (Gold Medallion Awardee)

Tashanna Stanciel finds her energy working with young people

Community Based Partner of the Year

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

Tashanna Stanciel serves as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri’s [BBBSEMO] inaugural alumni mentoring executive program director, and during her 16-year career has held positions in higher education and nonprofit administration.

This first-generation college student is devoted to serving, advising, and mentoring young people, and she says that keeps her young and enthusiastic in her role.

“I find my energy working back with our young people, keeping up with the times and figuring out what’s going on with them,” Stanciel said.

“This particular position has allowed me to grow as a leader and to learn how to supervise, how to manage and provide growth opportunities for professional staff.

“It’s actually never thought that I would be in this type of leadership role to be honest.”

She maintains key education and employment relationships, including at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and her alma mater, Southeast Missouri State University [SEMO.]

For her outstanding work with youths and young adults, Stanciel has been named the 2022 SEMO Community Based Partner of the Year.

“It’s a unique role and it’s very interesting,” she said of her job with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“I’m learning something new every day and my team truly challenges me so that we can continue to be better. There’s a number of gratifying pieces in the work that I do. Working with our young people, just being innovative in the work that we do.

As the youths she works with grow into adults, and then attend college, Stanciel reminds people, “there’s more than just financial aid when it comes to college.”

“It’s important that you can afford it. But do you have a sense of belonging on campus? Are there support systems in place to make sure that you are going to be successful?,” she asks.

“In addition to those support services, who are those individuals on campus who truly care about you and are going to help you get to the finish line. That’s what this partnership is going to help.”

She has exuded confidence in young people since beginning her career in 2006 as a financial aid and scholarship counselor at Missouri State University in Springfield where she assisted students fund their college education.

She has also managed all Missouri Department of Higher Education financial assistance programs and educated students and their families on financial

aid eligibility, options, and processes.

From 2008-2014, she served as Morehead State University senior enrollment services counselor for diversity and aligned the annual minority student recruitment strategic marketing plan with MSU’s enrollment goals.

Additionally, she organized and facilitated innovative student recruitment and community outreach initiatives to diverse student populations including “Diversity Day” and “Evening with the Eagles.”

As a Staff of Color Representative [SOCRep], she was integral in developing “Three Best Hopes”, which outlines recommendations for advancing the agency’s anti-bias anti-racist [ABAR] practices, policies, and procedures. With Staff of Color leadership, hard work, and dedication, “Three Best Hopes” is now part of the agency’s core documents.

She has built relationships, trust, and rapport with high school personnel, workforce development program staff, higher education administrators, parents,

Tashanna Stanciel was instrumental in the development of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri “Own the Future” program. She maintains key education and employment relationships, including at the University of MissouriSt. Louis and her alma mater, Southeast Missouri State University [SEMO]

youth, community organizations, and community leaders.

Stanciel is a graduate of the Morehead State University President’s Leadership Academy [Class of 2014] and was honored as a Nine PBS Public Media American Graduate Champion [2016] and a Focus St. Louis Emerging Leaders Alum [Fall 2018.] She serves as the Vice President of the Board for Brownpreneurs and chairs its Community Outreach Committee.

Raised in St. Louis, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in corrections, and a minor in developmental psychology from SEMO.

She earned a Master of Science in Public Administration and Policy Analysis with an emphasis in nonprofit administration from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. She is married to Terry Stanciel and is mom to “soccer sensation,” Micah.

Photo courtesy of BBBSEMO

Dr. Latonia Collins Smith taking HSSU to new heights

Stellar Performer in Education 2022

By Alvin A. Reid

The

St. Louis American

Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith was serving as Harris-Stowe State University provost and vice president for Academic Affairs when the HBCU’s president abruptly departed in May 2021.

The university’s Board of Regents knew it had an answer to the sudden change readily available, one who had thrived in the field of education and devoted much of her outstanding career to Harris-Stowe.

Smith was named interim president on June 1, 2021 and guided the school through a summer and first semester of achievement and excellence. Her work was exemplary, and her devotion to students, faculty, and staff was infectious. Harris-Stowe did not miss a beat during her time as interim president.

On March 1, 2022, Smith was named the 21st Harris-Stowe State University president. She became the university’s first African American woman to serve as president, following the legacy of Ruth Harris, the first Black woman to serve as Stowe Teachers College president in 1940.

Smith called holding the office and its historic significance, “a distinct honor.”

“Our university is a jewel in the St. Louis crown,” Smith said upon becoming president.

“I want to be a living example for Black and brown girls, letting them know that their dreams are possible. When the going gets tough, they can take a moment to reflect on my trajectory — and how I worked my way up the ranks to get to the place where I am today — to know they can do it, too.”

For her outstanding leadership at Harris-Stowe and unyielding support for education, Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith has been named the 2022 St. Louis American Foundation Stellar Performer in Education.

Michael McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis president and CEO and HSSU Board of Regents said, “Dr. Collins Smith exemplifies Harris-

‘Our university is a jewel’

Harris-Stowe State University President LaTonia Collins Smith with Christian Keyes, the actor and producer who delivered the 2022 HSSU Commencement address on May 7. It was Smith’s first graduation ceremony as university president.

Stowe’s core values of Personal Growth, Respect, Innovation, Diversity, and Excellence.”

“She has demonstrated her extraordinary ability to connect with all of our stakeholders and to catapult Harris-Stowe forward in these critical times.”

Smith brought more than two decades of leadership experience to the president’s office, with a background in administration and program development.

She began her career in higher education at HSSU in 2010 and served as the co-principal investigator of a $5

million National Science Foundation grant to strengthen STEM in the state of Missouri.

Recently, it was announced that Harris-Stowe will receive $2.6 million of a $25 million grant through the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration Build Back Better Regional Challenge.

The resources will be directed to the university’s Minority Entrepreneurship Collaborative Center for Advancement [MECCA] and Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Earlier this year, the school became

a partner educational institution in the Taylor Geospatial Institute “which further advances our STEM Agenda at Harris-Stowe State University,” Smith said.

“We are excited about the spirit of collaboration among the member institutions, who will all work together on exciting new geospatial research.”

The achievements during Smith’s tenure include HSSU and The Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College partnering to reserve four spots in the Goldfarb nursing program for Harris-Stowe students.

Knowing the costs are a factor, Smith helped craft a plan in which those four students will receive scholarships and can begin their nursing education during their desired term, rather than being added to a wait list. Students accepted into the nursing program will be charged the same tuition rate as they pay at Harris-Stowe.

Since her tenure as interim president, the University has raised more than $3.5M in scholarships, donations, including those designated to endowments, as well as grants.

Renovations for the former Vashon Community Center Building, which will become home to the Don and Heide Wolff Jazz Institute and National Black Radio Hall of Fame, are also underway.

Smith is also a valued civic leader in the St. Louis region, serving as chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statewide Celebration Commission of Missouri. She is a member of the Downtown Advisory Board for Greater St. Louis, Inc., and is a member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Smith attended St. Louis Public Schools and is a graduate of the University of Central Missouri, where she majored in social work.

She takes particular pride in her hometown education and roots.

I am from North St. Louis, Missouri, particularly the Ville neighborhood. I was educated here in St. Louis public school from K through l2,” she said.

Smith earned a Master of Social Work degree and a Master of Public Health degree from Saint Louis University and an educational doctorate in higher education leadership from Maryville University in St. Louis.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Holly Cousins knows education, family are related

She is ‘Friend’ of Jennings School District

Lifetime Achiever

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

Lessons learned early helped propel Holly Parran Cousins into a career in education.

Her grandmother, Maimee Tyler, was an educator at Lane College during the 1930s. Cousins’ mother, Barbara, instilled the importance of education to her, and backed her words with action.

She obtained a college degree after raising five children, while working as a cartographer for the Defense Mapping Agency.

“My mother was involved in her own education, completing her college degree the same time that we did. Trying to manage her own children, attend college and working full time, pushed me to want to become an educator.”

After graduation from Webster High School, Cousins earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts at Webster University and then her Masters degree in education.

She devoted more than 30 years to children’s education, serving 17 years as an elementary school teacher in the Jennings School District.

For her lifelong devotion to the classroom and excellence in preparing young people for the future, Holly Cousins has been selected as the 2022 St. Louis American Foundation Lifetime Achiever. While working in the Jennings School District at Fairview Elementary School, Cousins created the Special Friends program, which paired teachers and students as mentors and mentees.

After two years of success, the program was rechristened as “Special Friends Extended,” which paired each classroom from kindergarten to 8th grade [over 400 students] with professionalsfrom the St. Louis community.

“They would visit twice a year, and as high impact professional mentors had one-on-one, get-acquainted meetings with their mentee,” she explained.

“They then adjourned to class with that mentee, led a discussion and spoke

to that class, guided by lesson plans that were prepared for each grade level on life skills.”

The importance of maintaining academic excellence, good character, citizenship, as well as advice on how to pursue career goals were part of the sessions.

If students had a career path in mind, they gained guidance from mentors on how to reach that goal.

The mentors included lawyers, doctors, engineers from various fields, dentists, architects, journalists, judges, psychiatrists, authors, teachers, elected

public officials, first responders, clergy members, business and civic leaders and STEM professionals.

The program was expanded to five Jennings schools, three schools in the Riverview Gardens School District and a high school in Central California for four years.

She accomplished this feat while still teaching at Fairview, receiving no pay for nurturing her innovative project.

Since its modest creation in 2006, the program currently reaches 2,500 students yearly.

“I was told in time that we had less

Holly Cousins devoted more than 30 years to children’s education, serving 17 years as an elementary school teacher in the Jennings School District. For her lifelong devotion to the classroom and excellence in preparing young people for the future, Cousins has been selected as the 2022 St. Louis American Foundation Lifetime Achiever.

kids fighting in our buildings, and I think partially it was due to Special Friends Extended programs,” she said.

Always seeking new ways to help her school district, Cousins raised funds for a playground at Fairview, and library furniture for two other schools.

After retiring from teaching in 2013, Cousins continued the program maintaining a constant presence in schools and children’s lives.

When COVID-19 struck in 2020 and schools were closed or operating on

See COUSINS, page 35

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Cousins

continued from page 31

a limited schedule, Cousins “re-engineered and reimagined” her program.

The mentoring portion was reinstated, but only at Jennings High School. She added another dimension to the program: providing scholarships to JHS graduates.

Special Friends Extended has continued as the Holly Cousins Special Friends Extended Scholarship. Established in 2021, it awards two scholarships of $3,000 each to two graduating senior students “who demonstrate high academic achievement, leadership, promise and contribute to a positive social environment.”

Four scholarships have been awarded, one going to Joye Graham. She was a member of the National Honor Society and a former Fairview student.

She won the award along with Marena Keys, a National Honor Society member who was first in her class at JHS in 2022.

The motto of Special Friends Extended has always been “If they can see it, they can be it,” Cousins said. These words were spoken to her by her mother when Cousins first shared the ideas and elements of the program with her in 2006.

Her love of teaching comes from the heart, and her success and that of other

educators begins with enjoying the work.

“You have to have joy in what you’re doing, respect for students and the ability to work and be excellent at what you do. I think that’s important for any educator,” she said.

In addition to teaching, Cousins is a painter and has two of her works juried at Coastal Art Gallery in Half Moon Bay, California.

She was a co- recipient of the Frankie Muse Freeman/Norman R Sealy Commitment to St. Louis Award in 2017, was awarded the Peabody Locos Leadership in Education Award in 2011.

She served as a Board of Trustee member of the Saint Louis Art Museum from 2004 to 2012 and was a Forest Park Leffingwell Society Hat luncheon co-chair in 2011. She helped raise approximately $500,000 for Forest Park Forever.

She is a member of The Girl Friends, Inc., and The Paupers Club of St. Louis. Cousins also serves on the Women’s Society Washington University Board.

She was born to Holland and Barbara Tyler Parran, and has four siblings, Cheryl, Holland Jr., Diana, and Faye.

She is married to Steve Cousins, a 1998 Stellar Performer and former partner at Armstrong Teasdale and current CEO of Cousins Allied Strategic Advisors. She has two daughters, Stephanie, an OBGYN physician, and Heather, a film editor. They both reside in California.

Bayer celebrates 20th year of sponsoring the School of Excellence

By K. Michael Jones

The

St. Louis American

Not only is the St. Louis American Foundation celebrating its special milestone 35th anniversary Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala, it is also celebrating its now 20 year partnership with Bayer in presenting the School of Excellence award.

“For 20 years – first as Monsanto, and now as Bayer – we have partnered with the St. Louis American Foundation to present the School of Excellence award to a school that has made substantial academic progress, implemented an innovative approach to education, and/or overcome a substantial barrier to academic excellence. This annual award goes to a deserving school that has made significant progress,” said Al Mitchell, vice president, corporate engagement for Bayer.

Previous Bayer/Monsanto School of Excellence Honorees:

Avant

(East

(SLPS)

Deborah Patterson (right) helped start the School of Excellence program with the St. Louis American Foundation and Monsanto in 2003. Since 2015 Al Mitchell, vice president, corporate engagement for Bayer has championed this special program.

W e’re t he Regional Bus i ness Council. Our members include

CE Os of over 100 of the area’s leading businesses, generating over $65 b i llio n i n revenue an d employi ng over 120,000

pr o f es sionals . RBC mem bers are passionate about St. Louis an d giving b ac k. Our strength, resources, and ex pertise allow us to act quickly to si gnificantl y impact areas o f need a s they ar i se. Improving the St. Louis region is a big job, but t hat’s our Business.

Con g rat ul ations t o t he Sa lu t e t o Exce llenc e i n Education

h

Retiring SLPS Supt. Dr. Kelvin Adams to receive special tribute at Salute Gala

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

Saint Louis Public Schools

Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Adams is retiring after serving the district for 14 years, at the end of December. But, before he does so, there will be a special tribute for him at the 35th annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala.

“This is truly the end of an era,” said Matt Davis, education board president.

“Today, SLPS is fully accredited, due to the leadership of our superintendent and his team. Dr. Adams has given his all to this District for 14 years and we are extremely indebted to him.”

“Over the years, we have marked several important milestones, the latest of which was the passage of Proposition S on August 2, 2022. We are extremely grateful for the overwhelmingly positive support for Prop S (87% passage),” Adams said in a release.

“It shows us that voters trust this Board and administration to continue to build momentum and accomplish great things for our students, teachers, and

families. Having managed the elected Board’s return to power and the great energy they bring to the position, I am leaving the district in caring and capable hands.”

Adams was hired by the Special Administrative Board that ran SLPS in 2008, and Adams said in a letter to parents and staff on the SLPS website,

“I dedicated myself to increasing academic outcomes for students with a commitment to returning to the district to full accreditation.

Together we did it.”

“Full accreditation then was a goal. Now it is an expectation. Looking back on our time together, we have accomplished so much more. We have doubled our Pre-K capacity, balanced 13 consecutive budgets, increased graduation rates, and

brought unprecedented financial stability to SLPS.

St. Louis Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Adams

Board President Matt Davis called Adams future departure, “the end of an era.”

“Dr. Adams often says he is, ‘data- driven,’ and he used that talent to analyze information and help change the trajectory of the district,” Davis said.

“What we have built over the past fourteen years is a solid foundation of support for our students, families, and community. I am leaving strong people and programs in place, and I trust them to keep moving SLPS forward,” Adams said.

“We still have a great deal of work that must be accomplished. That list includes focusing on returning students to safe, secure classrooms now that the

pandemic appears near its end, continue supporting the efforts of the City-Wide Plan to develop a uniform blueprint of schooling for all students in the city, and approving the next version of the Transformation Plan, which will provide a vision for the future of the district.”

Adams, a former SLPS Human Resources director, came back to St. Louis after serving as chief of staff for the Recovery School District in New Orleans, a district in which 86 percent of students are eligible for free/reduced lunch and 99 percent are of a minority group.

“One of my strengths in the last 10 years is bringing people together to solve problems,” Adams said during a superintendent candidates forum in September 2008. He was in line to be superintendent in New Orleans but decided to leave and return to St. Louis for this superintendent position.

As his time with SLPS superintendent nears its end, Adams said, “As I continue to serve the students, families, and staff of Saint Louis Public Schools over the next few months, I do so with a deep sense of pride and humility.”

Salute To Excellence co-chairs honored to support milestone event

Three of the area’s most prominent elected officials have come together in support of the milestone 35th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala.

Serving as co-chairs for the event are St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, and St. Louis County Executive Sam Page.

Proceeds from the St. Louis American Foundation’s four Salute to Excellence events are used for community grants as well as scholarships for local minority students. In 2021 alone, the St. Louis American Foundation distributed more than $3 million in minority scholarships and community grants, and

Alice F. Roach, Ed.D. Administrative Director

Manager

since its inception, the 501c3 foundation, along with its higher education partners and individual donors, has distributed more than $11 million locally. The scholarships and grants that have been awarded since 1994 would not be possible without the generous contributions of our corporate supporters and education partners who also share our appreciation and high regard for the value and critical importance of high-quality education.

The gala has returned to America’s Center after virtual celebrations in 2020 and 2021. St. Louis’ single largest sitdown banquet, which attracts nearly 1,400 attendees and honors outstanding students and educators from throughout the region.

Sam Page

Tishaura Jones Darlene Green

The St. Louis American Foundation Statement of Mission and Purpose

The St. Louis American Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization founded in 1994, is dedicated to enabling the African-American community to increase its access to careers in Journalism, the Sciences, and the Humanities. The Foundation has defined a unique mission. This mission combines a primary interest in promoting educational opportunity with critical support for activities that enable individuals towards being focused and assuming personal responsibility for pursuing constructive futures. Including the scholarships below, the St. Louis American Foundation has fostered nearly $14 million in scholarships, education and community grants since its inception in 1994.

2022 St. Louis American Foundation Scholarships and Community Grants

2022 Donald M. Suggs Scholarships:

Missouri State University Donald M. Suggs Scholarship

The St. Louis American Foundation is pleased to have an opportunity to support individuals and organizations who share our view that education is a critical need if African Americans are to be able to help themselves and to contribute to community progress.

2022 Salute to Excellence in Education – Sponsors

Valedictorian Sponsors

Salutatorian Sponsor

Summa Cum Laude Sponsors

Magna Laude Sponsor Cum Laude Sponsors

Dean’s List Sponsors

• Greater St. Louis Inc.

• St. Louis Children’s Hospital

• St. Louis Community College • Washington University

Official Jeweler

Honor Roll Sponsors

• East St. Louis Schools District 189

• Parsons Bluett

• Regional Business Council

University of Missouri St. Louis

Urban League

Attendance Prize Sponsor

The St. Louis American Foundation is especially grateful to our sponsors listed above. Their generous support was indispensable in making possible the highly successful 2022 Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala and the 2022 Salute Scholarships.

Metropolitan St. Louis Chapte

Gamma Omega, Delta Delta Omega, Omicron Eta Omega

Theta Omega,Upsilon Phi Omega, Alpha Beta Zeta O Beta Delta, Epsilon Iota

We are

Chances are, you’ve seen us around the house, or around the yard. In the store, or even out in the field. In fact, families and farmers have turned to Bayer for six generations and counting.

Because for over 150 years, we’ve been right by your side. Advancing the health and nutrition of everyone you love.

Thank you for trusting us, then and now.