World Wide Technology is honored to sponsor the 37th annual St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education
Congratulations to all of the honorees! Thank you for your exceptional service to our future generation!
A special congratulations to Jackie Joyner-Kersee as the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient!
Together, let’s make a new world happen.
Going strong at year 37
This year we are delighted to celebrate the 37th anniversary of the St Louis American’s Salute to Excellence in Education. The event began in 1988 as a small,community-focused banquet, honoring a diverse group of individual 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 varied community needs. In 1994, we created the St Louis American Foundation, a 501c3 organization, with a primary focus on education, equity and individual educators. Fortunately, this initiative resonated with the St Louis community, including public, private and non-profit sector organizations, along with some generous individual donors. They have strongly embraced our reconsidered vision: celebrating outstanding individual educators, while providing much needed funding to help deserving youth succeed.
Today, this ongoing support from the community, in collaboration with multiple higher education institutions has enabled this program to evolve and grow into an established annual occasion. The event has become one of the largest community benefits awards event in the entire St Louis region.
Since its inception (including proceeds from this year’s event), the Foundation and its huge support from education partners have made possible the granting of over $17 million for scholarships to high achieving students with financial needs as well as community grants, including over $2.3 million this year.
Lifetine Achiever in Education
Jackie Joyner-Kersee Founder and CEO,
Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation
Stellar Performer in Education
Ellicia Lanier
Founder and Executive Director, Urban Sprouts
University, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, St Louis Community College, University of Missouri St Louis, Washington University and Webster University.
n Today, this ongoing support from the community, in collaboration with multiple higher education institutions has enabled this program to evolve and grow into an established annual occasion.
We are deeply grateful to David and Thelma Steward for chairing this year’s event. We are thankful and appreciate the scholarships this year from Harris-Stowe State University, Lindenwood University, Maryville University, Southeast Missouri State
As we reflect on the 37th year of this important event, we are proud that we now produce more than merely an entertaining evening. The Foundation expects to be here serving this community into the future, gaining new collaborative partnerships in the interest of greater equity in education outcomes that will provide more opportunities for our youth. This work helps to highlight the value of the untapped potential of AfricanAmerican students. Their contributions to our workforce play a major role in assuring a more successful future for the entire St Louis region and the nation.
We want to congratulate and express our deep regard and respect for this
year’s awardees whose dedication and hard work we hold in high esteem, as well as highlighting the ongoing need for more dedicated educators, and the diligent scholarship recipients who are indispensable to the future well-being of this community.
I want to especially thank the dedicated staff of the Foundation, led by Raven Whitener, our Foundation Director for all of their hard work to make this event possible. Additionally I want to thank the entire staff of the St Louis American for their ever so important support. Finally, I want to thank everyone in the community whose support enables a community event whose purpose is to improve the life outcomes of more of our young people. At a time when so much divides our nation, your ongoing support empowers us to make a difference in the lives of people in need and I am grateful for this concern for others.
Michael R Holmes Board Chair St Louis American Foundation
General Chairs
David & Thelma Steward
Founders, Steward Family Foundation
2024 SEMO Counselor of the Year
Kimberly Merrill University City High School
Asquith S. “Sean”
Armstrong Dean of the School of Continuing & Professional Studies, Washington University
Dr. Latricia Singleton-Clark
Assistant Principal, Hazelwood West High School
Dr. Mary Hairston
Assistant Director of Education Leadership, Urban League Head Start
Lieutenant Colonel Nina McLean Teacher, James Avant
Elementary SchoolEast St. Louis
‘Education is great equalizer’
By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American
David and Thelma Steward, co-chairs for the 2024 Salute to Excellence in Education, thank their parents for instilling the value of education within them.
“Our parents were committed to educating their children and we inherited that from them,” said David Steward, Founder and Chair of World Wide Technology.
“Education is the ‘great equalizer’ –the way to make talent and opportunity equal for all, across our great nation, in our cities as well as in our rural communities.”
Steward explained that “Education shapes our collective future. It is where we learn who we are through the arts and what we are through science.”
“Consider World Wide Technology, which I founded just three years after Dr. Suggs’ first Salute to Excellence [in education]. WWT is now the largest Black-owned company in North America. We would not be where we are without education. We owe a great debt to the teachers and scholars who commit themselves every day to making our world a better place.”
Steward’s vision, ambition and determination are widely responsible for catapulting WWT from a small government contractor with a handful of employees into a global technology solutions provider that is the largest Black-owned company in the United States with more than $20 billion in annual revenue and over 10,000 employees.
As WWT chair, he directs the work of WWT’s board of directors and executive management team to ensure they are implementing a growth strategy that capitalizes on strategic opportunities aligned with the company’s core values.
According to the WWT website, the firm accelerated in the early 1990s when
the company qualified for and graduated from the Small Business Administration’s Business Development Program.
It stands as one of the SBA program’s top success stories, which helps firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals receive training and technical assistance to strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the American economy.
WWT’s success in the SBA’s Business Development Program helped shape WWT’s vision to offer similar support to other small and disadvantaged firms through WWT’s Small Business and Supplier Diversity program.
As Steward often says, “Talent is
equally distributed; opportunity is not. We need to change that by inspiring and igniting untapped potential. Diversity and inclusion are essential to innovation; both foster stronger business outcomes.”
The Stewards have been married for nearly 50 years. They have two children and two grandchildren. Their son, Dave Steward II, is the CEO of Polarity, LLC, the only Black-owned digital animation studio in the United States.
Their daughter, Kimberly, is the CEO of K Period Media, an American film production/finance company. Both David II and Kimberly were awarded Oscars by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for their work.
n David Steward explained that “Education shapes our collective future. It is where we learn who we are through the arts and what we are through science.”
The Stewards hold the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Jackie Joyner-Kersee in high regard for service to the community.
“Jackie is a model for all of us,” David Steward said.
“With all her success, she could have settled anywhere but chose to come home to East St. Louis to serve and uplift families and communities. She brings incredible energy, intellect, and commitment to everything she does.
“Her life and spirit are a beacon of hope. All of us can look to her as someone who can guide and lead us to better lives and a better community.”
‘She taught us all to dream bigger’
By Alvin A. Reid
Michelle Tucker is an East St. Louis girl, just as Salute to Excellence in Education Lifetime Achiever award recipient Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
They also have something else in common – their respective birthdays on March 3.
The Olympian’s iconic athletic career has been matched by her dedication to education, especially in her hometown, which is inspiring to Tucker.
“Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s incredible journey from East St. Louis to becoming one of the greatest athletes in history has profoundly inspired me and countless kids in our community,” said Tucker.
“Watching her achieve remarkable milestones, like world records in the heptathlon and long jump, and earning six Olympic medals from 1984 to 2000, taught us all to dream bigger.”
Through JJK’s inspiration, Tucker now helps bring needed services and support to dozens of organizations as president and CEO of the United Way of Greater St. Louis.
“As a young Black female, I felt a special connection to Jackie, especially knowing we share the same birthday,” Tucker said.
“It’s truly amazing to now consider her a friend and to exchange personal texts on our special day just to check in on one another. I want to thank Jackie for being an outstanding example of excellence and inspiration for us all.”
Tucker said United Way of Greater St. Louis has been a supporter of the Jackie Joyner Kersee Foundation initiatives for over two decades sponsoring youthcentered programs and financial stability initiatives totaling over $1.4 million.
Micheal McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, also hails Joyner-Kersee for her
Michelle Tucker said United Way of Greater St. Louis has been a supporter of the Jackie Joyner Kersee Foundation initiatives for over two decades.
Michael McMillan said the region should acknowledge the incredible difference Jackie Joyner-Kersee has made at home.
devotion to education and East St. Louis – where the Urban League opened its first headquarters in the region.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to partner with Jackie Joyner-Kersee and her foundation over the years in our shared mission to uplift and empower communities,” said McMillan.
“Jackie’s dedication to enriching the lives of young people through her foundation has had a profound and lasting impact not only in East St. Louis but across the nation. Her tireless work to
create opportunities for youth to excel— whether in academics, athletics, or leadership—is a testament to her unparalleled commitment to giving back.”
At the Urban League, we have always admired Jackie’s vision and have been proud to collaborate on initiatives that align with our mission of economic and social empowerment. Her legacy as a world-class athlete is matched only by her passion for serving others, and her work continues to inspire future generations.
McMillan said the region should
acknowledge “not only her remarkable achievements on the world stage but also the incredible difference she has made at home.”
“Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s leadership and heart for her community will continue to inspire us all for years to come,” said McMillan.
Tucker shares that though and ends her praise of Joyner-Kersee by saying, “Signed – a hometown friend and true admirer of Jackie’s accomplishments.”
By Ashley Winters
The St. Louis American
“Your desire to learn counts more than any other qualification; and seriousness more than brilliance.”
Dr. Rosa Clinton years ago spoke these words of wisdom, and still stand as a mantra that Asquith “Sean” Armstrong passes along to the students he’s helping to chart their educational journeys.
Armstrong, Dean of the School of Continuing & Professional Studies at Washington University St. Louis, has long supported students in their pursuit of academic excellence. He served as a public high school social studies teacher in Orlando before advancing to an academic advisory role at Lake-Sumter State College.
He joined UCF in 2006 as an academic administrator, where he has held several positions and leadership roles. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, a master’s in public administration in public personnel management from Troy University in Troy, Ala., and a doctorate in higher education and policy studies from UCF.
Now at Washington University St. Louis, Armstrong has transformed University College, the university’s professional and continuing education division. The program promotes economic mobility and career advancement for residents of the St. Louis region.
“Along with many of my peers in this space, I have come to understand that while talent is universal, the opportunities to develop that talent to meet current workforce needs through higher education are not,” said Armstrong. Armstrong’s creativity and passion for community engagement make his program accessible to the average working adult. The program CAPS offers flexible learning and support that helps students achieve their goals.
“We understand students at this stage of life have a great deal of responsibilities, and this stage of life should not prevent them from advancing into areas
where they believe they can make meaningful contributions,” he said.
Armstrong was once a modern learner, the type of student he serves in the CAPS program. He describes the students as combinations of student, parent and employee. They have multiple responsibilities, and they must balance their personal and professional duties while pursuing their educational goals.
“As a former modern learner myself, it was the lack of that flexibility and support that led me to become a change leader in the field,” Armstrong said. “I felt a calling to help adults who believed
they had peaked in their careers and wanted to transition to new opportunities through education.”
The CAPS program maintains a strong Liberal Arts focus and is responsive to regional needs. The partnership-based organization helps create mutually beneficial opportunities for local organizations in the St. Louis region.
CAPS programs are:
Healthcare transition program –partnered the medical school with the St. Louis County Public Library Adult Basic Education program to create opportu-
nities for graduates to qualify for open positions at a continually growing organization.
Prison Education Project – offers opportunities for incarcerated individuals to earn associate and bachelor’s degree, thus increasing the likelihood of career and life success when they return home.
ELP – a collaboration with the Mosaic Project and International Institute to identify gaps for individuals who need advanced English, pairing with a professional skills certificate that aligns with in-demand careers.
Degree completion – for more than 500,000 individuals who have completed some college but have not earned their degree, we are creating pathways that we hope other institutions can replicate to help the state close its talent gap.
However, stepping into his new role at the university came with some hurdles. Changing the focus of a school within a university that has operated in the same way for nearly 100 years can be challenging.
“I was not naïve about the difficulties we were going to face in shifting our operations in a relatively short period to meet the new vision,” Armstrong said. But he continuously communicated the vision and mission of being accessible in a variety of ways to anyone wanting to know more.
Armstrong receives support from university leaders Chancellor Martin and Provost Wendland.
“At WashU, through our educational mission, we can make a generational impact in the St. Louis region,” said Armstrong. Armstrong hopes students will gain more knowledge in ethical reasoning; recognizing complex dilemmas and considering how different perspectives might be applied to realworld situations. There are several skills that Armstrong believes are important to enhance one’s career. These include critical thinking, digital fluency, and the ability to collaborate with others.
Ashley Winters is a Report For America reporter for the St. Louis American.
By Sylvester Brown, Jr.
“I am amazed, grateful and honored to have lived to receive an opportunity like this.” – Dr. Mary Hairston
Almost 60 years ago, Head Start programs were instituted as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty.”
What started in 1965 as a summer program with the goal of providing child development services to low-income children and families, serves nearly 40 million children today.
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has been lauded as one of the region’s premier Head Start programs. Helping to guide it is Dr. Mary Hairston, assistant director of education leadership for the organization’s head start and early head start programming.
Hairston is a proud head start baby. The early educational boost, she said, contributed to her “honor-roll” status throughout her elementary and high school years. She recalled reading her late mother Mary Holmes’ scrapbook where she kept notes on her seven children. Mrs. Holmes wrote that “Dee Dee” didn’t speak to her teachers during her first six months of preschool. Her mother’s description, Hairston chuckled, still applies today:
“I was and still am a very quiet-natured person,” Hairston admitted. “If I’m at a large networking event, you can pretty much bet Dr. Hairston is somewhere in the back. I do my best work behind-thescenes.”
Hairston may have a behind-thescenes approach to leadership, but in her 14-year tenure with the Urban League she’s managed eight of its early childhood centers and oversees professional development training for all staffers and educational programs for infant, toddler and preschool children.
Hairston, who started her career with the S. Louis Public School District, said her philosophy is basic but effective. “I try to aim to shape the culture of the classroom environment,” she explained. “It’s important to learn and articulate a
vision. Leadership is many things including a clear vision, directional goals, planning efforts, intentional coaching, selective resourcing, communication, data
analysis and team collaboration. That means accountability from all the staff and parents. That ‘accountability’ piece is so critical.”
Early Head Start serves infants up to 36-month-old toddlers. Head Start is designed to educate children from the ages of 3-to-5-years old. Getting an early educational start for infants up to kindergarten-age is vitally important, Hairston stressed.
“Based on my experience and reflections over my career, I’d say a child at an infant age...those are the years you’re really setting a foundation to really prepare them for kindergarten.
“A lot of times people think there’s nothing to teach a newborn, but best practices and research tells you that learning starts in the mother’s womb. Once the child is born you want to make sure the child is developing appropriately, then once the child goes into preschool you’ve gotten them ready for kindergarten. In setting that foundation, you’ve set the path for that child’s success.”
There are a few things Hairston wants every parent to know about head start programs:
“Head Start nurtures the whole child. We make sure that not only is the education piece covered but the health piece is also covered. We make sure immunizations, nutrition and mental health pieces are covered. We make sure parents don’t lose their first love: We assure them that they are teachers. We not only provide training for our parents, but we also invite them to be on our policy council, so they pretty much facilitate policy.”
When notified of her honoree status, Hairston responded: “I am amazed, grateful and honored to have lived to receive an opportunity like this.”
Her real “honor,” she added, is being able to do something she still loves:
“When I get up every morning to go to work; it’s not a job for me. It’s what I’m passionate about,” Hairston said. “It’s my calling. I enjoy doing what I do. I enjoy making a difference in the lives of people. I enjoy serving people.”
Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.
You make our comminuty better.
BJC HealthCare celebrates the St. Louis American and all the students and educators honored tonight.
By Ashley Winters
The St. Louis American
“ I know in some small way I and the many other teachers they have had, helped get them there, helped them on the path to attaining their purpose”
Lt. Colonel Nina McLean has helped transform her school in the Metro East into one of the district’s highest academic achievers. McLean is a 5th-grade teacher at Avant Elementary School in the East St. Louis School District,
McLean also serves as instructional leadership team leader and is responsible for supporting the school’s mission and vision, assisting the principal with reaching [academic] goals and implementing the curriculum, and ensuring all faculty and staff are knowledgeable about content and usage.
This year’s Salute to Excellence 2024 Awardee brings educational success to the students she serves in East St. Louis.
“I was inspired to go into the field of education after being accused of plagiarism in college. It seems like an awful thing to happen but it made all the difference in my life. The professor told me that my work was of such high quality, that there was “no way someone like me did it,” said McLean. This experience reminded her of all the times in her life when someone underestimated McLean because of the color of her skin or gender.
McLean knew that any good educator would have said outstanding of a job their student did and if they had any doubt about their students’ work they would have asked for resources, but she realized her professor said ‘someone like her’.
“ I thought of the best way that I could help another child not have to grow up with that. I thought of how I could impact future professors so that their mindsets would not assume those discriminatory thoughts,” she said. McLean decided to become a teacher at that moment “Teachers can impact so many things and they have the power to do it,” she added.
Being a teacher can have its ups and
downs but for McLean seeing the fruits of her labor is one of the most rewarding things for her. Seeing her former students being successful as lawyers or serving in the military.
“I know in some small way I and the many other teachers they have had, helped get them there, helped them on the path to attaining their purpose,” said the Lieutenant. But it hasn’t always been sunshine and roses for McLean– there are always students who have behavior problems, and parents who instead of
providing support blame the teachers and the educational environment. There is paperwork, and more paperwork, and deadlines and there never seems to be enough time to implement new ways to educate young minds. She takes the tough times in strides “It is just part of the profession and the ever-changing world around us,” she said.
The Lieutenant has learned to push through it all because there are still more students before that need her. McLean tells the St. Louis American about a dif-
ficult time when she lost a teacher she was mentoring. He had the world before him in his twenties. He was a mentor to a young boys group, he had just been accepted into law school at LSU and had just gone to continue his enlistment in the Army Reserves. I was there taking pictures and cheering him on. “I couldn’t wait to see the great things he would do, then in an instant, he was gone. It still hurts today to talk about him.”
For McLean those difficult moments usually have nothing to do with the dayto-day grind of being an educator but more so about the students those she could reach and make a difference and those she couldn’t. “In the army, they ask soldiers why they continue to fight even when times get hard. The answer is always for the women and men beside them,” said McLean.
To make sure she is doing her part in helping her students reach their fullest potential, the 5th-grade teacher uses Artificial Intelligence in the classroom and the use of other technological advances, such as virtual field trips, to make learning more interactive. She takes advantage of the Literacy centers where students can work more independently on areas they would struggle with in the past–they use hands-on activities that enhance learning and make it more concrete.
“My most rewarding moments have been those in which I’ve seen the fruits of my labor. I am excited to see students I used to have, working, speaking at engagements, arguing a court case, delivering food, serving in the armed forces, being a good mom or dad, or matriculating at a college or university,” said McLean.
“Your work is what you get paid for, your purpose is what you were made for”. Teaching is a calling, find your purpose for teaching, and you will find it more rewarding than anything someone could pay you for.”
Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.
By Sylvester Brown, Jr.
Dr. Latricia Singleton-Clark serves as Hazelwood West High School assistant principal after moving from Hazelwood East, where she was family and consumer sciences teacher and recipient of the Hazelwood District Teacher of the Year Award in 2024. Throughout her 11-year teaching career, Singleton-Clark has been a social studies, home economics and culinary teacher, as well as a girls track and volleyball coach.
A native of East St. Louis IL. Singleton-Clark attended East St. Louis Lincoln Senior High School, Eastern Illinois University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s in family and consumer sciences. With dual certifications in social studies and family and consumer sciences (formerly Home Economics), SingletonClark’s first teaching assignment was at Riverview Gardens middle school.
Did her first teaching assignment convince her that she’d be a teacher for life?
“Ah, no!” Singleton-Clark responded, frankly. “I had never experienced that level of disrespect from kids. I just didn’t see that coming.
“They give you a foundation for teaching but the other part-the behaviors and the things kids actually go through partsyou don’t learn those things until you’re in the classroom.”
Her degree in sociology helped her navigate the terrain a bit but it was a professional development session on youth and trauma that opened her eyes to a new approach.
“At first, I questioned the relevancy (of the session) but then I started to pick up on the fact that the kids I taught showed all the signs of trauma…I had to rethink my purpose and what I was doing. It was like, ‘OK, I’m a teacher but I can’t get the lessons done because of all of these other elements.’
“So, I had to rethink my approach and mindset as it pertained to my students. Not only did they need a good teacher, but they also needed some help navi-
gating those traumas, so I had to learn to teach them academically as well as behaviorally.”
Fortunately, while pursuing her doc-
torate in education, Singleton-Clark had to interview several educators on their lived experiences as teachers. She will never forget how one of those interview-
ees impacted her mindset.
“He said, ‘rather than assuming it’s only a certain type of kid (dealing with trauma); just assume they’re all going through something. That will make you a better type of teacher. It will make you more empathetic when you’re teaching.’”
That simple lesson, that mindset, Singleton-Clark said, has made her a better educator and administrator.
“Even now, I ask them, ‘what’s your purpose, why are you here? That way, I can say ‘some of the choices you’re making aren’t necessarily the best ones. If you want to be here, these things aren’t acceptable, this is what’s going to help you be successful.’”
With experience, Singleton-Clark knows how some students perceive her and how she must combat those preconceptions.
“My persona, with some of them, is, ‘she don’t play, she’s strict…she has rules, they expect me to be this mean ba-da-boom person,” Singleton-Clark explained. “You can’t enjoy teaching if you’re just the militant, ‘take out your work, do the assignment and I’ll give you a grade’ type of teacher.”
She added, “When they figure out that I am structured and I do have rules but I’m not here to get you, I’m here to help you. When they were able to understand that; I didn’t have many problems with classroom management.”
How do her peers regard her?
“I think they see my connection with the kids; they see the type of reporte’ I have with my students as well as my colleagues.”
How does she feel about being honored with an Excellence in Education Award?
“I’m a low-key person, so it’s a little bit overwhelming for me. I’m just honored, and I appreciate it more than anything. It’s a great feeling to be recognized.”
Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.
Amiya Jones
Amiya Jones is a junior at Harris-Stowe State University, majoring in Biology Pre-med with a concentration in nursing. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, she graduated from Hogan Preparatory Academy in 2022. Amiya is passionate about uplifting her community, especially through mentorship. She actively supports youths on campus and in her hometown. As a Presidential Scholar, she was awarded a fullride scholarship for her academic excellence. Amiya is a student ambassador, Hornet Keeper mentor, and involved with organizations including the NAACP, Black Women’s Initiative, Thelma V. Cook Leadership Institute, and TRIO. Additionally, she is a Spring ‘24 initiate of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. Amiya aspires to pursue a career as a pediatric travel nurse, driven by her passion and love for healthcare, and her desire to make a global impact in her community. Through her academic and extracurricular achievements, she strives to uplift others and create lasting change within her community.
University
Kenneth Cunningham
Kenneth Cunningham is a first-year accounting major at Maryville University. He is from St. Louis, Missouri, and attended Life Academy for six years, where he was valedictorian with a 4.3 GPA and received an associate’s degree with high honors. He is also a member of the St. Louis Internship Program, where he received training from professionals in various fields on succeeding in pro-
fessional environments. Kenneth is a longtime volunteer with Seeds of Promise Youth Ministry and has served his church. He has strived to create Maryville’s first Crypto Club, which aims to educate and equip its members to utilize a digital currency in a digital world.
Skylar Moore
Skylar grew up in Webster Groves, attended Webster Groves High School and was a part of the leadership committee of their National Honors Society. She was in the top 10% of her class receiving the George Washington Carver award at graduation. At graduation she also received the President’s Education Award. She loved to do art and was also a part of the National Art Honors Society. She loves to hang out with friends, listen to music, and learn new things every day. She plans to major in Biology and go into medical school to become a Neurologist.
Zaria Purvey
Zaria is a native St. Louisan and Pattonville High School graduate. She graduated as a member of National Honor Society, National Social Studies Society, and secretary of her class. She obtained her CNA certification during this time as well. Zaria received the Drum Major Scholarship Award from Christian Hospital Foundation, as well as a Donald Suggs scholarship from Maryville University. These achievements allowed
her to attend her first school of choice, Maryville University, where she is majoring in nursing. She wants to become a Registered Nurse and eventually a Physician’s Assistant. She is adamant about strengthening and giving back to her community.
Jeffrey White is a dedicated and motivated student from St. Peter’s, Missouri. He is a graduate of Francis Howell North High School and has been involved in various activities such as running, playing music, and attending sporting events. He has been awarded the prestigious Donald M. Suggs Scholarship at Maryville University after achieving academic honors, including the Certificate of Advanced Learning on Fundamental Business Concepts Exam based on his strong understanding of finance, marketing, accounting, and operations management. He is passionate about pursuing a major in accounting and aims to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Kamarra Williams
Kamarra Williams graduated Cum Laude from University City High School and enjoys drawing and painting and has a love for different types of pets. Although her favorite color is purple, she often wears black, which surprises those
who know her. She is pursuing a degree in psychology and aims to become a clinical psychologist. She is committed to creating a supportive environment where people can seek help without fear of judgment. Kamarra is passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to remind both individuals and others that they are human.
Nicole Vaughn Nicole Vaughn is enrolled in the General Transfer Studies program at St. Louis Community College - Forest Park. She is working to advance her information technology career by studying cybersecurity and an IT System Engineering career. Nicole was born and raised in East St Louis, Illinois. She graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School. She volunteers at a local pet shelter and spends her free time reading and canvas painting.
Madisynn Beckum-Herron Madisynn Beckum-Herron is a St. Louis native and Hazelwood West High School graduate. She was a member of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri for 13 years, the principal cellist of her elementary and high school orchestras, a member of Tri-M Music Honors Society, and a member of several music programs including Gateway Music
Outreach and the E. Desmond Lee Fine Arts Festival. She was awarded two College Board National Recognition Awards in high school for her Advanced Placement test scores. Madisynn was also awarded a gold medal for her cello performance at the annual Solo and Ensemble State Music Festival at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She is studying music performance.
Jeremiah Dyson
Jeremiah Dyson is from Florissant and is currently a freshman at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), majoring in computer science. He graduated summa cum laude from Hazelwood Central High School, where he held several leadership positions, including president of the Technology Student Association (TSA) chapter, co-captain and lead programmer of the RoboHawks, and vice president of both the National Honor Society (NHS) and Tri-M Music Honor Society. Jeremiah was also a section leader for multiple instruments in both band and orchestra and served as the student pit director for the award-winning school musical “Cinderella.” He gained valuable experience through Emerson Electric and the St. Louis Treasurer’s Office internships. Jeremiah aspires to have a career in information technology or computer science.
Senya Simmons
Senya Simmons graduated from Ladue Horton Watkins High School in 2024. Prior to graduation, she received one of the school’s highest honors, the Leadership and Service Award, in recognition of her leadership, scholarship, and service to her school. During her high school career, Senya tutored her peers as a member of the Math Honors Society and helped to ensure all students had an equitable school experience through her
participation in the Ladue Student Inclusion Committee. She also served as a student track manager for two consecutive years.
Senya is a Girls Inc. and Focus St. Louis graduate. This fall, she began her first semester of college at the University of Missouri - St. Louis. Senya is enrolled in UMSL’s honors college, pursuing a degree in Psychology, and she plans to attend law school after graduation.
Beautiful King
My People. In his spare time, he enjoys creating and programming robots and vehicles with Legos. Curtis has always been fascinated by how machines work, and he hopes to pursue a major in Mechanical Engineering at the McKelvey School of Engineering.
Webster University
Beautiful King graduated from McKinley Classical Leadership Academy in St. Louis, where she was on the honor roll for four years, was a member of the Honors Society, and was president of the National Arts Honor Society. In addition to outstanding academics, Beautiful showed tremendous responsibility and leadership looking after her siblings when not in school. Beautiful’s proudest accomplishment to date is joining the youth board for STEM STL, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the city of St. Louis by connecting schools and people to STEM-related activities and jobs. Beautiful hopes to be a physician some day and will pursue a major in biology and follow the pre-med pathway. She aims to help people in her community through science and medicine.
Curtis Schnieders
Curtis Schnieders graduated from Hancock Place Senior High School in St. Louis, Mo, where he was a multi-sport athlete, including serving as captain of both Cross Country and Track & Field. In addition to outstanding academics, and athletics, Curtis was president of the Robotics Build team, served on National Honor Society, and volunteered at Feed
for her growth. Majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Jineen aspires to attend law school and become a criminal lawyer, focusing on defending wrongfully convicted individuals. Her goal is to serve as a judge, ensuring justice is fairly administered.
Pratima Khatri
Emery Bass
Emery Bass, from Columbia, Illinois, is a passionate musician and artist. He graduated from Columbia High School in 2024 and is currently pursuing a degree in Songwriting at Webster University. Emery’s dream is to become an established musician, touring the world and inspiring others through his music. During high school, he was deeply involved in the Marching Band, Jazz Band, Choir, and Theater program, and his dedication to jazz drumming earned him the prestigious Louis Armstrong Jazz Award. He values Webster’s vibrant artistic community and the support it offers to aspiring musicians like himself.
Jineen Hamdallah
Jineen Hamdallah is a graduate of Oakville High School who took dual enrollment courses at St. Louis Community College, where she was named to the Dean’s List. During high school, Jineen participated in culture clubs and district-wide cultural festivals, sharing her heritage and learning about others. She values the diverse and inclusive community at Webster and is excited about the opportunities it offers
Pratima Khatri is from Bettendorf, Iowa, and a graduate of Pleasant Valley High School. She has served as costume head for seven theater productions and worked as a costume program aide at Davenport Junior Theater. Pratima’s leadership extends beyond the stage, as she was an Iowa State Thespian Officer, serving as the advocacy chair, and co-organizing and DEI Lead for March for Our Lives Iowa. She founded “Put the Act in Impact,” a program designed to empower student leaders, and furthered this initiative while holding the title of Miss Tanglewood’s Teen. Her accolades include the Teen Social Media Engagement Award, Best Costume Head, Academic Excellence Award, and Best Thespian.
Elijah Pfingsten is a freshman from Florissant, Missouri, majoring in Computer Science with an emphasis on cybersecurity. He graduated from Hazelwood Central High School in May 2024, where he earned a spot on the Academic Honor Roll during both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years. Elijah is passionate about helping others understand technology and is committed to making a future impact in the field of cybersecurity. Elijah enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing and exercising, which help him maintain a healthy balance in life. An avid reader, he continually seeks to broaden his perspective through various subjects. He looks forward to making meaningful contributions in the field of cybersecurity.
By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American
There are two Bible verses that come to mind for Dr. Tamika Roddy Bradley when she thinks of her mentor Jackie Joyner-Kersee. The first is Matthew 5:16.
The King James Version reads “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
“She cast this light and allowed me to stand in it and say, ‘I’m here,’” Bradley said.
More than 30 years ago Bradley became the inaugural Jackie JoynerKersee Scholarship recipient.
“Having that distinction feels kind of like bragging rights,” She wouldn’t be the last.
Jackie Joyner-Kersee has changed the lives of more people than she could ever know – through scholarships, the foundation that bears her name and the nationally recognized “Winning in Life” curriculum that is implemented at her academy and in five states across the country.
However, the true measure of her impact is best expressed by the individuals whose lives were changed because of her. Hearing Bradley speak of the impact that Joyner-Kersee had on her life will move anyone to tears.
“She saw me,” Bradley said. “Her believing in me and seeing me gave me the validation that I could do anything I set my mind to – and I feel like I could never give back enough of what she did for me.”
Joyner-Kersee made a name for herself as an Olympic gold medalist, and is widely recognized as the world’s greatest female athlete. She used her platform to become a generational blessing – for her native East St. Louis, the broader community within the region, the country and the world.
Before she met Joyner-Kersee, Bradley might have been counted out by society. She was a student at Lincoln High School, Joyner-Kersee’s alma mater. True to form, Joyner-Kersee was there to inspire the next generation. Bradley, known as Tamika Roddy back then, was on the track team. She wasn’t quite the standout athlete she would later become thanks to Joyner-Kersee’s guidance. Though she did place third in State in the long jump – her hero’s specialty.
She was a resident of the John DeShields Housing Project, the daughter of a single mother who gave birth to her at the tender age of 17. “You walk around and your environment and your circumstances can speak to you in one way and tell you ‘this is all there is,’ or ‘you can only do so much,’” Bradley said. “Having access to her and seeing her be an elite person – not just an elite athlete – is something I just don’t have the words to describe.
She was a role model to her communi-
ty, especially young Black girls.
“Once you see it, you seek it,” Bradley said. “And then it becomes real.”
With Joyner-Kersee’s inaugural scholarship, Bradley was given $5000 to pursue her studies at Jackson State University in Mississippi, a Historically Black University. But more important than the money was how Joyner-Kersee invested in Bradley’s life with mentorship and support in all areas of her life.
“I could give 10 $5000 scholarships a year – and it still wouldn’t be enough to fully express my gratitude,” Bradley said.
She entered Jackson State as a long jumper who placed third in state. She graduated valedictorian of her class at Jackson State. She was also named SWAC (Southwest Athletic Conference) champion in the long jump. By her senior year, she was the NCAA Woman of the year for the entire state of Mississippi.
“Her believing in me and seeing me gave me the validation that I could do anything I set my mind to,” Bradley said.
“That was the origin of me setting out to achieve and be successful. It instilled something in me that I carry on. I feel like I could never give back enough of what she did for me.”
Bradley went on to earn her PHD and spent 20 years as a professor at her college alma mater. She was an associate dean in JSU’s college of education when she left higher learning to become an entrepreneur in 2020. She founded and operates PDT (Purpose Driven Tamika) Logistics with her husband Richard Bradley.
She is also executive director of two nonprofits. Metro Booming Training Academy provides vocational training to residents of West Jackson, Mississippi –which mirrors East St. Louis with respect to the demographics.
“We’re trying to level the playing field for people who have hope, but are looking for opportunities to have a better quality of life,” Bradley said.
Teach one provides ACT prep, literary support, STEM workshops and professional digital portfolios to students without regular access to educational support and enhancement programming.
Joyner-Kersee serves as a blueprint for Bradley’s life and sense of purpose.
“That’s the lasting impact of her so generously giving of herself,” Bradley said. She’s created a legacy beyond athletics- but she also truly lives up to her name ‘the world’s greatest female athlete,’ but that goes beyond her athletic performance. She truly embodies what it means to be a winner in life.”
Which brought Bradley to the other Bible verse she feels that Joyner-Kersee embodies.
“The harvests are plenty, but the laborers are few. Bradley said, quoting Matthew 9:37. “She is a true laborer. She gets in it and she gives of herself.
It is my hope that she is able to at least feel a fraction of the love and the positivity and encouragement that she has given to others.
I hope that she is able to receive that, because she is beyond deserving.”
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American
Finding students’ “best fit” has been Kimberly Merrill’s forte for more than 17 years.
Merrill serves as dual credit and early college counselor at University City High School, and some students she is helping guide to graduation and college in 2024 were born the year she began her work with the University City School District.
“Over the last 17 years, I have directly impacted over 2,000 students within the St. Louis Metropolitan Area with direct school counseling services to assist them as they navigate through their secondary academic journey,” Merrill said
“This includes assisting students with finding their postsecondary ‘best fit’ by exposing them to various college and career opportunities, internships, and resources.”
For her dedication to students’ futures, Merrill is recipient of the 2024 Southeast Missouri State University Counselor of the Year award.
“I am truly honored,” Merrill said of the recognition.
Merrill displayed her talent and enterprise during the October 2023 National College Attainment Network Conference (NCAN) in Dallas.
A 2023 NCAN College and Career Readiness Fellow, presented four of her cohorts a bag of materials and asked them to make a bracelet with a three-letter word based on the beads they were given.
After a few minutes, two were able to make the bracelet according to her instructions because they had the necessary materials in their bags. One fellow had the string to make the bracelet, but not the beads. Another had his bag so tightly closed that he spent much of the allotted time simply trying to open it.
To tie the activity to college and career readiness, Merrill reminded the audience that some schools have the resources they need, some have more
than they need, some have no resources, and some have the resources but not the time.
“What can you do with what you don’t have? You can’t use what you don’t have as an excuse to not do the work,” was her message.
Merrill thanked Khadija Tejan and Amber Mitchell, the respective 2023 and 2019 SEMO Counselors of the Year “for thinking about me.”
“They are a part of my village of college and career professionals who are doing amazing work throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan area.”
Tejan serves as Riverview Gardens School District college and career coordinator and Mitchell is the college and
career counselor at Hazelwood East High School.
Black counselors play a valuable role in all students’ possible future success – but especially for African American students.
In 2020, according to the American School Counseling Association, only 11% of school counselors were Black.
The organization asserts that the work of Merrill and other Black counselors is vital and the numbers in their rank must be increased.
The ASCA states, “school counselors must receive specialized training, such as equity, anti-racism and multicultural counseling skills, assessment and evaluation, and data-driven decision making to advocate for Black and other minoritized students and clients.”
“These 21st century skill sets can assist Black students in feeling a sense of belonging/belongingness and being welcomed in the school environment.
“[They must be] seen and heard by school counselors who share their cultural identities, and who can understand and empathize with the experiences they encounter around issues of race and social injustices. In other words, the lived experiences of school personnel are priceless in the counselor-client relationship.”
Gary Spiller, U. City School District executive director of student services an innovation, said Merrill “works tirelessly with our scholars and their families to identify postsecondary opportunities and create avenues of access for them to fulfill their goals and dreams.”
“She is amazing in her role of helping students with their academic, personal, and career development.”
Merrill holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) focused in Geography from Northwest Missouri State University and Master of Arts in Professional School Counseling & Teaching
The SEMO Counselor of the Year award is a testament to high school counselors throughout the region who help find the right colleges and universities for respective students, and financial assistance to help cover expenses.
‘Real
By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American
Ellicia Lanier relies on the standard greeting of the Masai people to start each of her staff meetings. In the African tribe’s native language, it is “Casserian Engeri.” But Lanier presents it in its English translation as a simple question.
“How are the children?”
“That is the single most important thing about this work,” said Lanier, Founding Executive Director of Urban Sprouts Child Development Center – a nationally recognized early childhood learning center in University City. “I think so many of our children are robbed by not having good early childhood experiences.”
Lanier will receive Stellar Performer honors at The St. Louis American Foundation’s 37th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala on Saturday, October 12 at America’s Center. Among this year’s honorees include Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Jackie Joyner-Kersee. David and Thelma Steward will serve as event co-chairs.
“Going from a GED to getting an education award for ECE (early childhood education) is something that, honestly, I can’t even describe in words,” Lanier said.
“This recognition holds great value in our community, and in my field. I don’t take it lightly that I come behind some incredible men and women who have been honored with this award.”
It’s impossible to hear about her journey – both personal and professional –and not be inspired. She was born in St. Louis but spent most of her childhood in California. They relocated back when her mother fell ill with Lupus. She was a straight A student when she had to leave high school to take care of her mother, and become a provider for the family.
“There are so many young people, like me, who had to choose between school and their family’s survival,” Lanier said.
“And when you are at that intersection, sometimes you have to choose the family. I hope that young girls – or anyone – feeling like they are in a hopeless situation are inspired by my story to keep going. The things that gave people something to talk about back then are now a part of my testimony.”
Her mother passed away, and she found herself pregnant at 19 with limited access to support. She became a resident of Coleman House within Missouri Baptist Children’s Home, now known as Martin Youth Center.
“It was a place where single mothers could go and stay with their child,” Lanier said.
“While pregnant, I was attending college there. I began to take some early childhood courses, and quickly fell in love with it.”
After becoming a single parent, her quest to give her child the best resources and opportunities led her further down the path of early childhood education research. She began to understand it as a
neuroscience.
what we do’
n “Going from a GED to getting an education award for ECE (early childhood education) is something that, honestly, I can’t even describe in words.”
– Ellicia Lanier
cates more than 100 students using the child-centered Reggio Emilia education model – and is on its third location with a major expansion currently underway.
“That school to me is the gold standard,” said Alison Ferring, philanthropist and early childhood education advocate. “She’s getting things done and she has this amazing vision. She doesn’t just want to take care of 100 kids. She wants to take care of 500, and have a campus and teach people.”
Urban Sprouts is wrapping up the first rounds of renovations with the preschool expansion scheduled to be completed in the first week of December.
“This is somebody that can make stuff happen and make a huge difference long term,” Ferring said.
These days Urban Sprouts provides the same type of early childhood classes that introduced Lanier to the field through a partnership between the school and St. Louis Community College.
“I just became so intrigued when I found out that early childhood is not just caregiving,” Lanier said. “There is a real science behind what we do. And it has been an amazing journey to be able to take the care and love that I have for children and give it to our community by way of early childhood education through Urban Sprouts.”
After working for several years as an early childhood teacher, she founded Urban Sprouts In 2009. Her vision for the school that focuses on children from infancy to pre-K was to give children of the community – including her own – a place where they could live, grow and learn. And also, a place where they could have voice, freedom and agency.
As her family grew to include four children, so did the school her motherhood inspired. She started with less than 30 students. Urban Sprouts now edu-
Lanier has been recognized for her achievements within the community, and given a Distinguished Director Award from ARCHS (2012). She is a member of the North American Reggio Emilio Alliance, Urban League of Young Professionals, National Black Child Development Institution, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Fifteen years after Urban Sprouts opened its doors, Lanier has educated all four of her children there – and several hundred others.
Though often an unsung element of a child’s learning experience, Lanier sees investment in early childhood education as a critical solution for community empowerment – especially in communities of color – in terms of providing youth with the tools they need to thrive.
“I wouldn’t choose any other age group to work with,” Lanier said. “I’m completely amazed by what children can do before the age of five and I’m grateful that I’m blessed to be able to show up here every day.”
By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American
Jackie Joyner-Kersee is certainly a golden representative of East St. Louis, Illinois and the entire region.
The positive impact on the region by the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation and its namesake founder cannot be overstated. The organizational slogan for the JJK Foundation is “There is gold in all of us.” She has been mining to find more gold and hidden gems with the same commitment, drive and passion that led her to become one of the greatest athletes of our time.
“This is especially rewarding because of The St. Louis American’s vision with respect to community building,” JoynerKersee, the 2024 Salute to Excellence in Education Lifetime Achiever, said.
“The St. Louis American Foundation’s focus on education is in direct alignment with the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation and everything we do to accomplish our mission.”
Decades before First Lady Michelle Obama said, “when they go low, you go high,” Joyner-Kersee embodied the statement each time she stepped foot on the track.
She was inspired to compete in multi-disciplinary track & field events after seeing a movie about Babe Didrikson Zaharias. The track star, basketball player, and pro golfer, was celebrated as the “Greatest Female Athlete of the First Half of the 20th Century.” Zaharias and Joyner-Kersee’s backgrounds couldn’t have been more different.
Zaharias was born to Norwegian immigrants in Port Arthur, Texas. But Joyner-Kersee did what so many East St. Louisans, including her brother and fellow Olympic gold medalist Al Joyner are known for – overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Asthma couldn’t stop her. Neither could the limited access to resources due to the constant divestment in her community.
She was still a student at East St. Louis
Jackie Joyner-Kersee throws a ceremonial first pitch before the Los Angeles Dodgers-Cardinals baseball game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Friday, August 16, 2024.
Lincoln High School when she qualified for the finals in the long jump at the 1980 Olympic Trials, where she finished in eighth place. Four years later, she was an Olympic silver medalist in the heptathlon at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles. At the
time she was a student at UCLA – which hosted one of the Olympic Villages. She also excelled on the basketball court.
She later won a gold medal in the long jump at the 1988 games in Seoul – along with a gold medal in the long jump.
She earned another heptathlon gold in Barcelona and a bronze in the long jump. She secured gold medals in the World Championships as well as the Goodwill
See JJK, page 25
Jackie Joyner-Kersee walks the track of Francis Field on the campus of Washington University, site of the 1904 Olympics, with children from the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Boys and Girls Club in celebration of Olympic & Paralympic Day in St. Louis on Friday, June 21, 2024. Joyner-Kersee, walked with children from several Boys and Girls clubs and other Olympians in St. Louis in recognition of the 120th anniversary of the St. Louis Olympics.
Continued from 24
Games and the Pan American Games for several years between 1986-1998. Her successful fight for long jump bronze during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta played out like an inspirational sports film.
Fifteen years after Joyner-Kersee’s inspiration Zaharias received her aforementioned distinction, Sports Illustrated for Women magazine voted JoynerKersee the greatest female athlete of all time, just ahead of Zaharias.
She was honored on February 21, 1998, as one of the 15 greatest players in UCLA women’s basketball. In April 2001, Joyner-Kersee was voted the “Top Woman Collegiate Athlete of the Past 25 Years.” The vote was conducted among the 976 NCAA member schools.
Some of her countless awards include back-to-back Jesse Owens Awards, Missouri Athletic Club Jack Buck Awards, an honorary doctorate from Webster University and she was enshrined on the St. Louis Walk of Fame in 2000.
Joyner-Kersee holds the world record in heptathlon along with the top six alltime best results and remains an inspira-
tion.
When Anna Hall was preparing to compete in the heptathlon in the 2024 Paris Olympics, she cited Joyner-Kersee as her sports hero.
“The athlete that has been my biggest inspiration is definitely Jackie JoynerKersee,” Hall said in a segment that appeared as part of the Olympics official content that also included an announcer who proclaimed that Joyner-Kersee was, “the greatest female athlete in the world –perhaps that we have ever seen.”
“Who better to look up to in the sport,” Hall said. “There was nothing she couldn’t compete in if she put her mind to that – and that’s something that I have
tried to follow…”
Joyner-Kersee surprised her from the other side of the camera and Hall was moved beyond words.
Hall first had to qualify for the Paris Olympics in Eugene, Oregon, and she shared the positive impact Joyner-Kersee had on her during that weekend.
“There’s a huge mentorship there; it’s meant the world,” Hall said of JoynerKersee.
“She called me three times last week and said, ‘I’m calling you every other day; I’m sorry if I’m annoying you.’ She told me that I needed to believe in myself.”
2023
Dr. James T. Minor (Stellar Performer)
Dr. Joycelyn Pugh-Walker (Stellar Performer)
2022
Holly Cousins (Lifetime Achiever)
Dr. Latonia Collins Smith (Stellar Performer)
2021
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)
Salute Class of 2023
John Carlos Armstead, Sr
Dr. Shawn A. Baker
Brian C. Griffin
Brandon Haynes, PH.D
Christopher C. Miller
Briana Morales
Charles Murphy
Kendra Vaughn
Salute Class of 2022
John Carlos Armstead, Sr.
Dr. Shawn A. Baker
Brian C. Griffin
Brandon Haynes, Ph.D.
Christopher C. Miller
Briana Morales
Charles Murphy
Kendra Vaughn
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
Congratulations to the Maryville University Suggs Scholarship recipients! Thank you for your commitment to diversity and inclusion and for being a part of the access and opportunity revolution.
Webster University is proud to once again honor The St. Louis American Foundation’s Annual Salute to Excellence and show our appreciation to all of the outstanding educators celebrated tonight. We would especially like to recognize our newest cohort of Dr. Donald M. Suggs Scholars, Emery Bass, Jineen Hamdallah, Pratima Khatri and Elijah Pfingsten, for their ongoing commitment to individual excellence and global citizenship.
Congratulations to Jackie Joyner-Kersee, who also received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Webster University and received the Champion for All Award during Webster University’s 2019 Annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference.
Neiman Marcus is proud to support The Colleagues.
Neiman Marcus is proud to support The Colleagues.
Neiman Marcus is proud to support The St. Louis American Foundation
The St. Louis American Foundation is fortunate to have an opportunity to collaborate with generous individuals and organizations in the region who share our view that education is a critical priority for African Americans to provide more opportunites for them to elevate themselves. That results in their contributing to more community progress and the well being for all.
The St. Louis American Foundation and its donors and collaborative partners have awarded over $17 million in scholarships, education and community grants since its inception in 1994.
The St. Louis American Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization established 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 to be able to focus and assume personal responsibility for pursuing constructive futures.
Suggs
St. Louis Community College Donald M. Suggs Scholarship
University of Missouri-St. Louis Donald M. Suggs Scholarship
Washington University in St. Louis Donald M. Suggs Scholarship
Awarded by Washington University in St. Louis
Donald M. Suggs
In addition to the scholarships listed, each awardee will receive a community grant from the St. Louis American Foundation
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