STUDENT STANDOUTS

by stephanie wallace DEREN PELLEGRINI OF MICDS

IN TURKISH, DEREN PELLEGRINI’S FIRST NAME MEANS “UNITING, CONNECTING,” and the MICDS junior lives up to it. Last year, he created stlcuisine.org, a website showcasing 280 ethnic restaurants in the St. Louis area. Along with supporting local businesses during the challenges of the pandemic, his goal is to help the community become more culturally connected. The site is endorsed by the St. Louis Mosaic Project and is included on the nonprofit’s list of international resources.

Where did the idea for stlcuisine.org come from? I’m a first generation Turkish American. On a trip to Chicago, my family was dining in a really nice Turkish restaurant. I noticed that the only other people there appeared to be Turkish locals. I thought it was a shame that most people wouldn’t get to experience the food because the restaurant can’t afford to widely advertise itself. It’s the same for a lot of places in St. Louis. I wanted to find a way to help people find restaurants from any nationality so they can go enjoy the food. Why did you pick food as a way to connect people with different cultures? I believe that food tells a unique story about each culture and unites people within the broader community. The success of the immigrant community also is personally important to me. Inclusive prosperity is something that I really believe in. By sharing these restaurants, my goal is to elevate immigrant-owned businesses and make them more visible so they can continue to operate at no additional cost to them. What do you hope to do next? The website is just one of my projects related to inclusivity. I’m also co-chair of MICDS’ International Council, so I have that platform, which provides me a larger audience through the school. Right now, we’re tutoring refugee students, and I’m looking forward to other initiatives. This spring, we’ll host the International Expo, which is an event where parents and students set up booths to share different cultures. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I’ve played hockey since I was five, and most of the time, you can find me at the rink. I’m the goalie for our varsity ice hockey team. I’m also a Level 3 ice hockey official and have refereed more than 100 youth hockey games. My sister and I volunteer with KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) most weekends as well. The nonprofit lets us play sports with kids with disabilities. How is it being both a hockey player and ref? Refereeing has really helped me build my character, and I’ve had some interesting new experiences like people arguing with my calls or parents coming onto the ice. I’m sure it’s the same for a lot of refs. As a player, I like how many different aspects there are to hockey. I think the mentality I’ve developed through the game has helped me with a lot of things in life in general. &

AS PART OF ITS SPONSORSHIP, SPORT COURT HAS MADE A DONATION ON BEHALF OF DEREN TO INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ST. LOUIS.

SPONSORED BY: BACKYARD COURTS BUILT TO LAST...CHAMPIONS START HERE!

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from

The Magic Returns to the Touhill!

Gen Horiuchii’s

December 17 – 23

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(314) 534–1111 AT THE TOUHILL

stlouisballet.org

Missouri Arts Council

The State of the Arts

A Holiday Celebration with Liz Callaway

The Broadway Legend & voice of ANASTASIA herself brings her Holiday Concert to St. Louis!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021 4 & 8 PM

Don’t miss our pre-show lobby activities!

Take a photo with Santa, participate in our wine pull, enjoy holiday cocktails, purchase limited edition STAGES merchandise, AND MORE!

Be the first to enjoy a brand new STAGES holiday tradition at The Ross Family Theatre at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center.

BEST AVAILABILITY AT 8PM!

PHOTO: @JOAN_FISHER MY MESSY M M LIFE

WITH KATELYN & THE #CRUMBLYCREW

THANKS TO CRAZY SHIPPING DELAYS, there has never been a better time to shop locally. With small business Saturday just around the corner, I’ve crafted a gift guide for all of your holiday shopping. for mom or grandma • Cat’s Meow has the most beautiful things from home goods to clothes, and just about everything can be personalized for sentimental value. One of my favorites is a platter you can print grandma’s special recipe on to be passed through generations. • Vie in Ladue is a gorgeous womens boutique. I really love its unique jewelry collection and have bought my mom statement pieces there that she will cherish forever. • I could never pick just one photographer because we have the best of the best here, but a family photo shoot is a gift that will last forever. for him (including dad) • St. Louis BBQ store off Watson Road has everything you need to make your favorite grill king’s dreams come true. • The Normal Brand in Clayton is the perfect stop for the men in your life. Founded by a family in St. Louis, the brand’s clothes are made to wear every day. I can’t wait to grab a flannel for my husband. • For the dapper guy in your life, Mister Guy provides great dressier options. for the kids • Imagination Toys is my go to spot for just about every birthday party. Staffed by toy gurus, you can find everything you need for any age you are buying for. • Honeycomb is a fairly new shop in the Tower Grove area. You will find aesthetically pleasing and sustainable toys that inspire creativity and thoughtful play. • Circle of Knowledge has unique toys and educational gifts. They also gift wrap, making it easier for all of us moms! for pets and pet lovers • Lola and Penelope’s in Clayton off Forsyth and also in Lamp and Lantern in Town and Country is the premier pet boutique in St. Louis. They have the most unique items and something to make all of your furry friends smile. for your friends and sister • Cha Boutique in Ladue not only has on trend clothing, but they also have the cutest jewelry, makeup bags, purses, hats and other adorable bright and cheery gifts. • Bowood Lane is a local handmade jewelry shop. You can find it in St. Louis boutiques, but you also can shop its website, etsy.com/shop/bowoodlane. • Step outside the box and give an experience like a facial at the new Rhythm and Ritual Spa in Town and Country. • Bio Balance offers mini facials and hydrafacials. I love this place! • For the new mom in your life, check out foxandglow.com for the cutest mama-inspired inspired gifts that will ship locally and arrive on time. for neighbors • Sophie’s Protein Bakery offers healthy treats from nutritionist and trainer Debbie Morris. All her treats are delicious but also paleo and gluten- and dairy-free. • I just recently ordered from Pietite. Oh my gosh! I cannot think of an easier and more delicious gift for anyone on your list. for teachers or hostess gifts • Moonbeams in Glendale is a one-stop shop full of cute items like ornaments, platters, candles and much more. • Straub’s Market offers amazing local baked goods, small gift items and the most beautiful orchids—a great fit for anyone this holiday season! for coworkers • Smoke House has the most delicious treats, snacks and gift baskets. • A loaf of sourdough and jam from KNEAD Bakery is the best gift basket idea ever! • Kirkwood Popcorn Company offers custom popcorn tins to suit everyone in your life. for the foodie • Cornucopia in Kirkwood has all the kitchen gadgets you never knew you needed, quality cookware, beautiful things to set your table and small batch christmas tea and coffee! • The Kitchen Conservatory offers the best cooking classes and makes a great experience to gift someone. • Oo’mämē is probably the best thing to happen to my spice cabinet all year. Founded by Mark Engel, you can find the brand’s oils at Whole Foods or Parker’s Table in Clayton.

—XO Katelyn