Gala honors educators who shape futures and the students they inspire – St. Louis American
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A week from Saturday, members of one of the most unsung professions will take their well-earned turn in the spotlight when The St. Louis American Foundation presents its annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala.
For one evening, America’s Center will transform into a celebration of teaching, learning, and legacy — honoring educators and the students whose lives they’ve shaped through more than $19 million in scholarships awarded since the Education Salute began.
“Salute to Excellence is important to me because it recognizes the talented educators and leaders that work hard to enable our children to develop skills they will need in life, while at the same time helping fund educational scholarships for students,” said St. Louis American Foundation Board Chairman Michael Holmes.
Now in its 38th year, the Education Salute will award more than $2.4 million in scholarships to students pursuing higher education. Participating institutions include Goldfarb School of Nursing, Harris-Stowe State University, Maryville University, Saint Louis University, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, St. Louis Community College, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Washington University and Webster University.
“The Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala is an annual highlight in Webster University’s academic year,” said Vincent C. Flewellen, associate vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer at Webster University.
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Webster has partnered with the St. Louis American Foundation through its Donald M. Suggs Scholarship program for the past 12 years. “At Webster, we know that prioritizing global diversity and inclusion is essential to transforming our students for global citizenship and individual excellence,” Flewellen said.
This year’s awards program is co-chaired by Errin Braddock, chief diversity officer for Enterprise Mobility, and Mark Stallion, partner at UB Greensfelder LLP.
Among this year’s honorees, Dr. Flint W. Fowler will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Stellar Performer honors will go to Mary Elizabeth Grimes. Champions in Education awards will recognize Maxine Clark and Bob Fox. Other honorees include Dr. Rhonda Key, Tamara Pendleton, Dr. Michael Peoples, Dr. Michael D. Triplett, and Erica Williams.
A year has passed since Ellicia Lanier was named Stellar Performer for her work as founder and executive director of Urban Sprouts Early Childhood Development Center — and she’s spent the year deepening that legacy.
Since she took the stage in her emerald-green gown and thanked the Foundation for giving scholarship recipients “the opportunity to take a deep breath and not have to fight as hard,” Lanier has continued the fight — not only for her students, but also for the teachers who help her educate them.
“This recognition holds great value in our community and in my field,” Lanier said. “I don’t take it lightly that I came behind some incredible men and women who have been honored with this award.”
Urban Sprouts recently bought a nearby home to house two of the organization’s educators near its University City location — part of Lanier’s plan to create 26 housing units for teachers within five years.
Her ongoing work reflects the spirit of the honor she received.
“To be in the same position as some of the people I have admired over the years was nothing short of amazing,” Lanier said.
The St. Louis American Foundation’s 38th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala will take place on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. (general reception at 5 p.m.) at America’s Center. For more information, call 314-533-8000 or visit www.stlamerican.com.
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