Hundreds gathered for The St. Louis American Foundation’s 39th annual Salute to Excellence in Education Gala, where $1.8 million in scholarships were awarded to students and eight education and community leaders were honored.
The black-tie event at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel brought together students, educators, city leaders, business owners, attorneys and other community members for an evening celebrating achievement and resilience in education.
Founded in 1994, The St. Louis American Foundation has facilitated nearly $19 million in scholarships and community grants, supporting students, educators and initiatives that strengthen the region.
Raven Whitner, director of The St. Louis American Foundation, said this year marked her fifth time helping organize the event.
“The work to me is special and important because I love being a part of what could be considered one of the best days of so many people’s lives,” Whitner said. “I love being a part of showing recognition, giving flowers to the unsung heroes of our community, to the people that are doing great work to push our young people forward for the betterment of our region.”
Three education and community leaders received special honors. Tamiko Armstead, president and CEO of Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School, received the Lifetime Achievement Award; Dr. Paula Knight, superintendent of the Jennings School District, received the Stellar Performer in Education Award; and Richard McClure, president of UniGroup, received the Champion in Education Award.
The honorees had plenty of support in the room. Jennings School District turned out for Knight with pom-poms, its Warrior mascot and students representing each level of education. Armstead was joined by her husband, three sons and Cardinal Ritter staff, while McClure was supported by his wife and family.
Five educators received Excellence in Education Awards: Dr. Demetrius Adams, principal of Hazelwood West High School; Dr. Samantha March, associate partner of early learning at The Opportunity Trust; Carmen Meeks, director of school leadership programs at Washington University and president of the Special School District Board of Education; Dr. Earleen Patterson, associate vice chancellor for student opportunities, equity, diversity and inclusion at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; and Dr. Cierra Wourman, network college and career counselor at Confluence Academies.
Along with recognizing educators, the foundation awarded scholarships to students pursuing higher education.
St. Louis American Foundation scholarships went to Susan Grace Pinex of Saint Louis University; Zayna Fakhani of Maryville University; Akeem Jamal Paulette of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; Nyla Weatherby of the University of Chicago; and Alexander Berryhill Jr. of Webster University.
Pinex, a freshman studying criminology and criminal justice, said she plans to pursue a career with the FBI or CIA or possibly become a civil rights attorney. Learning that she was selected from about 700 applicants made the recognition even more meaningful.
“It feels great,” Pinex said. “The small things that you do really add up, and it can lead to really good things in life.”
Fakhani, a sophomore studying international law, emphasized what the recognition means to her as a woman of color.
“I also want the community to know that, for women of color especially, it’s such a high honor to be awarded these things and to be supported in your education,” Fakhani said.
Donald M. Suggs Scholarships were awarded to St. Louis Community College students Erica White, Katie Hernandez and Olivia Whittaker; Webster University students Laila Davis and Courtney Wright; Harris-Stowe State University student Leah Clark; Saint Louis University students Sadra Mayen and Mackenzie Colgan; and Goldfarb School of Nursing student Samrana Begum.
Additional recipients included University of Missouri-St. Louis students Jackson Paiz Rodriguez, Maryam Pettus and Taubah Pettus; Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students Owen Cole, Tiffany Gillison, Shane Chronister, Quantrelle Rudo, Olivia Salvati, Leroy Smith, Kristin Dowling and Katherine Mockler; Maryville University students Kendrick Cunningham and Marrione Barnes; and Washington University in St. Louis students Noorul Ahad Maher and Berikti Yehdego.
Keith Williamson Scholarships went to Bobbylynne Anna Zinnah of Saint Louis University and Anthony Holmes of the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Whitner said she hopes those who attended left with a greater appreciation for the students and education professionals contributing to the region.
“What I hope people took away from attending the Salute to Excellence is that our St. Louis region is full of excellence,” Whitner said. “It’s full of excellent young people. It’s full of excellent educational professionals.”