Darlynn Bosley named 2005 Stellar Performer
Will be honored Sept. 9
Of the St. Louis American
When Darlynn Cunningham Bosley was a girl, she would round up her younger sisters and fulfill the role of teacher when they played school.
“It was the worst class you ever want to see,” Bosley said with a gentle laugh.
It was probably the last unruly classroom Bosley was associated with, as she grew into a student, teacher and administrator.
Bosley, principal of the award-winning Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School, has been named the 2005 St. Louis American Foundation Stellar Performer, and the dedicated educator will be honored during the Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Banquet on September 9 at America’s Center.
“I’m truly honored,” Bosley said of her recognition.
“I want to thank the American Foundation for the honor.”
Donald M. Suggs, American publisher and foundation president, said Bosley’s career is a model example of a deserving Stellar Performer.
“Darlynn Bosley was a skilled and dedicated teacher who took her talents to the administrative side of education and also excelled,” he said.
“Dunbar Elementary is becoming a gem of the city’s public school district, and Bosley is largely responsible for its continued success.”
Bosley said she was exposed to teaching early in life, and “I enjoyed school and enjoyed my teachers.”
A graduate of Central High School in 1976, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Louis University in 1980 and her master’s degree from Webster University in 1985.
She is currently studying for a Ph.D. in education from Lindenwood University.
She began her career as a special education teacher at Banneker Elementary School and taught there for 15 years.
After serving at Irving and then Mark Twain Elementary School, she was named instructional coordinator at Jefferson School from 1999-2001.
She was named principal at Jackson Elementary School in 2001 and served there until it was closed in 2003. She then took over at Dunbar and admits that she never foresaw herself in the role of principal when she was playing with her sisters or during her early teaching career.
“I never really wanted to be principal. It’s not something I saw for myself, I never thought it was my calling to be empowered to be a principal,” she said.
But she did end up with that power, and she said being a veteran teacher certainly has helped her.
“I think that it has been quite helpful,” Bosley said of her teaching experience.
“I know the dynamics of the classroom. I can tell what it looks like and what relationships are needed to run a good classroom. I think it helps to have done it as opposed to just reading about it.”
The former First Lady of the City of St. Louis, Bosley is active with the Pleasant Green Baptist Church and is a member of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, St. Louis Symphony Community Outreach, Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, Mentor St. Louis, the Center for Contemporary Art and the Vashon Education Compact.
In addition, she has served as honorary chairperson for Forest Park Forever.
The Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Banquet begins at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9 at America’s Center with a reception. The dinner and program will begin promptly at 7 p.m., and post-banquet entertainment kicks off at 9:30 p.m.
Net proceeds are used to fund scholarships for local minority students.
VIP/Corporate tables of 10 are $1,250 or $125 per ticket.
General seating tables of 10 are $750 or $75 per ticket.
For additional information, call (314) 533-8000, extension 301.
